Chocolate Tuxedo Cake Recipe

The Dreamy Chocolate Tuxedo Cake Recipe That Steals Hearts

Decadent layers of chocolate whisper sweet promises in this irresistible chocolate tuxedo cake recipe that melts hearts instantly.

rich, velvety chocolate cake meets creamy cheesecake-style frosting for an elegant dessert experience.

dark and white chocolate dance together in perfect harmony, creating a stunning visual and flavor masterpiece.

Each slice promises a luxurious journey of textures and tastes that will make any occasion feel special.

Smooth ganache drapes over moist cake layers like a silky chocolate waterfall.

Professional bakery-style presentation comes together with simple techniques that even home bakers can master.

This dessert transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of pure chocolate bliss.

Prepare to indulge in a cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Rich Chocolate Tuxedo Cake Impresses Everyone

  • Unleash Decadent Layers: Dive into a luxurious cake featuring two distinct chocolate mousses that create an incredible flavor journey from dark to white chocolate.
  • Wow Weekend Dessert: Perfect showstopper for special occasions, impressing guests with its elegant tuxedo-inspired design and professional-looking presentation.
  • Master Gourmet Skills: Develop intermediate baking techniques while creating a restaurant-quality dessert that looks complex but is achievable with careful following of steps.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Indulge in multiple chocolate experiences within one stunning dessert, satisfying intense chocolate cravings with rich, smooth textures and deep flavors.

Chocolate Tuxedo Cake – What You’ll Need

Chocolate Ingredients:
  • Dark Chocolate: A rich and intense chocolate that provides deep flavor for the mousse.
  • White Chocolate: A smooth and creamy chocolate that creates a contrasting mousse layer.
  • Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the dark chocolate mousse.
  • Chocolate Chips: Used to create a smooth and glossy ganache topping.
Dairy and Fat Ingredients:
  • Cream, Butter, Buttermilk: Provide richness, moisture, and contribute to the cake's tender texture.
  • Egg Whites: Help create a light and airy cake structure.
Dry and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Flour, Sugar, Salt, Corn Syrup, Vanilla: Essential for balancing sweetness, texture, and adding complex flavor notes to the cake and ganache.
  • Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.

How to Create a Chocolate Tuxedo Cake

How to Create a Chocolate Tuxedo Cake

Step 1: Whip Up Dark Chocolate Mousse

Grab your dark chocolate and zap it in the microwave until smooth.

Stir cocoa powder into warm water, then blend with the melted chocolate.

Set this chocolatey mixture aside to cool down.

Step 2: Create Creamy White Chocolate Mousse

Melt white chocolate gently with heavy cream.

In another bowl, whip the remaining cream with sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks.

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture, creating a luxurious mousse.

Step 3: Chill Chocolate Mousses

Divide the whipped cream between your dark and white chocolate mixtures.

Gently fold each one until perfectly combined.

Pop both mousses into the refrigerator and let them chill and set for about 2 hours.

Step 4: Craft Decadent Chocolate Ganache

Pour cream into a saucepan and heat until it’s bubbling around the edges.

Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute.

Stir until silky smooth.

Mix in:
  • Butter
  • Corn syrup
  • Pinch of salt

Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter

Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Beat in butter until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs.

Add egg whites, then buttermilk.

Mix in oil and vanilla until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 34-37 minutes.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 7: Assemble The Tuxedo Cake

Layer the cake with alternating dark and white chocolate mousses.

Chill for 15 minutes to help the layers set.

Pour the cooled ganache over the top, letting it drip beautifully down the sides.

Step 8: Decorate And Serve

Add final decorative touches as desired.

Slice and serve this stunning chocolate masterpiece to wow your guests!

Tuxedo Cake Tips for Dark & White Chocolate

  • Use low microwave power and stir every 15 seconds to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing.
  • Chill bowl and whisk beforehand for faster, fluffier whipped cream with stable peaks.
  • Allow cake and mousse layers to cool completely to ensure clean, defined layers and prevent structural collapse.
  • Let ganache cool until slightly thickened but still pourable for perfect drip consistency and smooth coverage.
  • Prepare cake and mousse components a day ahead to streamline assembly and enhance flavor development.

Creative Twists for Tuxedo Cake Fans

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure safe preparation.
  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace cream with coconut cream. Substitute butter with vegan margarine for plant-based indulgence.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Treat: Use sugar-free dark chocolate, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
  • Keto Chocolate Sensation: Use erythritol instead of sugar, substitute flour with almond flour, and incorporate heavy cream for a low-carb friendly dessert that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

How to Serve a Tuxedo Cake with Style

  • Luxurious Dessert Plating: Slice cake on elegant white plates for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Party Presentation Flair: Dust chocolate shavings or cocoa powder around cake edges for dramatic visual appeal.
  • Decadent Companion Pairing: Serve with fresh raspberries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement rich chocolate flavors.
  • Elegant Beverage Match: Pair with espresso, port wine, or a smooth amaretto to enhance the cake's deep chocolate notes.

Chocolate Tuxedo Cake Storage

  • Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying and absorbing other flavors.
  • Carefully wrap cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks without losing texture or taste quality.
  • Separate slices with parchment paper before storing in airtight container. Keeps fresh in freezer for 1 month, maintaining mousse's creamy consistency.
  • Let cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften mousses and enhance chocolate flavors.

FAQs

  • How difficult is this Rich Chocolate Tuxedo Cake to make?

This cake requires intermediate baking skills. You’ll need to handle multiple steps like making two different mousses, preparing ganache, and layering carefully. Basic baking knowledge and patience are essential.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exact matches?

Yes, you can use alternatives. Replace buttermilk with milk+lemon juice, use regular chocolate if dark/white chocolate is unavailable, and swap corn syrup with honey in ganache. Always maintain similar fat and liquid ratios.

  • Why do I need to chill the mousses and cake during preparation?

Chilling helps set the mousse’s texture, stabilizes the layers, and prevents them from blending or becoming runny. It ensures clean, distinct layers and helps the cake hold its shape during final assembly and decorating.

Print
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Chocolate Tuxedo Cake Recipe

Chocolate Tuxedo Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luxurious chocolate tuxedo cake brings elegant layers of velvety dark and white chocolate mousse, creating a sophisticated dessert masterpiece. Chocolate lovers will delight in each rich, creamy slice that promises pure indulgence with harmonious flavor contrasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup egg whites (about 7 eggs)
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso (optional)

Chocolate Components:

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips

Cream and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 1/3 cups heavy cream, divided
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare dark chocolate mousse by melting chocolate and blending with cocoa-infused warm water. Separately, melt white chocolate with cream, creating a smooth base.
  2. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Divide whipped cream, gently folding half into dark chocolate mixture and remaining half into white chocolate mixture.
  3. Refrigerate both mousses for 2 hours to set and develop rich, velvety textures.
  4. Create ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour over chocolate chips and let rest for 60 seconds.
  5. Stir ganache until glossy and smooth. Incorporate butter, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Allow to cool to room temperature.
  6. Prepare cake batter by combining dry ingredients. Integrate softened butter until mixture resembles coarse sand.
  7. Blend in egg whites, followed by buttermilk. Mix in oil and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 34-37 minutes. Cool cake completely on wire rack.
  9. Assemble cake by layering dark and white chocolate mousses alternately. Chill for 15 minutes to stabilize layers.
  10. Drizzle cooled ganache over cake, allowing it to cascade elegantly down the sides. Decorate as desired and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Melt chocolate gently to prevent seizing, using 50% power in microwave and stirring every 30 seconds.
  • Ensure cream is cold before whipping for maximum volume and stability, using chilled bowl and beaters.
  • Create distinct layers by carefully spreading mousses, using a spatula and chilling between each layer to maintain separation.
  • Substitute cake flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 37 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 55 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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