Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines elegance with indulgence, then this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is just the ticket! This delightful cake is layered with rich chocolate cake and airy mousses, making it a favorite for celebrations and cozy family gatherings alike. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just treating yourself on a busy weeknight, this cake brings joy to every occasion.
What makes this recipe extra special is its stunning appearance and delicious flavors. The combination of dark and white chocolate mousses creates a beautiful contrast that will impress your guests. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, so don’t worry if you’re not a baking expert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: Each bite of this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is filled with rich chocolate goodness that melts in your mouth.
- Impressive Presentation: The stunning layers of chocolate mousse make this cake look as good as it tastes—perfect for impressing guests!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy quality time with friends and family without last-minute stress.
- Fun for Everyone: Kids and adults alike will love digging into this delightful dessert, making it a hit at any gathering.
- Easy to Customize: With various options for toppings and flavors, you can put your own twist on this classic recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Gather these goodies to create your masterpiece:
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 things about this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is how flexible it is! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:
- Change the Chocolates: Swap the dark or white chocolate for different flavors like milk chocolate or even caramel for a unique twist!
- Add Some Fruit: Layer fresh berries between the cake and mousse for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Flavor the Cream: Infuse some orange or mint into the heavy cream for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Decorate Differently: Try using crushed cookies or nuts as a topping instead of shavings for added texture.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps incorporate air into the dry ingredients which results in a light cake.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to our cake.
Now mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones until fully combined. Don’t forget to dissolve the espresso powder in hot water; pouring it into the batter enhances that deep chocolate flavor! Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes. Be sure to check with a toothpick—the center should come out clean when it’s done.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousses
While your cakes cool down completely in their pans—this step is crucial—let’s whip up those luscious mousses! Place your chopped dark and white chocolates in separate bowls.
In another bowl whisk together egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale—this creates a nice base for your custard consistency. Next, heat one cup of heavy cream with vanilla until steaming but not boiling; slowly drizzle this into your egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents scrambling those eggs!
Return everything back to medium heat until thickened; we want it to bubble gently for about 1-2 minutes. Pour half over each type of chocolate and stir until melted smoothly. Then whip up that remaining cream to stiff peaks before folding half into each mousse mix—this lightens them up perfectly!
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer at the bottom of a cake ring on your serving plate. Spread that luscious dark chocolate mousse over it evenly before carefully adding white chocolate mousse on top. Chill these layers in the fridge for about 30 minutes so they can set.
Once firmed up nicely add that second layer of cake on top! Chill again but this time for at least 4 hours—allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
For our shiny ganache topping! Heat up some cream in a saucepan until steaming—remember not to boil it! Pour over those finely chopped milk chocolates letting them sit before stirring until smooth. Allow cooling slightly till thickened before spreading generously over your chilled cake—don’t be shy!
Step 5: Decorate
Finally comes my favorite part: decorating! Sprinkle some chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles on top as desired. Pop it back in the fridge until you’re ready to serve—it’s going to be hard not sneaking bites beforehand!
And there you have it—a stunning Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake ready to delight everyone who gets a slice! Enjoy sharing this creation with loved ones—it’s sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection!
Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Creating the perfect Tuxedo Cake can be a delightful adventure, and I’m here to help you every step of the way!
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Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using a kitchen scale for dry ingredients ensures precision, which is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cake.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures better incorporation of the ingredients.
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Chill Your Mousse Layers: Giving each mousse layer time to set in the fridge before adding the next helps maintain distinct layers and prevents them from mixing together.
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Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the dark chocolate mousse for a richer taste.
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Let the Ganache Cool Properly: Allowing your ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake will help it set beautifully without sliding off.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Presentation can elevate your Tuxedo Cake experience! Here are some ideas on how to make it shine at your next gathering.
Garnishes
- Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler on a block of chocolate to create delicate shavings that add an elegant touch.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries not only look fabulous but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.
- Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and an aromatic element that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate cake, making each bite even more indulgent.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream can enhance the cake’s richness without overpowering it, serving as a simple yet effective side.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light and colorful side that balances out the richness of the cake perfectly.
- Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serving with coffee or a soothing herbal tea complements the chocolate flavors while providing a comforting beverage option.
Your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is sure to be a showstopper! Enjoy every moment of creating and sharing this decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it impress with its stunning layers, but it also stores beautifully, making it an excellent dessert to make in advance.
Storing Leftovers
- Place any leftover cake in an airtight container.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you have leftover mousse, store it separately in the fridge and use within 2 days for the best texture.
Freezing
- To freeze the cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
Reheating
- If you prefer your cake at room temperature, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
- For a warm treat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you as you dive into making this delicious dessert!
Can I make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after it’s had time to chill. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How should I store Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute ingredients for this Tuxedo Cake recipe?
Yes! You can use non-dairy milk instead of whole milk and dairy-free alternatives for sour cream and heavy cream if needed.
What can I use instead of egg yolks for the mousse?
You can use a vegan custard powder or silken tofu blended until smooth as a substitute for egg yolks if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake brings joy to your kitchen! It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Enjoy every moment of creating this masterpiece, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any twists you add along the way. Happy baking!
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Indulge in the luxurious Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, a decadent dessert that showcases rich chocolate layers paired with airy chocolate mousse. This stunning cake features a delightful contrast between dark and white chocolate mousses, making it perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering. With its impressive presentation and melt-in-your-mouth flavors, this cake is sure to impress your guests, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare—ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Make this show-stopping dessert ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself on a weeknight, this Tuxedo Cake will bring joy to every moment.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 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
- 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). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in dissolved espresso powder.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for about 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the mousses: Heat heavy cream with vanilla until steaming; slowly mix into egg yolk mixture with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
- Pour over dark and white chopped chocolates separately; stir until smooth. Fold whipped cream into each mousse mixture.
- Assemble by layering the first cake with dark mousse, then white mousse. Chill for 30 minutes before adding the second layer of cake and refrigerating for 4 hours.
- Prepare ganache by heating cream and pouring over chopped milk chocolate; stir until smooth before spreading over chilled cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
