Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that will impress everyone at your next gathering, look no further than this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes! With its layers of rich chocolate cake, velvety mousse, and glossy ganache, it’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or even just a cozy family night at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become one of my all-time favorite recipes!

This cake brings together the deep flavors of dark chocolate and the sweetness of white chocolate, creating a delightful balance that truly makes every bite special. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: Each layer of chocolate offers a unique taste and texture that will leave your guests raving.
• Impressive presentation: The beautiful layers and ganache topping make this cake look like it came straight from a bakery.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and chill; it’s perfect for busy days leading up to special occasions.
• Family-approved: Kids love the rich chocolate flavors while adults appreciate the elegance—everyone wins!
• Flexible layers: You can easily adjust the mousse flavors or decorations to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this scrumptious Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; these are all pantry staples that come together beautifully to make a 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or toppings to make it your own.

• Change up the chocolates: Use milk chocolate for both mousses if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
• Add fruit layers: Incorporate fresh berries between layers for a fruity twist that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Experiment with extracts: Swap out vanilla extract for almond or orange extract for an unexpected flavor surprise.
• Top with nuts: Add crushed nuts on top for added crunch and texture—walnuts or hazelnuts work wonderfully!

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. This ensures that your cakes come out perfectly without sticking! In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients well helps to evenly distribute everything before adding wet ingredients.

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Adding room temperature ingredients promotes better mixing and results in a fluffier cake! Combine these wet ingredients with the dry ones until fully mixed.

Now comes the secret weapon: dissolve espresso powder in hot water and pour it into the batter. This step enhances the richness of your chocolate flavor. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean from the center—your cakes are done! Let them cool completely before removing them from their pans.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousses

Place your chopped dark and white chocolate in separate bowls. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale; this is crucial as it will give body to your mousse! Heat one cup of cream with vanilla over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.

Slowly drizzle this hot cream into your egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly—it’s important to temper those yolks so they don’t scramble! Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat while whisking until thickened.

Now divide this custard between both bowls of chocolate. Stir until melted—how heavenly does that smell? Whip up another cup of cream to stiff peaks then fold half into each bowl of mousse gently so you keep all that airiness intact!

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Begin by placing one layer of cake at the bottom of a cake ring on your serving plate. Spread dark chocolate mousse over this layer evenly—this is where we start building those decadent levels of flavor! Carefully add white chocolate mousse on top before chilling in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set.

Once set, add your second layer of cake on top and chill again for at least four hours—or overnight if you can resist! This waiting time allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Heat another round of cream in a saucepan until steaming—again avoiding boiling! Pour this hot cream over chopped milk chocolate allowing it to sit for one minute before stirring until smooth. Letting ganache cool slightly thickens it up making spreading easier.

Spread ganache generously over chilled cake letting it drip joyfully down the sides. It’s like giving your cake an elegant tuxedo!

Step 5: Decorate

Garnish with fun toppings like chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles if you’re feeling festive! Once decorated nicely—refrigerate until ready to serve.

And there you have it—a stunning Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake that will wow everyone around you! Enjoy every rich bite—it’s pure bliss on a plate.

Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Creating the perfect Tuxedo Cake is all about attention to detail and a little love in every step. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out just as delicious as you envision!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs, sour cream, and milk sit out before baking. Room temperature ingredients mix together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.

• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially with dry ingredients like flour and sugar.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light texture you want.

• Chill Between Layers: After adding each mousse layer, chilling the cake helps it to set up nicely. This step ensures that your layers maintain their shape when serving.

• Experiment with Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Chocolate shavings or fresh berries not only enhance the visual appeal but also add delightful textures and flavors.

How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Serving your Tuxedo Cake can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this stunning dessert beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chocolate Shavings: A classic choice! Use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar for elegant curls that will catch the eye.
• Fresh Berries: Add some raspberries or strawberries on top for a pop of color and a tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and complements the mousse perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavors of your cake, creating a delightful contrast.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cake. Choose seasonal fruits for an extra burst of flavor.
• Coffee or Espresso: Serving coffee or espresso alongside enhances the chocolate experience while providing a warm beverage option for your guests.
• Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce on the plate adds an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake will not only taste divine but also look absolutely stunning on any dessert table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is not only a showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare parts of this delightful dessert ahead of time, making it easier to serve when you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If the ganache becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply slice and serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake:

Can I make this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chocolate cake layers and mousse ahead of time. Just assemble and chill before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

What if I don’t have espresso powder for the cake?

If you don’t have espresso powder, you can substitute it with instant coffee granules. This will give your chocolate cake that extra depth without changing the flavor profile significantly.

How do I fix a runny mousse?

If your mousse seems too runny, consider chilling it longer to help it set. If needed, you can re-whip the cream before folding it into the chocolate mixture to ensure a fluffy consistency.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate options if you’re looking for alternatives that suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to create this stunning Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake! It’s a delightful dessert that brings together rich flavors and elegant presentation, making any occasion feel special. Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing this treat with loved ones. Happy baking!