French Opera Mocha

Ingredients - Serves 8

• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Powdered sugar - 1 cup
• Unsalted butter - 1 cup, softened
• Heavy cream - 1 cup
• Dark chocolate - 8 ounces, chopped
• Hot water - 1/4 cup
• Instant coffee - 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour - 1 cup
• Granulated sugar - 1 cup
• Eggs - 4

Let's Get Started

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a rectangular cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Sift the all-purpose flour into the egg mixture and gently fold until well combined.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in hot water. Add the coffee mixture to the batter and fold until incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a heatproof bowl, place the chopped dark chocolate. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth. Set aside to cool.
7. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy to make the coffee buttercream.
8. Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and cut it into three equal rectangular layers.
9. Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Brush the top with some of the coffee ganache. Spread a layer of coffee buttercream on top.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, alternating between ganache and buttercream.
11. Cover the entire cake with the remaining coffee buttercream. Use a spatula to create a smooth and even surface.
12. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
13. Before serving, dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder or decorate as desired.
14. Slice and serve the French Opera Mocha cake chilled. Enjoy!

Dietary Info

• Dish Type: Dessert
• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 400
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Sugar: 30g