If you crave a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, then you must try the Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe. This stunning layered cake perfectly balances rich, dark chocolate cake with velvety dark and white chocolate mousses, all crowned with a glossy chocolate ganache. Each slice offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will captivate your senses and impress any crowd. Whether for a special occasion or a decadent treat, this cake is pure indulgence wrapped in elegant layers.

Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender chocolate cake base to the luscious mousses that make this treat truly unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: Forms the soft, tender foundation of the chocolate cake layers.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and mousses, balancing the deep cocoa flavors.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Provides rich, robust chocolate flavor with a smooth texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for a light, airy crumb in the cake.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
Sour cream: Gives the cake moistness and a slight tang that complements the chocolate.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist for days.
Espresso powder (optional): Enhances the depth of chocolate flavor without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate notes.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor layers.
Hot water: Activated the cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolaty batter.
Dark chocolate: The star of both the mousse and ganache, delivering deep, bittersweet indulgence.
White chocolate: Brings a creamy sweetness contrast in the mousse layer.
Heavy cream: Whipped into fluffy mousse and used to make the luxurious ganache.

How to Make Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking, then get ready to whisk together a luscious chocolate batter that will form the cake’s sturdy yet tender base.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a spacious bowl, sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. This ensures your cake layers will be light and uniform once baked.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add the milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, espresso powder, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or the cake might turn dense.

Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water

Slowly stir in the hot water; the batter will be thin but silky smooth. This step is critical because the heat drives out the cocoa’s full chocolate charm.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your cakes are ready to cool.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to reach room temperature. This prevents any breakage when assembling your dessert.

Step 7: Create the Dark Chocolate Mousse

Melt dark chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave, then set it aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy.

Step 8: Blend the Mousse Base

Warm the heavy cream (do not boil) and pour it gradually into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs and create a silky base.

Step 9: Mix in Chocolate and Fold Whipped Cream

Stir the melted chocolate into the cream and egg mixture, then gently fold in whipped cream until soft peaks form. This keeps the mousse airy and light.

Step 10: Make the White Chocolate Mousse

Repeat the dark mousse steps with white chocolate to create a set of two luscious, contrasting mousse layers that define your Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over it, then top with the white chocolate mousse, spreading gently to maintain those distinct layers.

Step 12: Add the Second Cake Layer and Refrigerate

Cap the mousses with your second cake layer, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so the mousses fully set and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 13: Pour the Chocolate Ganache

Heat the cream until scalding and pour it over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit before stirring until glossy and smooth. Cool slightly, then pour over the chilled cake, allowing it to cascade elegantly over the edges.

Step 14: Decorate Your Masterpiece

Once the ganache firms up, adorn your cake with chocolate shavings, berries, or your favorite edible accents, bringing your Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe to perfection.

How to Serve Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of cocoa powder, fresh raspberries, or a few chocolate curls can elevate the look and flavor profile, adding pops of color and complementary notes that delight the eye and palate alike.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for a refreshing contrast that cuts through the rich sweetness of the mousses and ganache.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dessert into mini individual servings by layering mousse and ganache in clear glasses or ramekins topped with cake crumbs for an elegant party presentation everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Tuxedo Cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to preserve its silky mousse texture and prevent the ganache from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge to retain the mousse’s creamy consistency and the ganache’s glossy finish.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If desired, let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the mousse slightly.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream in the cake layers?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as alternatives. Both provide moisture and the slight tang that complements the chocolate.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in the mousse?

The yolks are tempered with warm cream to reduce risks, but if you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs or try a cooked custard mousse method for extra safety.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking to create a delicious gluten-free version of this triple chocolate mousse cake.

How long does the mousse need to set before adding the next layer?

If you prefer cleaner layers, refrigerate each mousse for about 30 minutes before adding the next, but assembling it all at once and chilling overnight leads to perfectly melded flavors.

What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a smooth, glossy ganache with rich, balanced bitterness that complements the sweet mousses.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe the Tuxedo Cake: A Triple Chocolate Mousse Delight Recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire. It’s impressive yet approachable, decadent but balanced, and every forkful is a delightful journey through layers of chocolate bliss. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this dazzling creation — once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a showstopper!