Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your friends and family, then this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is just what you need! It’s rich, decadent, and oh-so-chocolatey. This cake has layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious dark and white chocolate mousses, and a glossy ganache on top. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy family gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
What makes this recipe so special is its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The light and airy mousses perfectly contrast with the dense chocolate cake. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option! You can prepare it in advance and let it chill until you’re ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: Each bite offers a heavenly mix of chocolate flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers make it perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to wow your guests.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this cake in advance and chill. It tastes even better after resting!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! This cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. You may already have some of these staples in your pantry!
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (128g) sour cream, room temperature
- ½ cup (110g) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
For the Chocolate Mousses
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3.5 oz (100g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 4.5 oz (130g) white chocolate, finely chopped
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 5 oz (140g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you might consider:
- Add Fruit Layers: Incorporate fresh berries or banana slices between the mousse layers for a fruity twist.
- Try Different Chocolates: Experiment with milk or dark chocolate instead of the specified types for varied flavors.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts between the layers for an added texture and flavor boost.
- Flavor Infusion: Infuse the cream with orange zest or mint for an exciting flavor profile.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Greasing and lining two 8-inch round cake pans ensures that your cakes come out easily without sticking. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking combines these dry ingredients evenly.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your cake. Combine these wet ingredients with the dry ones until fully blended—no lumps allowed! Lastly, dissolve espresso powder in hot water before adding it to the batter; this enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake them for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely in their pans afterward; cooling helps retain moisture and makes leveling easier if needed.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Mousses
While your cakes cool down, let’s whip up those delicious mousses! Start by placing chopped dark and white chocolates into separate bowls. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale; this will create a rich custard base.
Heat half of your heavy cream with vanilla over medium-low heat until steaming—don’t let it boil! Gradually drizzle this hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly; this technique prevents curdling. Pour back into a saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
Pour half over each type of chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Finally, whip remaining cream to stiff peaks before folding into both mixtures gently—this creates that lovely light texture!
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place one layer of cooled cake at the bottom of a cake ring on your serving plate. Spread an even layer of dark chocolate mousse on top followed by white chocolate mousse—how pretty! Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes so those layers can set nicely before adding the second layer of cake on top.
Let it chill again for at least four hours—or overnight if you can wait! This longer chilling time allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache
To finish off our masterpiece with ganache perfection: Heat cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Pour over chopped milk chocolate; allow sitting for one minute before stirring until smooth and shiny—it should look irresistible!
Once cooled slightly so it thickens up just enough to spread well but still flows nicely when poured over your chilled cake—this is key for that gorgeous finish!
Step 6: Decorate
Spread that luscious ganache generously over your beautiful chilled cake allowing it to drip down gently at the edges if desired. Finally—get creative here! Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles to add extra flair before refrigerating until ready to serve.
And there you have it—a stunning Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake that’s sure to delight everyone who takes a slice! Enjoy every rich bite!
Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Creating a stunning Tuxedo Cake can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your baking game!
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature helps to create a smoother batter and results in a more even bake.
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Sift Dry Ingredients Well: By sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients together, you eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents, leading to a lighter cake.
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Quality Chocolate Matters: Opt for high-quality chocolate for both the mousses and ganache. Better chocolate will enhance the overall flavor of the cake, making each bite an indulgent experience.
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Don’t Rush Cooling: Allowing the cakes to cool completely before assembling is crucial. It prevents melting the mousse layers and ensures stability when cutting into slices.
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Chill Between Layers: Chilling each mousse layer before adding the next cake layer helps to set everything perfectly and creates distinct layers that look beautiful when sliced.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Presenting your Tuxedo Cake with flair can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to showcase this decadent dessert beautifully.
Garnishes
- Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of dark or white chocolate shavings on top adds a touch of elegance while enhancing the chocolate theme.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries not only provide a pop of color but also add a refreshing contrast to the rich mousse.
- Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves placed strategically around the cake can infuse a hint of freshness and brighten up its appearance.
Side Dishes
- Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and fluffy coconut cream complements the rich flavors of the cake without overwhelming it. Simply whip coconut cream until soft peaks form for a delicious topping.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors of chocolate beautifully. The subtle bitterness acts as an amazing counterbalance to the sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with this dessert. Its smoothness contrasts nicely with the texture of the mousse layers.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the cake while adding vibrant colors on your dessert table.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is sure to impress at any gathering! Enjoy every moment spent baking and sharing this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the day of your event.
Storing Leftovers
- Item: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container.
- Item: Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Item: Ensure the cake is covered with plastic wrap if not in a container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- Item: Wrap individual slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap.
- Item: Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Item: Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
- Item: For chilled slices, simply let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Item: If you’d like to warm them up, use a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat as it may affect the mousse texture.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delightful dessert!
Can I make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, which allows the flavors to develop even more.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake?
You can use coconut cream or whipped coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative. For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half; however, note that it will affect the mousse’s richness.
How long does Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake last in the fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container, this cake can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator before it starts losing its quality.
Can I use different types of chocolate for this cake?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet or different brands of dark chocolate, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake as much as I do! It’s truly a show-stopper for any occasion and brings together rich chocolate flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy baking!
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Indulge in the luxurious layers of our Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, a dessert that will steal the show at any gathering. This decadent creation features moist chocolate cake layered with airy dark and white chocolate mousses, all topped with a glossy ganache. Perfect for celebrations or intimate family dinners, this cake not only pleases the palate but also delights the eyes with its elegant presentation. Prepare it in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal choice for busy occasions. Get ready to impress your guests and loved ones with this rich chocolate masterpiece!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 4.5 oz white chocolate, finely chopped
- 5 oz milk chocolate, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Dissolve espresso powder in hot water; add to batter until well mixed.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For the mousses: Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch. Heat half heavy cream with vanilla; drizzle into egg mixture while whisking.
- Cook until thickened; pour over chopped chocolates. Stir until smooth and fold in whipped cream.
- Assemble by layering cake with dark mousse, white mousse, and cooled cakes; chill for at least four hours.
- For ganache: Heat cream until steaming; pour over chopped milk chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Spread ganache over chilled cake and decorate as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 391
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 62mg