Jul 14 2026

Opera Recipe

Time2h
Serves8

almond sponge, potent coffee syrup, french buttercream and chocolate ganache

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Almond Sponge

Coffee Syrup

French Buttercream

Chocolate Ganache

Method

Almond Sponge

  1. 1

    Prepare the Batter

    Pour the batter into a greased and lined baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.

Coffee Syrup

  1. 2

    Make the Coffee Syrup

    In a small saucepan, combine brewed coffee, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, then let it cool.

French Buttercream

  1. 3

    Prepare the Buttercream

    In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until thick. Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the yolks while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture is cool. Gradually add softened butter and beat until smooth and creamy.

Chocolate Ganache

  1. 4

    Make the Ganache

    In a saucepan, bring heavy cream to a simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Assembly

  1. 5

    Assemble the Opera Cake

    Slice the almond sponge into layers. Brush each layer with the coffee syrup. Spread a layer of French buttercream on top of each sponge layer. Stack the layers, finishing with a layer of buttercream. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

More from Philippe French Bistro