Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Special equipment needed:
- 2 9-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Pastry bag
- Offset spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and cocoa powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the cooled coffee.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. While the cakes are baking, make the coffee buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur until smooth.
7. Once the cakes have cooled, remove them from the pans and level the tops with a serrated knife.
8. Place one cake layer on a cake plate or serving platter. Spread a layer of coffee buttercream on top of the cake.
9. Place the second cake layer on top of the buttercream. Spread another layer of coffee buttercream on top of the cake.
10. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
11. Pour the melted chocolate into a pastry bag and snip off the tip. Pipe a decorative pattern on top of the cake.
12. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 40mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 36g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be substituted with hazelnut flour or all-purpose flour.
- Coffee liqueur can be substituted with espresso or strong brewed coffee.
Variations:
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for a richer flavor.
- Substitute the coffee buttercream with vanilla or chocolate buttercream.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Level the cake layers with a serrated knife for a more even and professional-looking cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator before piping the chocolate design on top to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The cake can be served cold or at room temperature. If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand or platter. Dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or espresso.
Suggested side dishes:
The cake is a dessert and does not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is dry, try adding more coffee to the batter or brushing the cake layers with simple syrup before adding the buttercream.
- If the cake is too moist, reduce the amount of coffee in the batter or bake the cake for a few extra minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Food history:
Opera cake is a French dessert that was first created in the 1890s. It is named after the Paris Opera House and is known for its layers of almond sponge cake, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache.
Flavor profiles:
The coffee opera cake is a rich and decadent dessert with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and almond.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert after a dinner party or special occasion.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: French
Taste: Rich, Creamy, Sweet, Coffee, Decadent, Coffee-Flavored