Silky, sophisticated, and boasting those signature contrasting layers of black and white chocolate mousse. This Tuxedo Cake combines moist dark chocolate cake with airy, creamy fillings for a dessert that feels upscale but is genuinely achievable at home. It's the answer to exactly what is tuxedo cake - pure elegance on a plate.
Why You'll Love This
- Bakery Quality at Home: You get that professional, clean-layered look without needing a pastry chef degree.
- Better Than Store-Bought: While the Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe is popular, this homemade version has a fresher, deeper chocolate flavor that you can't get from a plastic container.
- Impressive Contrast: The visual appeal of the dark cake against the white mousse makes it a showstopper for birthdays or anniversaries.
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Ingredients
This recipe relies on quality basics to build those distinct layers of flavor and texture. Homemade Chocolate Cake Instructions often call for buttermilk and coffee, and we use both here to ensure the cake base is moist and intensely flavorful.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate Chips: The foundation for the rich dark mousse layer.
- White Chocolate Chips: Creates the sweet, creamy contrast layer.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for aerating the mousse and making the ganache.
- Dark Cocoa Powder: Used in the cake and mousse for deep color and taste.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the cake tender and activates the baking soda.
Optional Extras
- Instant Espresso Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Chocolate Curls: Adds a professional finish to the top of the Chocolate Tuxedo Cake glaze.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake (Step-by-Step)
This process is about building layers, but each step is straightforward and requires just a little patience. If you are looking for a tuxedo cake recipe easy enough for a weekend project, this method breaks it down perfectly.
Prepare Mousse Base
Melt the dark chocolate chips and white chocolate chips in separate bowls until smooth. This ensures both bases are fluid and ready to be folded into the cream.
Whip the Cream
Beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This provides the necessary volume and stability for both mousse layers.
Fold Mousse Layers
Gently fold half the whipped cream into the dark chocolate and the other half into the white chocolate. This creates two distinct, airy fillings that hold their shape.
Bake the Cake
Bake the dark chocolate cake batter in prepared pans until a tester comes out clean.
How do you know when a mousse cake is set? The layers should feel firm to the touch after chilling, usually taking about 2 hours in the fridge.
Assemble and Glaze
Layer the cake with dark mousse, then white mousse, chill, and finally pour over the warm ganache. This seals the cake and adds that beautiful, glossy finish.
Top Tip
The secret to a clean Tuxedo Cake is patience during the chilling process.
Slice Cleanly: Dip your knife in hot water before cutting → melts through the ganache → gives you sharp, bakery-style slices.
Chill Your Tools: Place your mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes → helps cream whip faster → you'll see stiffer peaks sooner.
Don't Over-mix: Fold the mousse gently → keeps the air bubbles intact → results in a lighter, fluffier Tuxedo Mousse Cake texture.
Use Acetate Sheets: Line your pan sides with acetate → prevents sticking → reveals perfectly smooth, clean-cut sides.
Room Temp Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for the cake → emulsifies better → creates a more uniform, tender crumb.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
If you want to save time or try a new flavor, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe. You could try an easy tuxedo cake recipe with cake mix for the base layer to speed up the process while focusing your effort on the homemade mousse. For a texture twist, add crushed Oreos between the layers for a bit of crunch.
Storage
This cake actually tastes better after the flavors have melded for a few hours. Store your Chocolate Tuxedo Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The mousse needs to stay cold to maintain its structure, so do not leave it out in a warm room for too long.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this elegant cake with a simple garnish of fresh raspberries or strawberries to cut through the richness. It pairs beautifully with a strong espresso or a glass of cold milk. While some might compare it to a tuxedo cake cheesecake, this version is much lighter and airier, making it the perfect end to a heavy dinner.
FAQs
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake without the ganache for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Why did my mousse deflate?
This usually happens if the chocolate base was too hot when you folded in the cream. Make sure the chocolate is cool to the touch before combining it with the whipped cream.
Can I use milk chocolate?
You can, but it will make the cake significantly sweeter. The classic kraft tuxedo cake recipe profile relies on the bitterness of dark chocolate to balance the white chocolate layer.
Do I need a special pan?
A 9x13 inch pan works great for a rectangular cake, or you can use two 8-inch round pans. Using a springform pan makes it much easier to remove the cake and show off the layers.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this Tuxedo Cake, you might also like these other Dessert favorites from my kitchen.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Better Than Takeout Tuxedo Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts until smooth. This creates the base for the dark mousse layer so it blends easily.
- Whisk the warm water and cocoa powder together, then stir into the melted chocolate. This intensifies the flavor and thickens the mixture slightly.
- Melt the white chocolate chips with a splash of cream and let cool slightly. This prepares the white chocolate base without seizing the mixture.
- Whip the remaining heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. This provides the airy structure for both mousse layers.
- Fold half the whipped cream into the dark chocolate mixture and the other half into the white chocolate mixture. This creates two distinct, fluffy mousse fillings.
- Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, then beat in butter until sandy. This reverse creaming method ensures a tender crumb structure.
- Add egg whites, buttermilk, oil, and espresso, mixing until smooth. This completes the batter with necessary moisture and lift.
- Bake in prepared pans at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. This sets the cake fully without drying it out.
- Layer the cake with dark mousse first, then white mousse, and chill. This sets the distinct stripes characteristic of a tuxedo cake.
- Pour warm ganache over the chilled cake and smooth with a spatula. This adds the final glossy, decadent finish.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tuxedo Cake Recipe:
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