Decadent Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your dessert game with this luscious Decadent Tuxedo Cake. This irresistible triple chocolate mousse cake features layers of rich chocolate cake, velvety dark and white chocolate mousse, and a glossy chocolate ganache glaze. Perfect for celebrations or as a show-stopping treat, this cake is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and heavenly flavors.

Anya Coleman

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2025-12-08T23:42:11.013Z

This Tuxedo Cake has been a family favorite for years. With its rich layers and elegant presentation, it is perfect for any special occasion.

Indulge in Layers of Flavor

The Decadent Tuxedo Cake is a true masterpiece of dessert craftsmanship. Each slice reveals a beautifully crafted blend of rich chocolate cake, dark chocolate mousse, and delicate white chocolate mousse. This tri-layered approach guarantees a symphony of flavors and textures, inviting your guests to relish every bite. The combination of dark and white chocolate adds depth, while the contrasting textures of fluffy mousse and moist cake create a delightful mouthfeel.

By skillfully combining these elements, this cake not only tastes heavenly but also boasts a visually striking elegance. From the deep, rich cocoa notes of the cake to the silky smoothness of the mousses, every component has been designed to enhance the overall experience, making it the centerpiece at any celebration.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or holiday, the Decadent Tuxedo Cake is sure to impress. Its sophisticated look coupled with luxurious flavors makes it an outstanding choice for gatherings where you want to showcase your culinary skills. Imagine presenting this stunning cake on your dessert table, garnering ooohs and aaahs from your guests as you slice into its gorgeous layers.

This cake is versatile too. You can serve it as a formal dessert or dress it down for a cozy family dinner. Either way, its rich combination of flavors and textures leaves a lasting impression, ensuring that your event will be remembered fondly.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, make sure to follow each step carefully, especially when preparing the mousses. The key is to incorporate air into the whipped cream and egg whites gently; this will create the light and airy textures that are essential for a mousse. Also, take your time when melting the chocolate to avoid burning. Using a double boiler method can be particularly useful for ensuring a smooth melt.

Allow the layers to cool completely before assembly, as this will prevent any melting or mixing of the mousses. Once assembled, give the cake a little time to set in the refrigerator before serving. This not only helps the flavors meld but also ensures cleaner slices, making for a more appealing presentation.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Dark Chocolate Mousse

  • 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
  • 2 cups heavy cream, divided
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the White Chocolate Mousse

  • 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 large egg white

For the Ganache

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Cake

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

In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water.

Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely.

Make the Dark Chocolate Mousse

In a heatproof bowl, melt dark chocolate. Allow to cool slightly.

In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.

Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate, then fold in the egg whites gently.

Make the White Chocolate Mousse

Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Allow to cool slightly.

In another bowl, whip the remaining cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until stiff.

Fold the whipped cream into the melted white chocolate, then fold in the egg white gently.

Assemble the Cake

Slice each chocolate cake in half horizontally. Place one layer on a serving platter, spread with dark chocolate mousse. Add another cake layer, then spread with white chocolate mousse. Repeat layers, finishing with the last cake layer on top.

Prepare the Ganache and Decorate

Heat cream to just boiling, pour over semi-sweet chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Pour ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

For best results, allow the cake to chill overnight for flavors to meld.

Storing Your Tuxedo Cake

If you have leftovers, the Decadent Tuxedo Cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within three to four days, as the freshness of the mousse and cake layers are at their peak during this time. However, this cake can also be frozen for longer preservation. To freeze, slice the cake and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. This way, you can enjoy a decadent treat at a moment's notice!

When thawing, place the cake slices in the refrigerator overnight to retain their textures. Avoid using a microwave, as it may ruin the delicate mousse consistency and compromise the flavors.

Pairing Suggestions

To enhance your dessert experience, consider pairing the Decadent Tuxedo Cake with a variety of beverages. A rich cup of coffee or espresso complements the chocolate flavors beautifully, bringing out the nuances in each layer. Alternatively, a glass of red wine, particularly a Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity Merlot, can elevate your dessert to a new level by balancing the sweetness of the cake.

For those preferring non-alcoholic options, a sparkling raspberry or cherry soda can echo the cake's richness while providing a refreshing contrast. With these pairings, your Tuxedo Cake experience will be nothing short of exquisite.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated.

→ What kind of chocolate should I use?

Use good quality chocolate for the best taste.

Decadent Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Elevate your dessert game with this luscious Decadent Tuxedo Cake. This irresistible triple chocolate mousse cake features layers of rich chocolate cake, velvety dark and white chocolate mousse, and a glossy chocolate ganache glaze. Perfect for celebrations or as a show-stopping treat, this cake is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and heavenly flavors.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time2 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Anya Coleman

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chocolate Cake

  1. 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 1 and 1/2 cups sugar
  4. 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

For the Dark Chocolate Mousse

  1. 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
  2. 2 cups heavy cream, divided
  3. 2 tablespoons sugar
  4. 2 large egg whites
  5. 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the White Chocolate Mousse

  1. 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  2. 1 cup heavy cream
  3. 2 tablespoons sugar
  4. 1 large egg white

For the Ganache

  1. 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  2. 1 cup heavy cream

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water.

Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 02

In a heatproof bowl, melt dark chocolate. Allow to cool slightly.

In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.

Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate, then fold in the egg whites gently.

Step 03

Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Allow to cool slightly.

In another bowl, whip the remaining cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until stiff.

Fold the whipped cream into the melted white chocolate, then fold in the egg white gently.

Step 04

Slice each chocolate cake in half horizontally. Place one layer on a serving platter, spread with dark chocolate mousse. Add another cake layer, then spread with white chocolate mousse. Repeat layers, finishing with the last cake layer on top.

Step 05

Heat cream to just boiling, pour over semi-sweet chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Pour ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 7g