FOOD NEWS
What Is French Opera Cake And How Does It Taste?
By Grace Allison
French patisserie is an art form, a celebration of skill and sweet flavors, and this is particularly evident in the decadent and luxurious French opera cake.
The dessert is typically composed of almond cake soaked in boozy coffee syrup, heavenly thick coffee buttercream, and rich, dark chocolate ganache.
With six to eight striking layers, it’s a marvel to behold. The buttercream gives the cake a velvety smoothness, while the coffee syrup adds a mildly bitter undertone.
In one bite, this cake bursts into a symphony of flavors, with nutty, sweet, and coffee notes playfully harmonizing in a delightful ensemble.
Also known as L'Opéra, it's believed that it was first invented by Cyriaque Gavillon, a pastry chef at the legendary Dalloyau in 1955.
Others attribute L'Opéra's origins to Louis Clichy, who is believed to have presented a layered cake similar to L'Opéra in 1903 at a culinary exposition.
While its beginnings may forever be contested, L'Opéra is now regarded as a classic and has become a fast favorite in French patisseries.