Tuxedo Cake
Imagine this: a stunning cake that marries the richness of chocolate with the creaminess of white chocolate. That’s precisely what Tuxedo Cake offers—a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. With its layers of dark chocolate cake and white chocolate mousse, every bite is a delightful experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or just a weekend treat, Tuxedo Cake is the perfect showstopper that’s easier to make than you might think.
Top Reasons to Make Tuxedo Cake

– **Visual Appeal**: The contrast between the dark and light layers creates a stunning presentation.
– **Decadence**: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy mousse makes for an indulgent dessert.
– **Versatility**: Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to dinner parties, this cake will dazzle your guests.
– **Flavor Profile**: With the dual chocolate flavors, this cake satisfies both dark chocolate lovers and white chocolate enthusiasts.
– **Layered Texture**: The lightness of the mousse complements the dense cake, creating a delightful contrast.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create this exquisite Tuxedo Cake, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm coffee
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch process
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before diving into the baking process, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: To ensure your batter is fluffy and well-mixed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for baking.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pans: For perfect cake layers.
- Spatula: For spreading frosting and mousse evenly.
- Double Boiler: For melting chocolate smoothly.
Tuxedo Cake — Do This Next

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your Tuxedo Cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm coffee, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Mousse
In a double boiler, melt the chopped white chocolate with the butter, stirring until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
In the same double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate. Once melted, let it cool slightly before adding the remaining heavy whipping cream. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of white chocolate mousse on top. Place the second layer on top and pour the chocolate ganache over the whole cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the assembled Tuxedo Cake for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the ganache to set. Once ready, slice and serve your decadent masterpiece!
No-Store Runs Needed

You might be surprised to find that many of the ingredients for Tuxedo Cake are likely already in your pantry. Here’s a quick list of what you might already have:
- Vegetable oil
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
Steer Clear of These
While making your Tuxedo Cake, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Avoid using Dutch process cocoa powder, as it can alter the cake’s flavor.
- Do not skip the chilling time for the mousse; it needs to set properly.
- Be cautious with oven temperatures; always preheat for even baking.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To ensure your Tuxedo Cake stays delicious for days, follow these tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats.
- Freeze layers separately if you plan to make the cake ahead of time.
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for semi-sweet and white chocolate, you can experiment with different types like dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
How long will the Tuxedo Cake last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Tuxedo Cake can last about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and assemble the cake a day or two before serving for convenience.
Is there a vegan option for Tuxedo Cake?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use plant-based cream and chocolate alternatives to create a vegan version.
Quick Weeknight Wins
If you love Tuxedo Cake, you might also enjoy these delightful desserts:
- Instant Pot Chocolate Cake – A quick and easy chocolate fix!
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies – Decadent and rich, perfect for any occasion.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to create this stunning Tuxedo Cake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! The process may seem involved, but with each step, you’ll be creating a dessert that’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Every layer of this cake tells a story of indulgence, and as you slice into it, you’ll find the perfect balance of flavors and textures. So, gather your ingredients, grab your tools, and let’s make a Tuxedo Cake that will steal the show at any gathering. Happy baking!

Tuxedo Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter - In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm coffee, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 2: Bake the Cake - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Mousse - In a double boiler, melt the chopped white chocolate with the butter, stirring until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache - In the same double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate. Once melted, let it cool slightly before adding the remaining heavy whipping cream. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Assemble the Cake - Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of white chocolate mousse on top. Place the second layer on top and pour the chocolate ganache over the whole cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Step 6: Chill and Serve - Refrigerate the assembled Tuxedo Cake for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the ganache to set. Once ready, slice and serve your decadent masterpiece!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats.
- Freeze layers separately if you plan to make the cake ahead of time.
