Dessert

Classic Opera Cake Recipe with Coffee Buttercream

15 minutes Cook
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Few desserts embody sophistication quite like the Opera Cake. With its precisely layered structure and harmonious blend of flavors, this classic French gâteau is as beautiful to look at as it is to taste. Named after the grandeur of the Paris Opera, the cake is a true celebration of balance, technique, and indulgence.

Opera Cake is built on thin layers of delicate almond sponge soaked in coffee syrup, alternating with smooth coffee buttercream and rich chocolate ganache. Each component plays its part—nutty, bitter, creamy, and deep—coming together in perfect harmony. Finished with a glossy chocolate glaze, every slice reveals clean, striking layers that make it instantly recognizable.

Though it looks impressively complex, Opera Cake is incredibly rewarding to make. It’s a dessert designed for special occasions, celebrations, or moments when you want to create something unforgettable. One bite delivers a luxurious experience that lingers long after the last forkful.

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Classic Opera Cake Recipe with Coffee Buttercream

Classic Opera Cake Recipe with Coffee Buttercream

humaira
prep time
45 minutes
cooking time
15 minutes
servings
12 slices
total time
2 hours

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

  • Electric mixer or stand mixer

  • Whisk

  • Rubber spatula

  • Measuring cups

  • Measuring spoons

  • Rimmed baking sheet

  • Parchment paper

  • Offset spatula

  • Saucepan

  • Heatproof bowl

  • Sharp knife

  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

  • For the Joconde (Almond Sponge)

  • 1 cup (100 g) almond flour

  • ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar

  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour

  • 3 large eggs

  • 3 egg whites

  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • For the Coffee Syrup

  • ½ cup (120 ml) water

  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

  • 1½ tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder

  • For the Coffee Buttercream

  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar

  • 1½ tablespoons instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot

  • water

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • For the Chocolate Ganache

  • 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate, finely chopped

  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

  • For the Chocolate Glaze

  • 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

1

Make the Joconde Sponge

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat almond flour, powdered sugar, flour, and whole eggs until pale and thick. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with granulated sugar to soft peaks. Gently fold egg whites into almond mixture. Fold in melted butter. Spread batter evenly on prepared tray. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely and cut into three equal rectangles.
2

Prepare the Coffee Syrup

Heat water and sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in coffee. Cool before using.
3

Make the Ganache

Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool to spreadable consistency.
4

Make the Coffee Buttercream

Beat butter until light and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in dissolved coffee and vanilla until smooth.
5

Assemble the Opera Cake

Place first sponge layer on a tray and brush generously with coffee syrup. Spread half of the coffee buttercream evenly. Add second sponge layer and brush with syrup. Spread chocolate ganache evenly. Add final sponge layer and brush with syrup. Spread remaining buttercream and chill for 30 minutes.
6

Glaze the Cake

Melt chocolate and butter together until smooth. Pour glaze over chilled cake and spread evenly. Chill until set, then trim edges for clean lines.
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