If you’re a chocoholic like me, prepare to fall head over heels for this indulgent Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe. Imagine layers of rich dark chocolate, creamy milk chocolate, and silky white chocolate mousse perfectly stacked between moist, tender chocolate cake rounds. This dessert is pure decadence with a sophisticated balance of flavors and textures that will wow your family, friends, or anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a day craving something extraordinary, this cake delivers a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes even better than it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that are easy to find, but each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and creating that dreamy texture. From the cocoa in the cake to the fresh cream in the mousse, every element is essential to making this cake truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a delicate crumb for the cake layers.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a perfect lift and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavors, balancing sweetness wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both cake and mousses just right without overpowering.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and help the cake rise evenly.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The backbone of that deep chocolate taste in the cake.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and brightness that accentuate the chocolate.
- Dark, milk, and white chocolate: The stars of the mousses, each providing a unique chocolate layer.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, crucial for light mousse texture.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly greasing and flouring two 8-inch round cake pans ensures your cake layers will release easily without any sticking mishaps, giving you perfect rounds for assembling your mousse layers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This dry mix will give your cake the structure it needs while balancing out the sweetness and moisture of later ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring your cake has that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs, Cocoa, and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract, blending everything until smooth and aromatic — it’s when your kitchen starts to smell like heaven.
Step 5: Combine Flour Mixture and Milk
Add the flour mixture gradually, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined each time. This careful folding keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, leading to moist cake layers that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, prepping them for the luscious mousse layers.
Step 7: Make the Dark Chocolate Mousse
Melt the dark chocolate gently and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t curdle your cream. Whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold in the melted chocolate. This airy mousse adds rich depth to your cake’s first layer.
Step 8: Prepare the Milk Chocolate Mousse
Repeat the process with the milk chocolate: melt, cool slightly, then fold it into whipped sweetened cream. This middle mousse layer adds smooth sweetness that perfectly complements the darker mousse below.
Step 9: Finish with White Chocolate Mousse
Finally, melt the white chocolate and fold it into whipped cream and sugar. This light, creamy topping contrasts beautifully with the richer layers beneath and gives the cake its signature ‘tuxedo’ elegance.
Step 10: Assemble Your Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly on top. Add the second cake layer, then spread the milk chocolate mousse. Pop the cake into the fridge to set for about an hour. Afterward, finish by spreading the white chocolate mousse over the top and chilling for at least two more hours, so all those flavors meld into one stunning dessert.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls over the top to add texture and elegant visual interest. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries bring a pop of color and a bright, fruity counterpoint to the rich chocolate.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream enhances the creaminess and adds a cool contrast. You could also offer freshly brewed coffee or a bold red wine to complement the chocolate’s intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake with a hot, clean knife for neat layers, then plate each piece with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a dusting of cocoa powder. For a festive touch, serve on elegant cake stands or alongside edible flowers to elevate presentation for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container to preserve the mousse’s delicate texture. This cake will stay delicious for up to 3 days, giving you more chances to enjoy its luscious layers.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the perfect mousse texture.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating. Allowing it to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing can help soften the mousse slightly for easier cutting and enhanced flavor release.
FAQs
Can I make the individual components ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers the day before and prepare each mousse separately to save time. Just keep everything refrigerated until assembly.
What if I don’t have all three types of chocolate?
The recipe is most effective with all three chocolates for that true tuxedo effect, but you can substitute with just dark and milk chocolate or increase one type to fill. Expect a different but still delicious flavor profile.
How can I ensure the mousses are light and airy?
Use cold heavy cream and whip it just until stiff peaks form to avoid overwhipping. Gently fold in melted chocolate when it’s cooled but still fluid to maintain the mousse’s airy texture.
Is this cake suitable for beginners?
Yes! While it seems sophisticated, the steps are straightforward, and the results are impressive. Just follow each step carefully, and your effort will pay off in a stunning dessert.
Can I use a different cake size or pan shape?
Of course! Just adjust baking time accordingly. Smaller pans will bake faster; larger pans will take longer. The key is checking with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves chocolate in all its forms. It’s a beautiful dessert that feels fancy but is simple enough to make at home, producing a slice of joy loaded with rich, creamy chocolate layers. Treat yourself and your loved ones soon — this cake will surely become your new favorite go-to for special moments!
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Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This elegant Tuxedo Cake is a decadent triple chocolate mousse cake featuring layers of dark, milk, and white chocolate mousse atop moist cocoa-infused cake layers. Perfect for chocolate lovers, the cake combines rich flour-based cake with airy, creamy mousses to create a luxurious dessert suitable for special occasions.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dark Chocolate Mousse
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Milk Chocolate Mousse
- 4 oz milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
White Chocolate Mousse
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the milk to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dark Chocolate Mousse: Melt the dark chocolate gently, and allow it to cool slightly. Whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the melted dark chocolate into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Milk Chocolate Mousse: Repeat the mousse process with the milk chocolate: melt, cool slightly, whip heavy cream and sugar to stiff peaks, and fold in the melted milk chocolate.
- Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse: Similarly, melt the white chocolate, cool slightly, whip cream and sugar to stiff peaks, and fold in the white chocolate until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread evenly with the dark chocolate mousse. Top with the second cake layer and spread the milk chocolate mousse on top. Refrigerate the cake until set, about 1 hour. Then spread the white chocolate mousse over the top layer and chill until fully set, about 2 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure that the melted chocolate is cooled slightly before folding into whipped cream to prevent curdling.
- For best results, chill the mousse layers properly to maintain structure and texture.
- You can prepare the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor in the mousse layers.
- The cake is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
