Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

The Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is the ultimate show-stopping dessert for any chocolate lover. Imagine layers of deeply moist chocolate cake enveloped in clouds of white and dark chocolate mousses, all smothered beneath a silky milk chocolate ganache. Each slice reveals a striking, tuxedo-like contrast of dark and light, making this cake as spectacular to look at as it is to eat. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this cake will win hearts (and taste buds) every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, yet each element plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap them—each has a special job, from building structure to bringing out the luxurious chocolate taste or that unmistakable creamy finish.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a balanced, tender cake crumb—measure carefully for best texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the mousse while locking in moisture for that irresistible softness.
• Cocoa powder: Gives the cake its deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners ensure your cake layers rise perfectly without becoming too dense.
• Salt: A pinch awakens all the other flavors, especially the chocolate.
• Whole milk: Adds richness to the cake—use room temperature milk for a smoother batter.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and lend structure to both cake and mousse; room temperature eggs incorporate better.
• Sour cream: Secret weapon for a super-moist crumb—don’t skip it!
• Vegetable oil: Makes the cake especially moist—it stays soft even after chilling.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances every layer, tying together the cake and mousse flavors.
• Espresso powder: Optional but highly recommended—it deepens the chocolate taste without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Hot water: Blooming cocoa in hot liquid amplifies flavor and gives the batter that ultra-smooth consistency.
• Egg yolks: Give the mousse gorgeous silkiness and richness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the mousse, ensuring it holds its delicate shape between layers.
• Heavy cream: The key to fluffy mousse and velvety ganache—choose good quality for best results.
• Dark chocolate: For a deeply decadent mousse layer—use a good quality bar if possible.
• White chocolate: Contrasts beautifully with the dark chocolate, both visually and in flavor.
• Milk chocolate: The star of the ganache, for a glossy finish and creamy bite.

How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This important step will ensure your cake slips out effortlessly—and keeps those layers pristine when it’s time to assemble the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps keep the crumb light while making sure the cocoa is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough! Dissolve the espresso powder in hot water, then pour it into the batter and whisk until the mixture is even, thin, and pourable. The batter will be quite loose, and that’s exactly what creates such a moist crumb.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Divide the batter equally between your prepared pans and bake for around 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans; this helps lock in moisture. Once completely cool, turn them out and, if desired, slice each cake in half horizontally for more dramatic mousse layers.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Mousses

For the white and dark chocolate mousses, begin by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. In a saucepan, heat half of the cream until just simmering, then slowly whisk it into the yolk mixture—this tempers the eggs. Return to the pan and cook until thickened. Divide this custard in half, then stir the dark chocolate into one bowl and the white chocolate into the other, mixing until melted and smooth. Once cooled, whip the remaining cream to soft peaks, then gently fold half into each chocolate mixture to create your airy mousse layers.

Step 6: Assemble the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of dark chocolate mousse, followed by a cake layer, then white chocolate mousse, and repeat as desired (depending on how many cake layers you created). Make sure to keep an eye on your layers for that gorgeous tuxedo stripe effect!

Step 7: Make and Pour the Chocolate Ganache

Chop the milk chocolate finely and combine it with hot heavy cream in a small bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the top of your assembled cake, letting it drip luxuriously down the sides for that professional bakery look.

How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Garnishes

This cake already looks spectacular with its layered appearance, but for an extra flourish, decorate the top with chocolate curls, white and dark chocolate shavings, or even fresh raspberries. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a dusting of powdered sugar can add that final touch of elegance to your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Side Dishes

Since the cake itself is rich and decadent, I love serving it with something light and refreshing. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, or a handful of tart berries. These sides balance the sweetness and provide a delicious contrast to the velvety chocolate layers.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, serve each slice on a plate drizzled with chocolate or raspberry sauce. For special occasions, top each piece with a spun sugar tuft or edible gold leaf. Even in simple settings, bringing out the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake on a pretty cake stand elevates the experience and puts all eyes on your creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. The mousse layers will stay luscious and the ganache perfectly smooth for up to four days. For best flavor and texture, bring slices to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the fully assembled Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place slices in airtight containers. It will keep beautifully for up to a month. Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

While this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, if you want to slightly soften the ganache and mousse, let individual slices stand at room temperature for 30–40 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may melt the mousse layers and disturb the texture.

FAQs

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake your cake layers up to two days in advance, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll be ready and waiting when you’re set to assemble the rest of your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Do I need to use three types of chocolate?

Part of the magic of this cake is the contrast between dark, white, and milk chocolate. If you’re missing one, you can substitute with a similar variety, but for the classic Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake look and taste, all three chocolates really make it memorable.

How do I get perfectly smooth mousse layers?

The secret is to let your custard base and melted chocolate cool before folding in the whipped cream. Use a gentle hand and a spatula to fold, not stir, keeping things as airy as possible for that cloud-like mousse.

What if I don’t have two cake pans?

No worries! Bake one layer at a time, or use a larger pan and slice the cake horizontally. Just make sure each portion cools fully before adding mousse—it keeps everything neat and stable.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your cocoa and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten, and you’ll have a Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake that everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

No celebration is too big or too small for the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. With its bold layers, creamy mousses, and luscious ganache, this cake is pure chocolate joy! Whether you bake it for a party, or as a treat for yourself, I hope you’ll fall in love with every decadent bite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at just how stunning and delicious homemade cake can be!

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