Dessert

Opera Cake – The Elegant French Dessert You’ll Want to Make Tonight

25 min Cook
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Opera Cake is a luxurious, layered dessert that masterfully combines almond sponge, coffee, and chocolate. Elegant and decadent, this cake is perfect for special occasions, parties, or whenever you want to impress your guests. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it as delightful to eat as it is beautiful to look at.

Why Make This Recipe

If you love desserts that are as stunning as they are delicious, Opera Cake is your ultimate choice. Its layers of delicate almond sponge, coffee-soaked syrup, and rich chocolate ganache create a symphony of flavors that will wow everyone. Making it at home allows you to customize flavors and presentation, turning a simple dessert into a culinary masterpiece.


Ingredients

For the Joconde Sponge (Almond Sponge):

  • 6 large eggs
  • 6 large egg whites
  • 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
  • 150 g (1¼ cups) almond flour
  • 50 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
  • 50 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted

For the Coffee Syrup:

  • 120 ml (½ cup) water
  • 100 g (½ cup) sugar
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee

For the Coffee Buttercream:

  • 200 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 100 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
  • 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream

For the Chocolate Glaze (optional):

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate
  • 50 ml (3 tbsp) heavy cream



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Opera Cake

Opera Cake

julia
prep time
1 hr
cooking time
25 min
servings
8-10
total time
1 hr 25 min

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

  • Electric mixer or stand mixer

  • Spatula

  • Whisk

  • Sifter

  • Baking tray (sheet pan)

  • Parchment paper

  • Saucepan

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Small brush (for syrup)

  • Knife (serrated for slicing)

  • Heatproof bowl (for ganache)

  • Rubber scraper

  • Cooling rack

  • Offset spatula (for spreading layers)

  • Cake board or serving platter

Ingredients

  • For the Joconde Sponge (Almond Sponge):

  • 6 large eggs

  • 6 large egg whites

  • 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar

  • 150 g (1¼ cups) almond flour

  • 50 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour

  • 50 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted

  • For the Coffee Syrup:

  • 120 ml (½ cup) water

  • 100 g (½ cup) sugar

  • 1 tbsp instant coffee

  • For the Coffee Buttercream:

  • 200 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

  • 100 g (½ cup) powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee

  • For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped

  • 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream

  • For the Chocolate Glaze (optional):

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate

  • 50 ml (3 tbsp) heavy cream

Instructions

1

Make the Joconde Sponge

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Beat whole eggs with sugar until pale and fluffy. Fold in almond flour and all-purpose flour gently. Fold in melted butter. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites to soft peaks, then fold into batter. Spread evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5–7 minutes, until lightly golden.
2

Prepare the Coffee Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and coffee. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3

Make the Coffee Buttercream:

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in strong coffee until smooth.
4

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Heat cream until just boiling, pour over chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
5

Assemble the Cake

Slice sponge into 3 even layers. Brush each layer with coffee syrup. Spread a layer of coffee buttercream, then chocolate ganache, alternating layers. Finish with a thin layer of ganache on top.
6

Optional Chocolate Glaze

Heat cream and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and pour over the cake for a glossy finish.
7

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Slice carefully with a hot knife for clean layers.
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