It is made with layers of almond sponge cake (known as Joconde in French) soaked in coffee syrup, layered with ganache and coffee (or Grand Marnier) French buttercream, and covered in a chocolate glaze.

Its name originates from its layers resembling the levels of an opera house.

According to Larousse Gastronomique, "Opéra gâteau is an elaborate almond sponge cake with a coffee and chocolate filling and icing.

"[1] Traditionally, the word Opera is also written on top of the chocolate glaze.

[3] The cake was popularized by the French pâtisserie house Dalloyau, but its origin is unclear.