French Patisserie Techniques: Opera Cake from Scratch

In this technique-driven French Patisserie class, learn to make an elegant opera cake that's fit to sit in the window of a bakery. Each student will learn how to make one of the most luxurious french pastries, known for its precise, even layers. In this three-hour class, we will cover how to make the joconde sponge cake, coffee syrup, buttercream, and chocolate glaze — and then assemble them into a perfect opera cake. You will leave class with your opera cake slices, as well as the confidence to recreate the recipes at home.

What we’ll make:

• Joconde sponge cake
• Coffee syrup
• French buttercream
• Chocolate glaze
• Opera cake

Techniques you’ll learn:

• Making a light, sponge cake
• Filling a pastry bag
• Piping
• Assembling a layered cake
• Creating a shiny chocolate glaze
• Neatly slicing a layered cake

What you’ll leave class with:

• Your own opera cake
• All recipes discussed in class
• Our contact information to ask questions when recreating your recipes at home