Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Opera Cake

Why Make This Recipe

The Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Opera Cake is a stunning dessert that combines rich chocolate and unique pistachio flavors. This cake is not only beautiful but also delicious and impressive to serve at any gathering. It has multiple layers that add depth to each bite, showcasing the perfect balance of creaminess and richness. Making this cake gives you a chance to explore different textures and flavors, making it a fun project for home bakers.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Opera Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup pistachio flour (finely ground unsalted pistachios)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 egg whites
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for buttercream)
• 1/3 cup pistachio paste (or finely ground pistachios + a splash of cream)
• 1/2 tsp rose water or cardamom (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
• 1/2 cup espresso or strong coffee (for syrup)
• 2 tbsp sugar (for syrup)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for syrup)
• 5 oz dark chocolate (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp butter (for glaze)
• Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
• Edible gold leaf (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. For the joconde sponge, mix almond flour, pistachio flour, powdered sugar, and whole eggs until thick and pale. In another bowl, whip egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites and all-purpose flour into the almond mixture. Then, fold in the melted butter and spread this mixture thinly in the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just set. Cool and cut into three equal rectangles.
3. For the pistachio buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the pistachio paste and the optional rose water or cardamom.
4. To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream until steaming, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Whisk until smooth and let it cool to a spreadable consistency.
5. For the syrup, dissolve the sugar and cocoa powder in the hot espresso. Allow it to cool completely.
6. To assemble the cake: Place one layer of joconde on a serving platter, brush it with syrup, and spread a thin layer of buttercream. Add the second joconde layer, brush with syrup, and spread chocolate ganache on top. Finally, place the third joconde layer, brush with syrup, and add another thin layer of buttercream on top to smooth it out. Chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes.
7. For the glaze, melt the dark chocolate with butter and pour it over the chilled cake, smoothing it quickly.
8. Garnish with chopped pistachios and edible gold leaf. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours before slicing it into elegant rectangles.

How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Opera Cake

This cake is best served chilled. Slice it into elegant rectangles for a beautiful presentation. You can serve it as a dessert at dinner parties, special occasions, or simply enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. Adding a few fresh berries on the side can complement the flavors nicely.

How to Store Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Opera Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week, although it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Opera Cake

• Make sure to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, as this gives the joconde sponge its light and airy texture.
• Chill the cake before glazing to help the glaze set smoothly.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache and glaze to enhance the overall flavor.

Variation

For a different twist, you can substitute the pistachio paste with other nut pastes, like almond or hazelnut, or even experiment with flavors like coffee or orange zest in the buttercream.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts for this cake?

Yes, you can use different nuts like almond or hazelnut. Just make sure to adjust the flour measurements accordingly.

How long does it take to make this cake?

The entire process of making the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Opera Cake can take about 4-5 hours, including baking, chilling, and assembly time.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.