If you have ever dreamed of a dessert that elegantly marries rich chocolate layers with silky mousse, then you are in for a treat with this Tuxedo Cake. This stunning cake showcases the perfect balance of dark, white, and milk chocolate elements, wrapped in moist, tender chocolate cake layers that truly live up to the name. Imagine slicing into this beautiful creation and revealing its luxurious mousse interior, topped with a glossy ganache that looks like it’s straight out of a fancy patisserie. The Tuxedo Cake isn’t just a showstopper for any occasion, it’s a heartfelt indulgence that will keep guests raving and your sweet tooth utterly satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Although the Tuxedo Cake appears like a masterpiece, it is built on simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the rich cocoa-laden flour base to the fresh dairy that creates luscious mousses, every component blends to deliver both comfort and sophistication.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb texture to the cake layers.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with moisture retention in the cake.
Cocoa powder: Gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to ensure the cake rises nicely and stays light.
Whole milk: Adds moisture while keeping the batter smooth and rich.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
Sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, making the cake irresistibly soft.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender while extending freshness.
Espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor profile.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the chocolate flavors.
Hot water: Helps dissolve cocoa and creates a smooth, thin batter for tender layers.
Egg yolks: Rich base for the creamy chocolate mousses.
Heavy cream: Essential for both the mousses and luxurious ganache topping.
Granulated sugar (for mousse): Sweetens the custard base without graininess.
Cornstarch: Thickens the custard to the perfect mousse consistency.
Dark chocolate: Creates a rich, bittersweet mousse layer.
White chocolate: Delivers a sweet and creamy contrast in mousse form.
Milk chocolate: Used in ganache for a smooth and glossy finish.

How to Make Tuxedo Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your pans with greasing and parchment paper — this step ensures your cake layers come out perfect every time. Mix all your dry ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the cocoa and leavening agents. Then, whisk together your wet ingredients separately to fully incorporate the flavors, especially dissolving the espresso powder for that rich chocolate boost.

Step 2: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the wet mixture into your dry ingredients. The batter will be thick, which is exactly right. Then add hot water slowly to thin it out. This step is key for achieving the tender crumb that makes the Tuxedo Cake so enjoyable — the warm water activates the cocoa powder and helps keep the cake moist and airy.

Step 3: Baking the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into the two pans to ensure uniform cooking. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cooling the cakes properly is vital: if the layers are too warm when you assemble, the mousse can melt and the structure will suffer.

Step 4: Making Chocolate Mousses

The mousses bring the ‘Tuxedo’ character to life. Start by heating the cream and blending it carefully with egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch to form a custard base. Split it into two bowls — one gets the dark chocolate and the other the white chocolate. Folding whipped cream into each mixture adds lightness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts so well with the cake layers.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

Layer the dark chocolate mousse on the first cake layer, then top it with the second cake. Spread white chocolate mousse on top, smoothing it elegantly. Chilling the cake at this point lets the mousses set so the cake holds beautifully.

Step 6: Adding the Ganache Finish

Creating the glossy ganache by pouring hot cream over milk chocolate brings a luxurious, shiny finish that drips down the sides just like a tuxedo’s jacket lapels. This finishing touch takes the Tuxedo Cake from delicious to downright dazzling.

How to Serve Tuxedo Cake

Garnishes

Keep garnishes simple to let this cake shine. A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings, a few cocoa nibs, or fresh berries can add a delightful contrast in texture and a pop of color that elevates the presentation perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Tuxedo Cake with fresh whipped cream or lightly sweetened mascarpone for an extra creamy bite. For a refreshing touch, a small bowl of mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the rich chocolate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-worthy look. For festive occasions, adding edible gold leaf or silver sprinkles makes the Tuxedo Cake a true centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Tuxedo Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing any odors. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days — perfect if you want to savor every bite slowly.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if you wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to one month, and when ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the delicate mousse texture.

Reheating

Because the Tuxedo Cake relies on mousse and ganache, reheating isn’t recommended as it could alter textures. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its intended creamy, smooth consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate for the mousses?

Absolutely! The classic Tuxedo Cake uses dark and white chocolate to create its signature contrast, but feel free to experiment with bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolates to tailor sweetness levels to your liking.

Is espresso powder necessary in the cake batter?

While optional, espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. It’s a secret trick to deepen the richness and make the chocolate notes pop.

Can I make the Tuxedo Cake gluten-free?

Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum usually works well. Just be sure to check that the mix measures 1:1 and suits chocolate cake textures.

How long does the mousse need to set before assembling the cake?

After folding the whipped cream into the chocolate custards, you can assemble right away, but chilling the entire assembled cake for at least two hours helps the mousse firm up, ensuring clean slices and a perfect structure.

What is the best way to slice the Tuxedo Cake?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This technique lets you cut smooth, clean pieces without disrupting the mousse layers or smearing the ganache.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Tuxedo Cake recipe feels like handing over a treasure. It’s an impressive dessert that doesn’t just taste divine but also tells a story of chocolate bliss and elegant comfort. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something spectacular, the Tuxedo Cake invites you to bake, indulge, and savor every luscious bite.

Tuxedo Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Tuxedo Cake recipe offers a luscious combination of moist chocolate cake layers paired with rich dark and white chocolate mousses, topped with a glossy milk chocolate ganache. This elegant and decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a sophisticated chocolate treat with a smooth, creamy texture and stunning visual appeal.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, espresso powder, and vanilla extract thoroughly to dissolve the espresso powder completely.
Mix Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. The batter will be thick.
Add Hot Water: Slowly stir in the hot water to thin the batter, which helps create a tender crumb.
Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean.
Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, ideally for at least 2 hours before assembly.
Prepare Custard Base: Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
Whisk Yolks Mixture: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale and thick. Slowly pour the hot cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Cook Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Divide and Add Chocolates: Divide the custard base equally into two bowls. Stir dark chocolate into one bowl and white chocolate into the other, mixing until fully melted and smooth.
Fold Whipped Cream: Beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold half into each chocolate mixture to create two distinct mousses.
Assemble Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over it, then top with the second cake layer.
Spread White Chocolate Mousse: Spread the white chocolate mousse evenly over the top layer, smoothing it out for even coverage. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to set.
Prepare Ganache: Heat the ⅓ cup heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the milk chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.
Finish Cake: Pour ganache over the chilled cake, letting it drip down the sides for the classic tuxedo effect. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best batter consistency and bake.
Using hot water in the batter helps dissolve cocoa and produces a very tender texture.
Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the mousse layers.
Be sure to whisk the egg yolks mixture continuously while adding hot cream to avoid curdling.
Refrigerate the cake well to allow mousses and ganache to set properly for easier slicing.
Optionally, decorate the top with chocolate shavings or curls for added elegance.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking, Whisking, Cooling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 38 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: Tuxedo cake, chocolate mousse cake, layered chocolate cake, dark chocolate mousse, white chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache, elegant dessert