If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that turns heads and melts hearts, this Tuxedo Cake recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of tender, moist chocolate cake sandwiched between clouds of creamy white and dark chocolate mousse all crowned with a glossy chocolate ganache that drips dramatically down the sides. This dessert looks straight out of a high-end bakery but can be made easily at home with everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, anniversary, or holiday feast, this luxurious cake delivers that “wow” factor every time. The mix of textures fluffy sponge, velvety mousse, and smooth ganache creates the ultimate bite for chocolate lovers. Plus, with simple step-by-step instructions, even home bakers can achieve bakery-quality results.
This isn’t just another cake. It’s elegance, indulgence, and chocolate perfection in every forkful the ultimate special occasion dessert for anyone who loves to bake at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Elegant Layers: Three distinct layers moist chocolate cake, two silky mousses, and creamy ganache make this a dessert masterpiece.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or dinner parties where you want to impress guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cake layers and mousse in advance for easy assembly the next day.
- Decadent Yet Balanced: The dark and white chocolate mousse layers strike the perfect harmony sweet, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
- Beginner-Friendly Baking: With detailed instructions, even novice bakers can make a professional-looking cake at home.
- High-Impact Presentation: The glossy ganache drip gives it that tuxedo-style look rich, refined, and ready for photos.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chocolate Cake Layers
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The foundation for a stable yet soft crumb.
- Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake and adds moisture for a tender bite.
- Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Brings deep chocolate flavor natural cocoa works best for this recipe.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises evenly and stays fluffy.
- Whole Milk (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist while enriching its texture.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the batter and add structure, helping create a smooth, rich crumb.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tang and moisture for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture a baker’s secret ingredient for extra tenderness.
- Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Ensures long-lasting moisture even days after baking.
- Espresso Powder (1 tsp): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Hot Water (1 cup): Thins the batter, giving it that signature soft, rich consistency once baked.
Chocolate Mousse Layers
- Egg Yolks (4): Add richness and give the mousse a luxurious, custard-like base.
- Heavy Cream (2 cups): The key to a light, airy mousse ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the flavors of the dark and white chocolate layers.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the custard base for perfect mousse consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor and aroma.
- Dark Chocolate (100g): Brings bold, bittersweet notes perfect for contrast.
- White Chocolate (130g): Adds sweetness and creamy balance to the darker layer.
Chocolate Ganache
- Milk Chocolate (5 oz): Creates that rich, glossy topping for a professional finish.
- Heavy Cream (⅓ cup): Melts the chocolate into a silky-smooth pourable glaze.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can cause uneven mixing. Bring everything to room temperature before starting.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Sift Your Cocoa Powder: This ensures a lump-free, velvety batter for that bakery-perfect texture.
- Chill Before Assembling: Let the cake and mousse layers chill properly for easy, clean stacking and slicing.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the star, choose premium bars over chips for richer flavor.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Keto-Friendly Variation: Use almond flour, sugar substitute (like erythritol), and sugar-free chocolate for a low-carb version.
- White Tuxedo Twist: Swap the dark chocolate mousse for milk chocolate if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Mocha Version: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the mousse layers for a mocha-inspired dessert.
- Festive Touch: Top with gold leaf, chocolate curls, or berries for a luxurious holiday centerpiece.
Serving Suggestions
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for added indulgence.
- A drizzle of raspberry sauce for fruity contrast.
- Fresh berries or mint leaves for color and freshness.
- A cup of espresso, cappuccino, or red wine for the ultimate dessert experience.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Chill the Mousse: The mousse layers can be made the day before and refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- Freezing Option: You can freeze the fully assembled cake (before adding ganache) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Leftovers: Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Cultural & Historical Notes
The Tuxedo Cake gets its name from the elegant contrast of dark and light much like a formal tuxedo. It’s believed to have originated as a restaurant dessert inspired by layered European tortes, blending the richness of French mousse cakes with the moistness of American chocolate cakes. Today, it’s a favorite choice for weddings, anniversaries, and holiday celebrations symbolizing indulgence and sophistication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this Tuxedo Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers and make the mousse a day or two in advance. Assemble the cake the night before serving for best results.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw as needed.
3. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely try swapping sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, and use dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for antioxidant benefits.
4. What substitutions work for allergies?
Use gluten-free flour for wheat allergies and dairy-free cream or vegan butter for lactose intolerance.
5. Can I skip the espresso powder?
Yes! It’s optional, but it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully without adding bitterness.
Tuxedo Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and thin.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 6: Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
- Step 7: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale and thick. Slowly pour in the hot cream while whisking constantly.
- Step 8: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Divide evenly between two bowls.
- Step 9: Add dark chocolate to one bowl and white chocolate to the other, stirring until melted and smooth. Beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks and fold half into each mixture.
- Step 10: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over it, then top with the second cake layer.
- Step 11: Spread the white chocolate mousse over the top and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Step 12: Heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then pour over the chopped milk chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 13: Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, letting it drip down the sides for a tuxedo-like finish. Chill for another 30 minutes before serving.
