By Opera Cake – A Luxurious French Dessert with Almond Sponge, Coffee Buttercream, and Chocolate Ganache is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Opera Cake – A Luxurious French Dessert with Almond Sponge, Coffee Buttercream, and Chocolate Ganache captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Opera Cake – A Luxurious French Dessert with Almond Sponge, Coffee Buttercream, and Chocolate Ganache becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Almond Sponge (Joconde):
1 cup almond flour
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
3 large egg whites
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Coffee Syrup:
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
2 tbsp sugar
For the Coffee Buttercream:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Chocolate Glaze:
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp butter
PREPARATION STEPS
Make the Joconde (Almond Sponge): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy
Gently fold the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the melted butter
In another bowl, whisk the egg whites with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form
Fold the egg whites into the batter
Spread the batter evenly onto the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes
Let cool.
Prepare the Coffee Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the brewed coffee and sugar. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool.
Make the Coffee Buttercream: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth
Add the dissolved instant coffee and vanilla extract
Mix until creamy and set aside.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl
Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Assemble the Cake: Cut the almond sponge into 3 equal rectangular layers
Brush each layer generously with the coffee syrup
Spread a layer of coffee buttercream on the first sponge, followed by a layer of ganache
Repeat for the second layer
Place the final layer on top and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
Make the Chocolate Glaze: Melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake and spread evenly.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the Opera Cake chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 2-3 hours
Servings: 8-10
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
