Description
Tuxedo Cake is an elegant triple chocolate mousse dessert featuring moist chocolate cake layers, rich dark and white chocolate mousses, and a glossy dark chocolate ganache finish. This decadent cake combines smooth textures and intense chocolate flavors, perfect for special occasions or chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (50g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (128g) sour cream
- ½ cup (110ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
Dark Chocolate Mousse
- 200g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
White Chocolate Mousse
- 200g white chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Chocolate Ganache
- 200g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, espresso powder if using, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Incorporate Hot Water: Stir in the hot water gradually until the batter is smooth and thin in consistency, which helps create a moist cake.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake Layers: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
- Prepare Dark Chocolate Mousse: Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave and allow it to cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
- Combine with Cream: Warm the heavy cream until just about to simmer. Slowly pour the warm cream over the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
- Add Melted Chocolate: Stir the melted dark chocolate into the egg and cream mixture until fully combined.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Whip additional heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold it into the chocolate mixture to create a light mousse texture.
- Prepare White Chocolate Mousse: Repeat the same mousse preparation steps using white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a delicate contrast.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled chocolate cake layer on a serving platter. Evenly spread the dark chocolate mousse on top, followed by a layer of the white chocolate mousse.
- Add Second Layer: Carefully place the second chocolate cake layer over the mousse layers, pressing gently to set.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the mousse to firm up.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until scalding hot, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Apply Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the chilled cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides for an elegant finish.
- Decorate: Once the ganache has set, decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, curls, or fresh berries to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
- The mousses should be folded gently to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting the mousse.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.