Description
Opera Cake is a decadent French dessert featuring layers of almond sponge cake (Joconde), coffee buttercream, dark chocolate ganache, and coffee syrup. This elegant treat offers a luxurious balance of flavors—coffee, chocolate, and almond—perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond flour (finely ground)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for egg whites)
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coffee syrup)
1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for buttercream)
1 cup powdered sugar (for buttercream)
2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee (cooled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
1/4 teaspoon salt (for buttercream)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
6 oz dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for ganache)
Gold leaf, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder (for decoration, optional) 
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat egg yolks with honey and vanilla until pale. Add melted butter, then fold in the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into the yolk mixture. Spread batter in the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool, then trim and cut into three even layers.
 - For the coffee syrup, combine brewed coffee and sugar in a saucepan, simmer until sugar dissolves, and stir in coffee liqueur. Set aside to cool.
 - For the coffee buttercream, beat butter with powdered sugar until fluffy. Add cooled brewed coffee, vanilla, and salt, then beat until smooth. Set aside.
 - For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth, then add butter and let cool.
 - To assemble, place one cake layer on a platter, brush with coffee syrup, and spread with buttercream. Repeat with the second layer. For the third layer, pour ganache over the cake and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
 - Decorate with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or gold leaf. Slice and serve chilled.
 
Notes
- For a fruit twist, try using fruit puree in place of coffee for the syrup and buttercream.
 - For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the almond flour is gluten-free.
 - If you prefer a less sweet version, use a darker chocolate for the ganache.
 
- Prep Time: 2 hours
 - Cook Time: 30 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking, Layering
 - Cuisine: French
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
 - Calories: 350
 - Sugar: 35g
 - Sodium: 120mg
 - Fat: 22g
 - Saturated Fat: 10g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 8g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 35g
 - Fiber: 3g
 - Protein: 5g
 - Cholesterol: 85mg