If you’re looking to indulge in an absolutely show-stopping dessert, look no further than Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight. This luxurious treat features moist chocolate cake layers, two silky mousses (one dark, one white chocolate), and a glossy ganache topping—all combining for a dessert experience that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Whether it’s for a holiday, birthday, or just a “wow” moment, this cake promises deep, complex chocolate flavors and a dramatic, tuxedo-inspired appearance that wows every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great desserts don’t have to be complicated—each ingredient in Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight plays a special role in creating the right balance of moisture, flavor, and texture. Gather your ingredients with confidence, knowing every component serves its own delicious purpose.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the chocolate cake its tender structure without weighing it down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep, decadent chocolate flavor which is the backbone of the cake.
- Baking soda: Provides necessary lift for a light, fluffy crumb.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda to help the cakes rise evenly.
- Salt: Enhances every chocolatey note and balances the overall sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, making each bite irresistibly tender.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist, even after chilling.
- Buttermilk: Its subtle tang deepens the chocolate flavors and reacts with leaveners for lift.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate and amplifies the flavors.
- Hot water: Blooms the cocoa powder for a truer, deeper chocolate taste.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for mousse and ganache): Brings intensity and contrast, making each layer shine.
- Heavy whipping cream: Essential for the mousse’s luxurious, airy texture and for a smooth ganache finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens both mousses just enough, keeping them cloud-like and smooth.
- White chocolate: Creates the striking tuxedo look and adds creamy sweetness to the mousse.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping two 8-inch round cake pans with grease and parchment. Whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gently blend the dry mix into the wet, then stir in hot water for an ultra-silky batter. Divide between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes; your kitchen will smell unreal. Cool layers completely so the mousses don’t melt later.
Step 2: Make the Dark Chocolate Mousse
Melt the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate, either in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short microwave bursts, stirring until silky-smooth. Let it cool for a minute. Meanwhile, whip cold heavy cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks—it should hold its shape. Carefully fold the cooled chocolate into the whipped cream, creating a cloud of rich, chocolatey mousse. Chill as you move on to the next part.
Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Mousse
This step mirrors the last one: Melt white chocolate, cool slightly, and then gently fold it into a fresh batch of whipped cream and powdered sugar. The result is a light, velvety mousse with a touch of creamy sweetness. Chill again so it’s ready for assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight
Place one cooled cake layer on your fanciest cake stand or plate. Spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over the surface—don’t worry if you have to sneak a taste! Carefully top with the second cake layer, then lavish the white chocolate mousse on top and around the sides. Work for a smooth finish, using an offset spatula if you have one. Chill the whole cake for at least an hour; this helps the mousse set for easy slicing later.
Step 5: Make the Ganache Topping
For that glossy, dramatic finish, gently heat the heavy cream until just simmering and pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Wait one minute, then stir until your ganache is perfectly smooth and shiny. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake, letting it artfully drip down the sides. This is pure magic—chocolate elegance at its finest!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Let your finished creation chill until the ganache has set; it’s worth the wait. You can serve the Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight cold or let it come to room temperature so every layer is at its most luscious. Get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Elevate your Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight with chocolate curls, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder for that bakery-worthy look. A little edible gold leaf or some white chocolate shavings add striking contrast and even more “wow” factor.
Side Dishes
Because this cake is so rich and satisfying, keep sides simple. Pair slices with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A few fresh raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and tangy brightness to each bite—perfect for balancing all that chocolate!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve individual slices on small plates with a drizzle of extra ganache or a raspberry coulis. Alternatively, use a star tip to pipe leftover mousse as a rosette on each slice. Feeling festive? Stack petite cake rounds for mini Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight desserts at a party—they’re showstoppers every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered. The cake stays moist and the mousse layers keep their airy texture for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight chilled, as the mousse and ganache need to stay firm and fresh.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! After assembling and chilling, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—the ganache may lose a bit of its shine, but the flavor and texture remain divine.
Reheating
Since this is a mousse-based cake, reheating isn’t recommended. Enjoy the Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and presentation. If you prefer a slightly softer ganache, let slices sit out a few minutes before indulging.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Assemble the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge so the layers firm up, making serving a breeze.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark for the mousse?
Yes, but keep in mind the taste will be a little sweeter and less intense. Dark chocolate provides that dramatic contrast and “tuxedo” effect, but if you love milk chocolate, swap it in and enjoy!
How do I get neat, clean slices?
A sharp, hot knife is the secret! Run your blade under hot water, wipe dry, then cut your Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight. Clean the knife between slices for a flawless presentation.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill with milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit a few minutes—your DIY buttermilk is ready for the cake batter!
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes. Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free, but always double-check labels for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to create a dessert that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds, Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight is your ticket to instant celebration. Don’t be intimidated—every decadent layer is achievable at home, and worth every sweet moment. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of pure chocolate bliss!
Print
Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent layers of the Tuxedo Cake – a luscious triple chocolate mousse delight that will satisfy any sweet tooth. This show-stopping dessert features rich chocolate cake layers filled with dark and white chocolate mousses, topped with a glossy ganache for the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups granulated sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup hot water
For the Dark Chocolate Mousse:
8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped, 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
For the White Chocolate Mousse:
8 oz white chocolate, chopped, 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
For the Ganache Topping:
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Prepare the chocolate cake: Combine dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients, and blend together. Bake and cool the cakes.
- Make dark chocolate mousse: Melt chocolate, whip cream, fold in chocolate. Chill.
- Make white chocolate mousse: Repeat steps for white chocolate. Chill.
- Assemble the cake: Layer cakes with dark and white chocolate mousse. Chill.
- Prepare ganache topping: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, stir until smooth. Pour over cake and chill.
Notes
- To save time, the cake layers and mousse can be prepared a day in advance.
- For a dramatic look, garnish with chocolate curls, berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
