Introduction
Imagine a cake so elegant, so luxurious, it feels like it belongs in a high-end restaurant. A cake that combines layers of rich, velvety chocolate with the smooth, creamy indulgence of mousse. That, my dear friend, is the Tuxedo Cake—a dessert made for those moments that need a bit of extra glam. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something spectacular, this cake is the perfect choice.
The Tuxedo Cake gets its name from its classic black-and-white color scheme, making it the ideal dessert for events that demand both style and flavor. Imagine a moist chocolate cake layered with white and dark chocolate mousse, and topped with a rich, glossy ganache. Each bite is an unforgettable combination of textures and flavors—a true showstopper.
Today, I’m excited to share with you the recipe for this stunning Tuxedo Cake, one that’s guaranteed to make any occasion extra special.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the process, here’s what you’ll need to make your Tuxedo Cake shine:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for a deeper flavor)
For the White Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dark Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ganache:
- 6 ounces heavy cream
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
- Shaved white or dark chocolate
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
- Add hot water or coffee: Slowly stir in the hot water (or coffee), which will thin out the batter and make it easier to pour.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before assembling the cake.
Step 2: Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse
- Melt the white chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the cream. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Mousse
- Melt the dark chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Fold the melted dark chocolate into the whipped cream, making sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Pour over chocolate: Place the dark chocolate in a bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Trim the cakes: If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them so they stack evenly.
- Layer the mousse: Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving platter. Spread a thick layer of white chocolate mousse over the top. Add the second layer of cake and spread the dark chocolate mousse over it.
- Top with ganache: Pour the glossy ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for that elegant tuxedo-like look.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to set and the ganache to firm up.
Tips and Tricks
- Perfect mousse: The key to perfect mousse is gentle folding. Make sure to incorporate the chocolate and whipped cream carefully to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Substitute coffee for hot water: For a richer, deeper chocolate flavor, substitute hot coffee for the water in the cake. The coffee won’t make the cake taste like coffee, but it will intensify the chocolate.
- Ganache glaze: For a smooth, shiny finish, ensure the ganache is at the right consistency—just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake.
- Decorating: Garnish your Tuxedo Cake with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for added elegance. You can also pipe whipped cream around the edges for a finishing touch.
Why Tuxedo Cake?
The Tuxedo Cake is not only a treat for your taste buds—it’s also a feast for your eyes. Its striking appearance, with the smooth contrast of dark and white chocolate, makes it a perfect choice for weddings, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a little extra flair. The combination of moist chocolate cake, fluffy mousse, and creamy ganache ensures that every bite is as decadent as the last.
Pair this cake with a glass of red wine, champagne, or even a hot cup of coffee to elevate the experience.
Conclusion
There you have it—a show-stopping Tuxedo Cake that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. It’s a bit of work, but the results are totally worth it. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to treat yourself, this dessert is sure to become a favorite.
I’d love to hear how your Tuxedo Cake turns out! Be sure to share your photos or variations of the recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag me on social media so I can see your gorgeous creations.
Happy baking!