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Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake | Elegant, Layered & Irresistible

If chocolate had a formal evening gown, it would be the Tuxedo Cake—an elegant dessert with alternating layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy mousse, and silky frosting. This Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake isn’t just a treat, it’s a showpiece worthy of weddings, anniversaries, and any celebration that deserves something extraordinary. Named for its contrasting colors—dark chocolate layers and white mousse filling—the Tuxedo Cake delivers a luxurious combination of textures. The bottom is a moist chocolate sponge, followed by a light and airy white chocolate mousse, then topped with a velvety dark chocolate mousse. Finally, a glossy chocolate glaze or frosting gives it that irresistible finish. Every bite is a perfect harmony of deep cocoa richness and light mousse fluffiness, making it a dream dessert for true chocolate lovers who also appreciate a touch of sophistication.
Prep Time 35 minutes
bake & chilling & Assembly time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 14 slices
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Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake Layer:
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • teaspoons baking soda
  • cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
White Chocolate Mousse:
  • 8 oz white chocolate chopped
  • cups heavy cream cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Dark Chocolate Mousse:
  • 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate chopped
  • cups heavy cream cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Chocolate Glaze/Frosting:
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy cream
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large, medium, and small)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling racks
  • Saucepan (for melting chocolate)
  • Heatproof bowls
  • Offset spatula
  • Springform pan (for mousse assembly, optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just combined.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Step 2: Make the White Chocolate Mousse
  1. Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short microwave bursts. Let cool slightly.
  2. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  3. Gently fold in melted white chocolate until combined. Refrigerate until needed.
Step 3: Make the Dark Chocolate Mousse
  1. Melt dark chocolate as above and let cool slightly.
  2. Whip cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  3. Fold in melted chocolate gently until mousse is smooth. Chill until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Tuxedo Cake
  1. Place one chocolate cake layer on a cake board or serving plate.
  2. Spread the white chocolate mousse evenly over the cake layer.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top.
  4. Spread dark chocolate mousse evenly on top, smoothing with a spatula.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Glaze
  1. Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate chips.
  2. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
  3. Pour glaze over the cake, letting it drip elegantly down the sides.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean layers.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted cake layers and mousse separately for up to 1 month. Assemble after thawing.
Reheating:
Not applicable—serve chilled for best texture.
🥄 Variations
Milk Chocolate Mousse Layer: Swap dark chocolate mousse for milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
Berry Tuxedo Cake: Add raspberries or strawberries between layers for a fruity contrast.
Nut Crunch: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds over the mousse layers.
Extra Glaze Drip: Double the glaze for a dramatic drip effect.
Mini Tuxedo Cakes: Assemble in mini springform pans for individual servings.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make the mousse ahead of time?
Yes—store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembly.
2. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, you can frost with whipped cream or buttercream instead.
3. What type of chocolate works best?
Use high-quality baking chocolate for the richest flavor.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—substitute gluten-free flour for the cake layers.
5. How do I cut clean slices?
Chill well before cutting and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
6. Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes—it will save time, but homemade gives a richer taste.
7. Can I make this without white chocolate?
Yes—use all dark or milk chocolate mousses for a double chocolate cake.
8. How do I keep mousse from deflating?
Fold gently and avoid overmixing once chocolate is added.
9. Can I make this as a sheet cake?
Yes—assemble in a rectangular pan instead of stacking layers.
10. Can I decorate with more than glaze?
Yes—pipe whipped cream borders or add chocolate curls on top.
🏁 Conclusion
The Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers who appreciate elegance in their desserts. With its alternating dark and light layers, it’s as stunning visually as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a wedding, anniversary, or simply to impress dinner guests, this cake is sure to be remembered long after the last bite.