Opera Cake

An elegant layered almond sponge cake featuring kirsch syrup, rich chocolate ganache, and smooth vanilla crème au beurre.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving Total
Calories 601.5 kcals 4812.2 kcals
Carbohydrates 52.3 grams 418.5 grams
Fat 41.5 grams 332.1 grams
Protein 7.8 grams 62.4 grams
Cook Time
25 mins
Produces
8 people
Allergies
Vegetarian
Vegan
Dairy Free
Gluten Free

Ingredients

BakingIngredients
100
g
Caster Sugar
For the kirsch syrup
15
g
Caster Sugar
For the sponge
100
ml
Dark Chocolate
36% cocoa solids, broken into small pieces
75
g
Caster Sugar
For the buttercream
CondimentsSauces
200
g
Raspberry Jam
Seedless, sieved and melted
Dairy
3
piece
Eggs
Free-range, whole
30
g
100
ml
3
piece
Egg Yolks
Free-range
225
g
Unsalted Butter
Cubed and softened
Fruits
40
piece
GrainsCereals
30
g
Liquids
3
tbsp
Kirsch
Cherry brandy
NutsSeeds
Other
3
piece
Egg Whites
Free-range

Steps

  • Dissolve 100g sugar in 200ml water over medium heat and simmer until reduced by half.
  • Stir in the kirsch and leave the syrup to cool completely.
  • Heat oven to 220°C and line a 33x23cm tin with parchment.
  • Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks, then gradually whisk in 15g sugar to form a glossy meringue.
  • Whisk almonds, icing sugar, and whole eggs for 5 minutes until doubled in volume.
  • Fold in flour, then gently fold in the meringue in three batches.
  • Fold in 30g melted butter, pour into the tin, and bake for 5-7 minutes.
  • Turn the cake onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.
  • Heat 100ml cream until bubbling, stir in chocolate until smooth, and leave to set.
  • Boil 75g sugar in 3 tbsp water until it reaches 110°C.
  • Whisk syrup into yolks until thick, then whisk in 225g butter and vanilla.
  • Slice the sponge horizontally and then vertically to create four 16.5x11.5cm rectangles.
  • Layer sponges with kirsch syrup, crème au beurre, and chocolate ganache.
  • Top with raspberries, glaze with melted jam, and refrigerate for two hours before trimming.