Chocolate and Raspberry Two-Tier Opera Cake

A sophisticated French gateau featuring layers of almond sponge, fruit syrup, white chocolate raspberry buttercream, and dark chocolate ganache.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving Total
Calories 542.5 kcals 10850.5 kcals
Carbohydrates 52.6 grams 1052.4 grams
Fat 34.3 grams 685.2 grams
Protein 6.6 grams 132.8 grams
Cook Time
30 mins
Produces
20 people
Allergies
Vegetarian
Vegan
Dairy Free
Gluten Free

Ingredients

BakingIngredients
150
g
Caster Sugar
for syrup
25
g
Granulated Sugar
for sponge
225
g
Icing Sugar
sifted, for sponge
40
g
55
g
Caster Sugar
for French buttercream
125
g
115
g
Icing Sugar
for chocolate buttercream
115
g
Plain Chocolate
melted, 70% cocoa
250
g
Plain Chocolate
broken into pieces, 70% cocoa
125
ml
Dairy
6
piece
Eggs
free-range
85
g
Butter
melted, for sponge
3
piece
Egg Yolks
room temperature
225
g
Unsalted Butter
cubed and softened
115
g
Unsalted Butter
softened, for chocolate buttercream
125
ml
Fruits
300
g
Raspberries
for syrup
0.25
piece
Lemon
juice only
300
g
Raspberries
for French buttercream
GrainsCereals
40
g
Plain Flour
for sponge
Liquids
50
ml
Raspberry Vodka
for syrup
2
tbsp
NutsSeeds
225
g
Ground Almonds
for sponge
Other
6
piece
Egg Whites
free-range

Steps

  • Preheat the oven to its lowest setting for the syrup.
  • Bake raspberries covered with sugar in an ovenproof bowl for one hour.
  • Press the fruit to release juice, combine with sugar, and pass through a sieve.
  • Stir in lemon juice and raspberry vodka, then chill in the fridge.
  • Preheat the oven to 220°C and line two 46cm x 33cm baking trays.
  • Whisk egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Beat almonds, icing sugar, and eggs for 5 minutes, then fold in flour and cocoa.
  • Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the almond mixture.
  • Incorporate a small amount of batter into the melted butter.
  • Fold the butter mixture back into the main cake batter until combined.
  • Divide the batter between the trays and spread smooth to the corners.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes, turn out onto paper, and cut each cake in half.
  • Whisk egg yolks for 5 minutes until pale and foamy.
  • Heat sugar and water in a saucepan until it reaches 120°C.
  • Slowly pour the hot syrup into the yolks while whisking until cool.
  • Beat in butter, vanilla, white chocolate, and fold in whole raspberries.
  • Beat butter, icing sugar, dark chocolate, and liqueur for the second buttercream.
  • Break dark chocolate into a bowl for the ganache.
  • Boil golden syrup and cream, pour over chocolate, and let sit for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk the ganache smooth, adding hot water if needed for a pouring consistency.
  • Brush a cake layer with syrup and spread with half the French buttercream.
  • Repeat layering with syrup, chocolate buttercream, more syrup, and French buttercream.
  • Top with the final cake layer, brush with syrup, and spread remaining French buttercream.
  • Pour and spread the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake.
  • Chill for 30 minutes until set, then trim the edges for serving.