Description
Opera Cake is a classic French dessert that features layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, layered with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the brewed coffee, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
- While the cake cools, prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Once the cake is cool, cut it into three equal layers. If desired, brush each layer with coffee liqueur for added flavor.
- Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving platter, spreading a layer of ganache on top, then adding the second layer. Repeat with the third layer and top with the remaining ganache. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup of finely ground almonds to the batter.
- Substitute the coffee liqueur with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg