Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that will impress your friends and family, then this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is just what you need! This delightful layered cake combines three rich and creamy chocolate mousses with a moist chocolate cake, making it a perfect treat for celebrations or just because. I love how this cake brings a touch of elegance to any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, an anniversary dinner, or a cozy family gathering.
What makes this recipe even better is its ease of preparation. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create this chocolate masterpiece. Plus, the layers can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy the moment without stressing out in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: Each bite is filled with deep chocolate goodness that melts in your mouth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mousse layers and cake days in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Impressive Presentation: The stunning layers make it a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore this rich dessert, making it great for gatherings.
- Easy to Customize: It’s simple to adapt this cake by switching up the flavors or decorations!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up this delicious Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. Don’t worry; these are pantry staples that most home bakers will have on hand!
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
One of the best parts about baking is experimenting with flavors! This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake can be easily customized to suit your taste.
- Change the Chocolates: Use different types of chocolate like milk or semisweet for unique flavor profiles.
- Add Fruit Layers: Incorporate fresh berries or fruit puree between the mousse layers for added freshness.
- Try Different Creams: Substitute flavored whipped cream or coconut cream for a fun twist on the traditional mousse.
- Decorate Differently: Use colorful sprinkles or edible flowers to bring more life and personality to your cake!
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Greasing ensures your cakes come out smoothly without sticking. In a large mixing bowl, sift together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps combine them evenly and aerates the flour for a fluffier cake.
In another bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Adding wet ingredients gradually helps prevent clumping when mixed with dry ingredients. Combine them until you have a smooth batter.
Dissolve espresso powder in hot water and incorporate it into your batter—it adds depth to the chocolate flavor! Divide this rich batter between prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes. The cakes are done when they spring back when lightly touched.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousses
While your cakes cool completely in their pans—this is crucial so they don’t crumble—let’s prepare those luscious mousses! Start by placing dark and white chocolates in separate bowls.
Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale; this creates a base for our custard-like mixture. Heat half of your heavy cream with vanilla until steaming but not boiling—this method gently infuses flavors without curdling.
Now comes the fun part! Slowly drizzle hot cream into egg yolks while whisking constantly—a technique called tempering that prevents scrambling. Return everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened; whisking constantly ensures even cooking.
Pour half of this custard over each type of chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Finally, fold in whipped cream until airy—this gives our mousses that light texture we love!
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Start by placing one layer of chocolate cake at the bottom of a cake ring on your serving plate. Spread that delightful dark chocolate mousse evenly over it; using an offset spatula helps achieve an even layer.
Carefully spread white chocolate mousse on top before chilling everything in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this helps set those mousse layers beautifully! Afterward, stack on that second layer of cake and chill again for at least four hours—or overnight if you can resist!
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
To top off our masterpiece with ganache goodness, heat heavy cream until steaming once more—do not boil! Pour it over chopped milk chocolate and let it sit before stirring until smooth; patience here leads to that glossy finish we want.
Once cooled slightly so it thickens up just enough to spread easily, pour over your chilled cake gently pushing ganache toward edges for an elegant drip effect.
Step 5: Decorate
Finish off with some fun garnishes! Whether it’s shavings from leftover chocolate or colorful sprinkles—get creative! Once decorated nicely, pop it back into the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is sure to wow everyone at your gathering—and trust me; they’ll be asking for seconds! Enjoy every delicious bite you’ve created with love!
Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Creating the perfect Tuxedo Cake may seem daunting, but with a few handy tips, you’ll have a stunning dessert that wows everyone!
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature helps them mix better and creates a smoother batter, resulting in a tender cake.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
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Chill Between Layers: Allowing the mousse layers to set in the fridge before adding the next layer ensures they hold their shape. This step is crucial for creating those beautiful layers when you slice into the cake.
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Make Ganache Ahead of Time: Preparing your ganache in advance allows it to cool and thicken perfectly. This means less stress when it’s time to decorate!
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Add Texture with Garnishes: Consider including chocolate shavings or sprinkles as garnishes. They add aesthetic appeal and a delightful texture contrast to each bite.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Presenting your Tuxedo Cake beautifully can enhance the overall experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve it that will impress your guests.
Garnishes
- Chocolate Shavings: Finely shaved chocolate from dark or white chocolate bars adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Adding fresh raspberries or strawberries provides a pop of color and a fruity contrast to the rich cake.
- Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add freshness but also make for an eye-catching garnish that brightens up your dessert presentation.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream offers a creamy balance to the rich flavors of the cake.
- Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is light and fluffy, complementing the chocolate beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a light contrast to the richness of the cake, making each bite more enjoyable.
- Espresso or Coffee: Serving slices alongside a hot cup of espresso or coffee enhances the chocolate flavors while providing a comforting finish to your dessert experience.
Now you’re all set to create and present this delightful Tuxedo Cake! Enjoy every sweet moment as you share this treat with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is perfect for meal prep! Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it an excellent choice for gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness.
- If you notice any condensation inside the container, place a paper towel between the cake and the lid to absorb moisture.
Freezing
- To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Alternatively, place a slice on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel before microwaving to retain moisture.
FAQs
Here are some common questions regarding this delectable dessert!
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake?
Yes! You can experiment with different types of chocolate. Just ensure that any substitute maintains a similar cocoa content for best results.
How long does it take to make the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake?
The total time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including preparation and baking time.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.
Is there a way to reduce sugar in this recipe?
You may reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes not only to sweetness but also to moisture and texture. Aim for no more than a 20% reduction.
Can I replace heavy cream in the mousses?
Yes! You can use coconut cream as an alternative for a dairy-free option. For best results, chill cans of coconut milk overnight and scoop out the solidified cream.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating this stunning Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake! With its luxurious layers of chocolate mousse and rich ganache, it’s truly a treat worth sharing. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this cake never fails to impress. Enjoy every moment of making it and tasting those delightful chocolate layers!
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Indulge in the luxurious layers of our Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, a dessert that promises to impress at any gathering. This elegant layered cake features rich dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and smooth milk chocolate mousses all nestled between moist chocolate cake layers. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a sweet treat, this showstopper is surprisingly easy to prepare. With make-ahead options and customizable flavors, you can focus on enjoying the celebration instead of stressing in the kitchen. Every bite will melt in your mouth, leaving your guests asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Global
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
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 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 oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Dissolve espresso powder in hot water and mix into batter. Divide between pans and bake for 35 minutes.
- While cooling cakes, prepare the mousses by whisking egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch; heat half the cream with vanilla.
- Temper egg mixture with hot cream; pour over chopped chocolates to melt them.
- Fold in whipped cream for lightness; layer dark mousse over one cake layer and white mousse over the other.
- Chill for 30 minutes; stack layers and refrigerate overnight if possible.
- Prepare ganache by heating heavy cream and pouring over chopped milk chocolate; stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over chilled cake; decorate as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
