Opera Cake is a luxurious French dessert made with delicate vanilla sponge layers soaked in coffee syrup, rich coffee buttercream, smooth dark chocolate ganache, and a glossy chocolate glaze. If you love coffee desserts, French pastries, or layered cakes, this recipe is a must-try!
⭐ Elements You Need
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Vanilla Sponge (pre-baked)
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Coffee Soaking Syrup
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Coffee Buttercream
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Dark Chocolate Ganache
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Dark Chocolate Glaze (for topping)
1️⃣ Coffee Soaking Syrup
Ingredients
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Instant coffee – 1 tsp
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Water – 80 ml
Method
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Warm the water slightly.
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Add instant coffee and stir until fully dissolved.
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Let the syrup cool completely before using.
2️⃣ Coffee Buttercream
Ingredients
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Unsalted butter – 100 g (room temperature)
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Icing sugar – 55 g
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Fresh cream – 25 g
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Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
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White compound chocolate – 40 g
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Cornstarch – ¼ tbsp
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Oil – ¼ tbsp
Method
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Beat the butter until soft, pale, and fluffy.
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Mix icing sugar with cornstarch and sieve well.
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Add ¾ of the fresh cream and make a smooth paste.
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Add the remaining cream and combine.
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Mix this paste into the whipped butter.
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Melt white chocolate with oil (microwave or double boiler).
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Add it to the butter mixture and whip until smooth.
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Freeze the buttercream to firm it up.
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Bring to room temperature before assembling.
3️⃣ Dark Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients
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Dark chocolate – 120 g
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Fresh cream – 80 g
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Butter – 10 g
Method
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Heat the cream until hot (don’t boil).
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Pour over chopped chocolate and allow it to sit for 1 minute.
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Mix until smooth and silky.
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Add butter and emulsify.
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Let it cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
4️⃣ Dark Chocolate Glaze
Ingredients
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Dark chocolate – 100 g
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Fresh cream – 50 g
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Oil – 1 tsp
Method
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Heat the cream and pour it over the chocolate.
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Mix until smooth and glossy.
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Add oil and combine for a shiny finish.
5️⃣ Assembly – Step-by-Step
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Place the first vanilla sponge layer and brush generously with coffee syrup.
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Spread a smooth layer of coffee buttercream.
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Add the second sponge layer and soak again.
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Spread a rich layer of dark chocolate ganache.
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Add the third sponge layer and brush with coffee syrup.
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Spread another layer of coffee buttercream.
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Refrigerate until the layers are firm.
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Pour the dark chocolate glaze over the top.
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Let it chill completely, then trim the edges for a clean, café-style finish.
Storage
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Store in the refrigerator.
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Best enjoyed within 3 days for ultimate flavour and texture.