Desserts > Cake > Layer Cakes > French Pastry

Classic Opera Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
For the cake:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the coffee buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch square cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Offset spatula
- Candy thermometer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter until no white streaks remain.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it from the pan and peeling off the parchment paper.

6. To make the coffee buttercream, beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, coffee, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy.

7. To make the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.

8. To assemble the cake, cut the cake into three equal layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of coffee buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining two layers.

9. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache on top.

10. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 12 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 480
Fat per serving: 33g
Carbohydrates per serving: 43g
Protein per serving: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- You can use hazelnut flour instead of almond flour.
- You can use instant coffee instead of strong coffee.

Variations:
- You can add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers.
- You can use white chocolate ganache instead of dark chocolate ganache.
- You can add a splash of rum or brandy to the coffee buttercream.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating them.
- Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the cake batter to avoid deflating them.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the chocolate ganache reaches the correct temperature.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation ideas:
Garnish the cake with chocolate curls or sliced almonds.

Garnishes:
- Chocolate curls
- Sliced almonds

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Whipped cream

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try baking it for a few extra minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
The Opera Cake is a classic French dessert that was created in the early 1900s. It is named after the Paris Opera House, where it was first served.

Flavor profiles:
The Classic Opera Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines the flavors of almond, coffee, and chocolate.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert after a dinner party or special occasion.

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Region: French

Taste: Rich, Sweet, Creamy, Decadent, Nutty