Opera Cake Recipe : A Luxurious French Delight

Elegant, rich, and irresistibly delicious – Opera Cake is a masterpiece of French pastry! 🇫🇷 This multi-layered dessert features delicate almond sponge cake (Joconde) soaked in coffee syrup, layered with silky coffee buttercream and glossy chocolate ganache. The perfect treat for coffee and chocolate lovers! ☕🍫

🌟 Ingredients:

For the Joconde Sponge Cake:

• 🥚 6 large eggs
• 🍚 6 egg whites
• 🍚 1 ½ cups (150g) almond flour
• 🍚 1 ½ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
• 🍚 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• ✨ ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 🧈 ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Coffee Syrup:

• ☕ ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso
• 🍚 ¼ cup (50g) sugar

For the Coffee Buttercream:

• 🧈 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 🍚 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• ☕ 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 🍫 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 🧈 ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Joconde Sponge Cake:

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, and whole eggs until fluffy.
• In another bowl, beat egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the almond mixture.
• Add the melted butter and sifted all-purpose flour. Mix gently.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden.
• Let cool and cut into three equal layers.

2️⃣ Make the Coffee Syrup:

• In a saucepan, combine coffee and sugar, heat until sugar dissolves.
• Let it cool and brush each cake layer generously with the syrup.

3️⃣ Prepare the Coffee Buttercream:

• Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
• Add the dissolved coffee mixture and continue mixing until smooth.

4️⃣ Make the Chocolate Ganache:

• Heat cream and butter in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
• Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.

5️⃣ Assemble the Opera Cake:

• Place one layer of Joconde sponge and brush with coffee syrup.
• Spread a thin layer of coffee buttercream.
• Add the second sponge layer, brush with syrup, and spread a layer of ganache.

6️⃣ Finish with Elegance:

• Repeat the process with the final layer, covering it with chocolate ganache.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
• Smooth the top with extra ganache and write “Opera” in melted chocolate for a classic touch.

💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Opera Cake:

✔ Use strong coffee or espresso for the best flavor! ☕
✔ Chill between layers to make the assembly easier.
✔ Slice with a hot knife for clean, sharp edges!

🌟 Indulge in this exquisite French pastry and impress your guests with homemade elegance! Bon appétit! 🇫🇷✨

#OperaCake #FrenchDesserts #ChocolateLovers #BakingTime #HomemadeGourmet