Decadent Tuxedo Cake: A Luxurious Symphony of Dark and White Chocolate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Tuxedo Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers — an elegant masterpiece layered with rich dark chocolate cake, creamy white chocolate mousse, and velvety ganache. It’s the kind of cake that looks straight out of a bakery window but tastes even better made at home. Each slice offers a perfect balance of bittersweet depth and creamy sweetness, making it ideal for celebrations or when you simply want to impress. I once topped mine with chocolate curls and gold flakes for a party, and it was the talk of the table. With its stunning contrast of dark and light, this cake is as beautiful as it is indulgent.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

All-purpose flour – The base of your soft, moist layers.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds deep, dark chocolate flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda – Ensure a light, fluffy rise.
Salt – Balances and enhances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens and gives structure to the batter.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Buttermilk – Keeps the cake tender and moist.
Vegetable oil – Adds softness and moisture.
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and aroma.
Hot coffee (or hot water) – Intensifies the chocolate flavor.

For the White Chocolate Mousse

White chocolate chips or bar – The base for a silky-smooth mousse.
Heavy whipping cream – Adds volume and lightness.
Cream cheese (optional) – For extra stability and creaminess.
Powdered sugar – Lightly sweetens the mousse.

For the Dark Chocolate Ganache

Dark chocolate (60–70%) – Rich and glossy, the perfect finish.
Heavy cream – Creates a smooth, pourable ganache texture.
Butter (optional) – Adds extra shine and silkiness.

For Decoration

Chocolate curls, shavings, or sprinkles – For that elegant tuxedo finish.
Powdered sugar or cocoa dusting (optional) – Adds a professional touch.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until smooth. Slowly pour in hot coffee, stirring gently until the batter is glossy and thin (it should pour easily).

Divide evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse

Melt white chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese (if using) with powdered sugar, then fold in the melted white chocolate. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until smooth and airy. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming (do not boil). Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until silky smooth, then mix in butter if desired for added shine. Let cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of white chocolate mousse over the top, then place the second cake layer on top. Pour the ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a glossy finish.

Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to set the layers. Garnish with chocolate curls, shavings, or dust lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa for a tuxedo effect.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people. Preparation takes 30 minutes, baking 35 minutes, and chilling/assembly about 1 hour. Total time: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Variations and Customizations

Mocha Tuxedo Cake – Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the chocolate batter for a coffee kick.

Raspberry Tuxedo Cake – Spread raspberry jam or fresh berries between layers for a fruity contrast.

Salted Caramel Tuxedo Cake – Drizzle caramel between the layers or over the top of the ganache.

Triple Chocolate Version – Add a layer of milk chocolate mousse for an even more indulgent dessert.

Mini Tuxedo Cakes – Bake in smaller pans or as cupcakes for individual servings.

Oreo Tuxedo Cake – Fold crushed Oreos into the mousse for extra texture and flavor.

Vegan Tuxedo Cake – Use dairy-free cream, vegan chocolate, and egg substitutes for a plant-based version.

Nutty Tuxedo Cake – Add a layer of hazelnut or almond praline between the cake and mousse.

Whipped Ganache Topping – Let the ganache cool completely, then whip it for a lighter frosting texture.

White Chocolate Drip Design – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dark ganache for an elegant “tuxedo” look.

FAQs

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, bake them a day ahead, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature or refrigerate.

Can I use store-bought mousse?

Yes, but homemade mousse has a lighter texture and fresher flavor.

How do I keep the ganache glossy?

Add a small knob of butter or corn syrup while mixing.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

High-quality baking chocolate (60–70% cocoa) gives the richest flavor.

Can I make this as a sheet cake?

Absolutely — use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly.

How do I prevent dry cake layers?

Use buttermilk and don’t overbake — check doneness early.

Can I frost the sides completely?

Yes, double the mousse or ganache quantities for full coverage.

How long should the cake chill before slicing?

At least 1 hour, preferably 2, for clean, neat layers.

Can I use white chocolate ganache instead?

Yes — drizzle it alongside dark ganache for a stunning dual-chocolate look.

Conclusion

Decadent Tuxedo Cake is the definition of luxury — every layer tells a story of balance between dark richness and creamy sweetness. It’s elegant, show-stopping, and surprisingly achievable at home. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, this cake makes a lasting impression from the first glance to the last bite. With its glossy ganache, light mousse, and moist cake layers, this dessert truly earns its name — a sophisticated treat dressed to impress.

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