Indulge in the world of French patisserie with opera cake, a luxurious dessert that features layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, rich chocolate ganache, and smooth coffee buttercream. This sophisticated treat is perfect for special occasions and will impress your guests with its elegant presentation and delightful flavors. Follow this detailed guide to create your own opera cake masterpiece!
Ingredients
- For the almond sponge cake (Génoise):
- 4 large eggs
- 120g granulated sugar
- 100g almond flour
- 30g all-purpose flour
- 30g unsalted butter, melted
- For the coffee syrup:
- 100ml strong brewed coffee
- 50g granulated sugar
- For the chocolate ganache:
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 200ml heavy cream
- For the coffee buttercream:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 300g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This opera cake serves 8-10 people. Preparation time is approximately 1 hour, with an additional 2 hours for chilling and setting.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 380 calories, 22g fat, 38g carbohydrates, and 5g protein. This is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the eggs and sugar in a bowl until pale and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the almond flour and all-purpose flour.
- Finally, fold in the melted butter until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan.
- For the coffee syrup, combine brewed coffee and sugar in a saucepan, heating until dissolved.
- Make the ganache by heating the cream and pouring it over the chopped chocolate; stir until smooth.
- For the buttercream, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, coffee, and vanilla until fluffy.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, or use decaf coffee if you prefer a caffeine-free dessert. Dark chocolate can be replaced with milk chocolate for a sweeter variation.
Serving and Pairings
Opera cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve alongside a cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine to enhance the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Store opera cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume.
- Be precise with baking times to prevent drying out.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cake layers.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the cake layers before assembling for easier handling.
- Use a serrated knife for even slicing.
- Top with chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
- Experiment with different flavored syrups for variety.
FAQs
What is opera cake?
Opera cake is a classic French dessert made with layers of almond sponge cake, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache. It’s known for its elegant presentation and rich flavors.
Can I make opera cake in advance?
Yes, opera cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight helps the flavors meld together for a more delicious taste.
Is opera cake gluten-free?
Traditional opera cake is not gluten-free due to the use of flour. However, you can use gluten-free flour alternatives to create a gluten-free version.
How should I store leftover opera cake?
Store leftover opera cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different syrups, such as hazelnut or vanilla, to create unique flavor variations of the opera cake.
Conclusion
Opera cake is a stunning dessert that combines luxurious flavors and textures, making it a favorite for special occasions. With its delicate layers and rich taste, this cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a slice. Try making it at home for a truly rewarding baking experience!
Opera Cake
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 120 g granulated sugar
- 100 g almond flour
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 30 g unsalted butter melted
- 100 ml strong brewed coffee
- 50 g granulated sugar for syrup
- 200 g dark chocolate chopped
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 250 g unsalted butter softened
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee for buttercream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the almond flour and all-purpose flour.
- Fold in the melted butter until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan.
- Combine brewed coffee and sugar in a saucepan for the syrup, heating until dissolved.
- For the ganache, heat the cream and pour it over the chopped chocolate; stir until smooth.
- For the buttercream, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, coffee, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by layering the soaked sponge, ganache, and buttercream.
Nutrition
