Description
A classic French Opera Cake recipe featuring layers of almond sponge, coffee buttercream, chocolate ganache, and a glossy glaze – perfect for achieving Paris pastry level results at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large eggs
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk almond flour, powdered sugar, and whole eggs until light and thick.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites with granulated sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold meringue into almond mixture, add flour and melted butter, spread evenly, and bake 7–8 minutes.
- Cool and cut into three rectangles.
- Mix coffee, sugar, and espresso powder for syrup and cool completely.
- For buttercream, heat water and sugar to 240°F, whisk egg yolks until pale, then drizzle syrup in slowly while whisking.
- Beat in softened butter gradually, then add dissolved espresso.
- For ganache, heat cream and pour over chopped chocolate; stir smooth, add butter.
- To assemble, layer sponge, brush with syrup, spread buttercream, add next sponge, syrup, ganache, final sponge, syrup, and buttercream.
- Chill 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt chocolate and butter for glaze, pour over chilled cake, and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate at least an hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store Opera Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered Assembly
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Opera Cake, French dessert, chocolate, coffee, almond sponge, buttercream, ganache