Perfect Tuxedo Cake Recipe with Chocolate Mousse Layers

Picture this: a towering masterpiece of rich, dark chocolate cake layers sandwiched between light, creamy chocolate mousse and topped off with a glossy ganache. The first time I made this tuxedo cake, the decadent aroma filled my kitchen—it was like walking into a chocolate lover’s dream. My family couldn’t wait to cut into it, and honestly, neither could I. One bite in, and we all paused, savoring the silky mousse, the moist cake, and the indulgent ganache. It was the kind of moment that makes you want to bookmark the recipe forever.

This tuxedo cake is the ultimate showstopper dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. It’s a dessert that feels fancy but wraps you in nostalgic warmth, like a big chocolatey hug. And let me tell you, once you nail this recipe, you’ll be the rockstar of every party, holiday gathering, or family dinner. Trust me—it’s worth every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Layers: The rich chocolate cake, fluffy mousse, and glossy ganache create a harmony of textures and flavors.
• Impressive Yet Approachable: Looks fancy enough for a wedding but is simple enough to make for a birthday or family dinner.
• Customizable: There are endless ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving kids, adults, or anyone in-between, this cake always gets rave reviews.
• Unbeatably Delicious: The layers melt in your mouth, giving you that “close your eyes and savor the moment” experience.

Let’s face it—there’s something magical about a cake that’s just as much about texture as it is about flavor. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times (in the name of research, of course), and every time, it’s been a hit. The light mousse contrasts beautifully with the moist cake, and the ganache ties everything together in the most luxurious way. It’s a dessert that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. You’re going to love it.

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create an unforgettable dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz (227g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 8 oz (227g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

If you don’t have some of these ingredients, don’t worry! You can substitute almond milk for whole milk, use gluten-free flour, or even try dairy-free chocolate for the mousse and ganache.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning tuxedo cake:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• An electric mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
• Offset spatula (optional, but helpful for frosting)
• Cooling racks

If you don’t have cake pans, you can make this recipe in a rectangular pan and cut it into layers. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed using an electric mixer until well combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth. It will be thin—that’s perfect!
3. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make the Chocolate Mousse: Heat the chopped semisweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the melted chocolate until fully combined.
5. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the chocolate mousse evenly on top. Add the second cake layer and spread the remaining mousse over it. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped bittersweet chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
7. Finish with Ganache: Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect. Smooth the top with an offset spatula if needed. Chill until the ganache is set.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your tuxedo cake turns out perfectly:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the cake, mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk ensures a smoother batter and even baking.
• Mousse Folding Technique: Be gentle when folding the melted chocolate into the whipped cream—this keeps the mousse light and airy.
• Chill Between Layers: Allow the mousse to set in the fridge before adding the ganache for clean, defined layers.
• Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, add a splash of warm cream. If it’s too thin, let it cool slightly before pouring.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to make this cake gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk for the cake, coconut cream for the mousse, and dairy-free chocolate for the ganache.
• Seasonal Twist: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between the mousse layers for a fruity touch.
• Flavor Customization: Stir a teaspoon of espresso powder into the cake batter for a mocha flavor, or add orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Single-Layer Option: Skip the layers and make this as a single-layer cake topped with mousse and ganache.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This tuxedo cake is best enjoyed chilled. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine for a truly indulgent experience.

Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to prevent drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. To reheat, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per slice (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g

Dark chocolate offers antioxidants that may support heart health, while the mousse layers provide a satisfying texture without being overly heavy. This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, and with simple substitutions, can be made gluten-free or dairy-free.

Conclusion

This perfect tuxedo cake with chocolate mousse layers is not just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the first slice to the last bite, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or treating yourself just because, this cake is always a good idea.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know your favorite ways to customize it. Don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you need an unforgettable dessert—it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.

Happy baking, and here’s to creating sweet memories!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers and prepare the mousse a day in advance. Assemble the cake and add the ganache a few hours before serving.

How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pans?

Grease your pans thoroughly and line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Just note that milk chocolate will result in a sweeter flavor compared to the rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate.

What’s the best way to cut the cake for serving?

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean slices. Wipe the blade between cuts for a neat presentation.

Can I substitute whipped cream for the mousse?

While you can use whipped cream, the mousse adds a richer texture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, lightly sweetened whipped cream can work as a shortcut.

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