Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe

Opera Cake Recipe (+VIDEO)

Opera Cake is a classic French dessert combining layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, espresso-flavored buttercream, and decadent chocolate ganache. It’s finished with a smooth chocolate glaze. This recipe has been tested many times and is easily the best homemade opera cake recipe that I’ve ever tried. 
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Resting Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Opera Cake, Opera Cake Recipe
Servings: 6 cakes
Author: Izzy

Ingredients

Almond Sponge Cake (Joconde)

  • 1/2 cup almond flour 40g
  • 1/3 cup powder sugar 40g
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup cake flour 25g
  • 2 egg white (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup sugar 50g

Coffee Syrup

  • 100 ml hot water
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons sugar 25g

Coffee Buttercream

  • 2 egg yolks room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 25g
  • 1 tablespoon water 15ml
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter 100g softened
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons rum (optional)

Chocolate Ganache

  • 5.5 oz semisweet chocolate 160g
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Chocolate Glaze

  • 3 ½ oz semisweet chocolate (100g)
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil (15ml)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll need a medium-sized sheet pan (about 8×10 inch). Line it with parchment paper and set aside. If you don’t have the exact size, you can use a larger baking pan, and mark an 8×10-inch area.
  • Make almond sponge cake (joconde): Sifted almond flour and powdered sugar, and mix with the egg. Then add cake flour and mix well.
  • In another bowl, whip the egg whites, and add sugar until stiff peaks form. Combine the whipped whites and almond mixture. Pour the batter into a prepared sheet pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden. Let it cool completely and divide the cake into 3 equal pieces.
  • Prepare coffee syrup: Add coffee and sugar into hot water and whisk to dissolve. Let it cool.
  • Make espresso-flavored buttercream:  Beat the egg yolks until creamy. Then add sugar and water in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir constantly. When it reaches 240°F, pour it over the creamy egg yolks and mix.
  • Add softened butter and beat until combined.
  • Whisk together espresso and rum, and add to the mixture. Mix until combined. Set aside.
  • Prepare chocolate ganache: Chop the chocolate finely and add it to a bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until boiling. Pour over the chocolate immediately. Stir until combined. Set aside to cool. (Make sure the chocolate is finely chopped, otherwise it won’t melt properly in the hot heavy cream. If you find your chocolate is still lumpy, just heat up more heavy cream and add to the mixture.)
  • Assemble the cake: Brush the sponge cake layer with coffee syrup. Spread half of the buttercream on top and even the surface with an offset spatula. Then spread half of the cooled chocolate ganache evenly on top. Add another sponge cake and brush with coffee syrup, and spread the other half of the buttercream. Add the last layer of sponge cake and brush with coffee syrup. Then spread the rest of chocolate ganache on top evenly. (Try to make the final layer as smooth as possible.)
  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. You can chill it for up to 1 day, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert recipe!
  • Prepare a double boiler for melting the chocolate: If you have a double boiler, use it in this step. If you don’t, place a heat-proof bowl over a small pot of simmering water over medium-low heat. The water shouldn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Melt your chocolate in the bowl.
  • Make a chocolate glaze: Add oil to the melted chocolate and mix to combine. (Save small amount of the chocolate glaze for decoration).
  • Place the chilled cake over a rack placed on a baking sheet. Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake and use a spatula to smooth out the surface. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to set.
  • Pour boiling water over the knife and wipe with paper towel before cutting into the cake. (This will ensure a clean cut without cracking the surface of the chocolate glaze.) Cut the cake into 5-6 even pieces.
  • Use the leftover chocolate glaze to write “Opera” on each piece. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  1. Double the recipe: You can double this recipe for a 10×15 inch baking sheet.
  2. Espresso: It’s better to use super strong flavor for this recipe.
  3. Chocolate: Very important to use high-quality baking chocolate to create a smooth chocolate glaze.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 421IU | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3mg