Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your friends and family, the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is a showstopper! This delightful cake layers rich chocolate cake with luscious dark and white chocolate mousses, all topped with a glossy ganache. It’s perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or even just a cozy night in when you want to treat yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved favorite in your household!
What makes this cake even more special is its versatility. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging after dinner, this cake fits right in. Plus, the combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: Each bite offers rich chocolate flavor from the cake and the smooth mousses.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just because, this cake shines at any event.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time, so you can enjoy your time with guests without rushing.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy items—just wholesome ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the assembly process for some memorable kitchen bonding.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this incredible Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
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! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:
- Add Some Fruit: Incorporate fresh berries between layers for a fruity twist.
- Change Up the Chocolate: Use different types of chocolate like semi-sweet or ruby chocolate for unique flavors.
- Try Different Creams: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make it dairy-free while keeping it indulgent.
- Mix in Flavors: Add a splash of almond or orange essence to the mousses for an exciting flavor profile.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
Start by preheating 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 all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into your dry mix—resulting in a lighter cake.
In another bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth. Adding these wet ingredients into your dry mix will create a lovely batter. Remember to dissolve espresso powder in hot water before adding it in; this enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly between the prepared pans. Bake them for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let them cool completely before turning them out onto a wire rack. If you want thinner layers of cake for added mousse filling later on, feel free to slice each layer horizontally.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Mousses
While your cakes cool down, let’s whip up those dreamy chocolate mousses! Start by placing chopped dark and white chocolates in two separate bowls. In another bowl whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until they are pale and slightly thickened—this will create a rich custard base.
Heat half of your heavy cream with vanilla extract over medium-low heat until steaming but do not boil. Gradually drizzle this hot mixture into the egg yolk mix while whisking constantly—this technique prevents cooking the eggs too quickly!
After pouring everything back into the saucepan and stirring until thickened and bubbly—about 1-2 minutes—you’ll divide this custard into two bowls over each type of chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth! Fold whipped cream into each mixture gently until fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or board inside a cake ring if you have one. Spread that delicious dark chocolate mousse over it evenly followed by white chocolate mousse on top. Chill this masterpiece in the fridge for about 30 minutes so it sets nicely.
Once set, add your second layer of cake on top and chill again for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait!
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache
For that gorgeous finish, heat up remaining heavy cream until steaming—again avoid boiling! Pour over chopped milk chocolate letting it sit for about a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy. Let this ganache cool down at room temperature until slightly thickened.
Spread it generously over the top of your chilled cake allowing some to drape down sides if desired; this adds elegance!
Step 6: Decorate
Finally—and my favorite part—you get to decorate! Top off your Tuxedo Cake with chocolate shavings or sprinkles for that extra flair. Refrigerate until ready to serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they take their first bite!
Enjoy every moment as you share this delightful dessert with loved ones!
Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Creating a decadent Tuxedo Cake can be a delightful experience, especially with these handy tips!
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother cake.
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Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients not only removes lumps but also aerates them. This leads to a lighter and fluffier cake texture.
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Chill Between Layers: Allowing the mousse layers to set in the fridge before adding more layers prevents them from mixing together, ensuring distinct and beautiful layers.
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Don’t Skip the Espresso Powder: Adding espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. It deepens the richness of your dessert!
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Let Your Ganache Cool Slightly: Allowing your ganache to cool before pouring it over the cake gives you a thicker consistency that spreads beautifully without running off the edges.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Serving your Tuxedo Cake is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.
Garnishes
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Mint Leaves: A few mint leaves not only look beautiful but also add a hint of freshness that balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the Tuxedo Cake, creating a classic dessert duo.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can provide a soft texture that complements the richness of the mousse.
- Fruit Compote: Consider serving with a warm fruit compote made from berries or cherries; their tartness will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
- Espresso or Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed espresso or coffee can enhance your dessert experience, bringing out deeper chocolate notes while providing a warm beverage to enjoy alongside.
With these serving suggestions and garnishing ideas, your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake will impress all who gather around your table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in its rich flavors anytime you want. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it at your leisure!
Storing Leftovers
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- For best results, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the ganache to prevent drying.
Freezing
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
- If you prefer your cake slightly warm, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat for about 10-15 seconds on low power, checking frequently to avoid melting the mousse.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake:
Can I make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake without eggs?
Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute. This will help bind the ingredients while keeping it delicious.
How long does Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake need to chill?
The cake should chill for at least 4 hours after assembly to ensure the mousse layers are fully set. Overnight chilling is even better!
What can I use instead of heavy cream for mousses?
You may substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or whipped coconut milk for a dairy-free option that still offers a rich texture.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various chocolates, such as semi-sweet or milk chocolate, according to your taste preferences.
Is Tuxedo Cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes! This stunning cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests with a decadent dessert.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness into your kitchen! The combination of rich chocolate layers and fluffy mousse makes this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake truly special. Enjoy making it and sharing with loved ones; it’s bound to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Indulge in a slice of pure bliss with our Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. This dessert features rich layers of moist chocolate cake paired with decadent dark and white chocolate mousses, all elegantly crowned with a glossy ganache. Perfect for any special occasion or simply as a delightful treat to savor at home, this cake will leave your guests asking for seconds. With its luscious textures and harmonious flavors, it’s bound to become a cherished recipe in your household. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this showstopper!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 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 the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients to create a batter. Dissolve espresso powder in hot water and mix in.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For the mousses: Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale. Heat half the heavy cream with vanilla; gradually mix into egg yolks.
- Pour back into saucepan; cook until thickened. Divide over dark and white chocolates separately; stir until melted and smooth.
- Fold whipped cream into each mixture gently until fluffy.
- Layer one cake round with dark mousse, then white mousse—chill for 30 minutes before adding second layer on top.
- Chill assembled cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For ganache: Heat remaining heavy cream; pour over chopped milk chocolate, let sit before stirring until smooth.
- Pour ganache over chilled cake; decorate as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg