Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your friends and family, then you’ve come to the right place! This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is my go-to recipe for celebrations, cozy gatherings, or just a special treat at home. With its rich layers of chocolate cake and velvety mousse, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple family dinner, this cake brings smiles and joy to any occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s dive into this delicious journey together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: The combination of dark and white chocolate mousses creates an irresistible flavor contrast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this cake in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).
- Beautiful Presentation: This cake looks stunning on any table, making it perfect for special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these wholesome ingredients in your pantry!

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that pack in the flavor. Don’t worry; they’re easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:
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 Tuxedo Cake is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Change up the chocolates: Use different types of chocolate like semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the ganache.
- Add fruit: Layer in some fresh raspberries or strawberries between the mousse layers for a fruity twist.
- Try different flavors: Swap in flavored extracts like almond or orange for added depth.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
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 is essential to ensure that your cakes come out smoothly after baking. In a large mixing bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps aerate the mixture and prevents lumps.
In another bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients—eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla—until smooth. Mixing wet ingredients separately ensures an even distribution when combined with the dry ingredients. Once mixed well, add espresso dissolved in hot water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Divide this wonderful batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done. Allow them to cool completely before leveling them if necessary.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousses
While your cakes are cooling down, let’s whip up those luscious mousses! Begin by placing the chopped dark and white chocolates into separate bowls. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale and slightly thickened—this creates a rich custard base.
Now divide your heavy cream into two parts; one portion will be whipped later while you heat up the other part with vanilla over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling. Gradually drizzle this hot cream into your egg mixture while whisking constantly—this technique tempers the eggs so they don’t scramble!
Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens—about 1-2 minutes of boiling time will do! Pour half over each type of chocolate and stir until fully melted. Whip the reserved cream to stiff peaks and fold half into each mousse mixture until airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Place one layer of cake at the bottom of a cake ring on your serving plate or board. Spread that luscious dark chocolate mousse evenly over this layer—don’t be shy; make it generous! Next comes a careful layer of white chocolate mousse on top; chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes until set.
Once those mousse layers have set beautifully, add your second cake layer on top and chill again for at least four hours—or overnight if you can wait that long!
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
With everything chilled nicely now let’s prepare that glossy ganache! Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming—again no boiling! Pour this hot cream over chopped milk chocolate and let it sit for about a minute before stirring until smooth.
Let your ganache cool until it thickens slightly before spreading generously over your chilled cake top—let it cascade gently down the sides like magic!
Step 5: Decorate
Now comes my favorite part—decorating! Feel free to garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles for added flair. Refrigerate again if needed until you’re ready to serve.
And there you have it—a stunning Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake that will leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy every slice; you’ve earned it!
Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Creating the perfect Tuxedo Cake is all about attention to detail and a little bit of patience. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time!
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature helps them combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter cake.
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Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients not only eliminates lumps but also aerates them, leading to a fluffier cake.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light texture we’re aiming for.
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Chill Between Layers: Allowing each mousse layer to set in the fridge before adding the next ensures that they hold their shape well when you slice into the cake.
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Let Ganache Cool Slightly: For a perfect pouring consistency, let your ganache cool slightly after making it. If it’s too hot, it may melt your mousse layers instead of sitting beautifully on top.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Presenting your Tuxedo Cake in an appealing way can elevate its exquisite flavors even further! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dessert.
Garnishes
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Chocolate Shavings: A classic garnish that adds elegance; simply use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar to create delicate shavings.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a burst of color and tartness that complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.
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Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can brighten up your presentation and provide a refreshing contrast to the decadent mousse.
Side Dishes
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with chocolate cake; it provides a lovely temperature contrast as well.
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Whipped Coconut Cream: A dairy-free alternative that adds a light, fluffy texture and a hint of coconut flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
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Espresso Coffee: A cup of rich espresso serves as an excellent palate cleanser between bites while enhancing the chocolate experience with its deep flavors.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich Tuxedo Cake, balancing sweetness with tartness.
Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with your beautiful Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. Enjoy every slice!

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. Here’s how to store any leftovers and maximize freshness.
Storing Leftovers
- Place any leftover cake in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, cover any exposed cake layers with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Freezing
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
- There’s no need to reheat this cake; it’s best served chilled.
- If you prefer a warm slice, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making this delicious cake!
Can I make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two prior to serving. Just ensure it’s stored properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it.
How long does Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake last in the fridge?
When stored correctly, this cake will stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Just remember to keep it covered!
Can I substitute ingredients in Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk and yogurt instead of whole milk and sour cream for a dairy-free version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
What is the best way to decorate Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake?
You can use chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers for decoration. Get creative with your toppings!
How do I serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake?
This cake is best served chilled. Cut into slices and serve on dessert plates for an elegant presentation!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake as much as I do! It’s a showstopper that’s perfect for celebrations or just because you deserve something sweet. Remember, baking should be fun and rewarding, so gather your loved ones and create wonderful memories together! Happy baking!
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Indulge in the exquisite Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, a dessert that combines rich chocolate layers with velvety mousses for an unforgettable treat. This show-stopping cake features decadent dark and white chocolate mousses nestled between moist chocolate cake layers, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Perfect for any celebration or as a special indulgence at home, this cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. Impress your friends and family with its stunning presentation and delicious taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, divided
- 3.5 oz (100g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 4.5 oz (130g) white chocolate, finely chopped
- 5 oz (140g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients; add hot water mixed with espresso.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 35 minutes. Cool completely.
- For the mousses: Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch; heat half of the cream with vanilla until steaming. Pour into egg mixture while whisking; return to heat until thickened. Combine with dark and white chocolates separately.
- Fold whipped cream into each mousse mixture.
- Assemble by layering chocolate mousse on the first cake layer, followed by white mousse; chill for 30 minutes after each layer. Top with second cake layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Prepare ganache by heating remaining cream; pour over chopped milk chocolate until smooth.
- Spread ganache over chilled cake and decorate as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 423
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
