Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
If you’re looking for an indulgent dessert that will impress everyone, then let me introduce you to my favorite treat: the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true! With rich chocolate cake layers and silky mousse filling, it’s perfect for celebrations or just when you need to treat yourself. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout dessert for family gatherings, birthdays, or even cozy weeknights at home.
What makes this cake so special is the way it combines different types of chocolate—dark, white, and milk—each adding its own unique character. The layers of creamy mousse create a stunning presentation that’s sure to leave your guests in awe. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your back pocket for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: Each slice delivers a perfect balance of moist chocolate cake and airy mousse that melts in your mouth.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love indulging in this sweet masterpiece together.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the mousse and ganache ahead of time, making assembly a breeze!
- Impressive Presentation: This cake looks as good as it tastes, making it ideal for special occasions where you want to wow your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; nothing too fancy here—just good old-fashioned baking staples that you probably already have at home!
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 Tuxedo Cake recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs while still keeping the essence of this delicious dessert.
- Add some fruit: Layer in fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries between the mousse layers for a refreshing twist.
- Switch up the chocolates: Experiment with different types of chocolates—try using semi-sweet or vegan chocolate alternatives if you prefer.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Coffee lover’s delight: Enhance the flavor by adding coffee liqueur or brewed coffee to the mousse for an extra kick.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Greasing and lining two 8-inch round cake pans is crucial because it ensures your cakes come out clean without sticking. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients helps evenly distribute them for a perfectly baked cake!
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Adding these wet ingredients creates a rich batter that holds moisture well. Now combine both mixtures until fully blended. Don’t forget to dissolve the espresso powder in hot water before pouring it into your batter—it adds depth to the chocolate flavor!
Divide your batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean! Allow them to cool completely before turning them out.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousses
Start by placing chopped dark and white chocolate in two separate bowls—you want them ready for melting later! In another bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until they turn pale; this step thickens our custard base.
Heat one cup of heavy cream with vanilla in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling. Gradually drizzle this hot cream into your egg mixture while whisking constantly. Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly—it should bubble gently but not boil too much.
Pour half of this custard over each type of chocolate until melted smoothly. Don’t forget to whip up that reserved heavy cream! Fold half into each chocolate mixture gently; this will give your mousses that light texture we all love!
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate or board inside a cake ring if you have one. Spread an even layer of dark chocolate mousse over this first layer and then carefully add white chocolate mousse on top before chilling for about 30 minutes. This helps set those luscious layers.
Once set, place your second cake layer on top—and don’t skimp on chilling time! Let it rest in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight if possible; this allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
For our finishing touch—the ganache! Heat cream until steaming but not boiling again. Pour it over chopped milk chocolate and let it sit for about one minute before stirring until smooth. The cooling ganache will thicken slightly as it sits at room temperature.
Spread that gorgeous ganache over your chilled cake with care—let it cascade gently down the sides for an elegant finish!
Step 5: Decorate
Finally! Time to decorate! Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles—you can even get creative with fresh fruits if you’d like! Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve this showstopper dessert.
And there you have it—a stunning Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake that’s every bit as delightful as it sounds! Enjoy every slice with family and friends—you’ve earned it!
Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Creating a stunning Tuxedo Cake is easier than you think! With a few handy tips, you can perfect this delectable dessert.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter cake.
-
Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients not only removes lumps but also aerates them, which contributes to a fluffier cake texture.
-
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and airy one.
-
Chill the Mousses Properly: Allowing the mousse layers to chill adequately gives them time to set properly. This step ensures that your cake maintains its shape when sliced.
-
Let Ganache Cool Before Spreading: Allowing the ganache to cool slightly before spreading it on the cake will prevent it from melting the mousse layers beneath and help create a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Presenting your Tuxedo Cake beautifully can make all the difference! Here are some delightful ideas for serving this indulgent treat.
Garnishes
- Chocolate Shavings: Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top for an elegant look that also enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the plate can provide a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream beside each slice adds a creamy texture that complements the mousse perfectly.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the richness of the Tuxedo Cake, adding another layer of flavor.
- Coffee: Serving your cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavors and provides a warm, comforting touch.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the dense chocolate layers, balancing out your dessert table.
- Mint Tea: For those who prefer something soothing, mint tea serves as an aromatic companion that refreshes the palate after indulging in sweet treats.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re sure to impress friends and family with your delicious Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and store it, so it’s ready to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth whenever the craving strikes.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- If you notice the mousse starting to separate, give it a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing
- To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Reheating
- This cake is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it.
- If you prefer a slightly softened mousse, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
If you have questions about making this decadent treat, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with a mixture of unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a commercial egg replacer. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly for moisture.
How long does Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake last?
When stored properly in the fridge, this cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different chocolate varieties. Just ensure they are suitable substitutes that will melt well, like semi-sweet or dairy-free options if needed.
What’s the best way to decorate my Tuxedo Cake?
Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries are wonderful options. Get creative with toppings that complement the rich flavors of the cake!
Final Thoughts
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is truly a showstopper that combines rich chocolate flavors with delightful textures. I hope you enjoy making this delicious dessert as much as I do! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake will surely bring joy. Happy baking!
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Indulge in the decadent delight of our Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, a rich and creamy dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering. This cake features luscious layers of dark, white, and milk chocolate mousse sandwiched between moist chocolate cake layers. Perfect for celebrations or an everyday treat, each slice offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. With its stunning presentation and easy preparation, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a showstopper that elevates any occasion.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (128g) sour cream, room temperature
- 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
- 5 oz (140g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
- 3.5 oz (100g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 4.5 oz (130g) white chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Dissolve espresso powder in hot water and blend into the batter.
- Pour into prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For the mousse: whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch. Heat cream and slowly mix into yolks. Cook until thickened; pour over chopped chocolate to melt.
- Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixtures for light mousse.
- Assemble by layering cake with dark chocolate mousse, then white mousse; chill for at least 4 hours.
- For ganache: heat cream and pour over chopped milk chocolate; let cool before spreading on the cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
