“`html
If you have a passion for chocolate and want to impress your friends with something truly decadent, let me introduce you to the irresistible Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe. This show-stopping dessert layers rich dark, silky white, and smooth milk chocolate mousses between moist chocolate cake layers, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something spectacular, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the complex yet harmonious flavors and textures of the cake. From the cocoa powder that anchors the chocolatey foundation to the heavy cream that whips up those luscious mousses, each item is essential for that perfect balance of richness and lightness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the tender, soft crumb of the cake layers that hold the mousse beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and mousses, balancing chocolate’s natural bitterness.
- Cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor in the cake base with natural cocoa richness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Provide lift and lightness to keep cake layers fluffy yet sturdy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and amplifies the chocolate’s depth.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and tender richness to the batter.
- Large eggs: Bind the cake components, giving structure and silkiness.
- Sour cream: Creates a moist crumb and subtle tang to balance sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake luscious and soft, resisting dryness over time.
- Vanilla extract: Brightens all the chocolate notes with warm aromatic undertones.
- Espresso powder: Elevates the chocolate flavor intensity without tasting like coffee.
- Hot water: Helps dissolve cocoa, making the batter smooth and well-incorporated.
- Egg yolks: Provide richness and help stabilize the mousse texture.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the mousse for a perfect, silky consistency.
- Heavy cream: Divided for mousses and ganache, it whips into airy decadence.
- Dark chocolate, white chocolate, and milk chocolate: Each melts into its own luxurious mousse layer, creating the signature “tuxedo” contrast.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish option to lift the presentation with fresh green accents.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure your luscious cake layers pop out perfectly after baking. This preparation step is simple but crucial—you want your cake to come out clean and flawless for the mousse assembly later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these first ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa, which gives the cake its classic chocolate foundation. This stage sets the tone for a moist and tender crumb.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mixing them carefully avoids overworking the batter, which keeps your cakes tender and light.
Step 4: Add Hot Water and Bake
Slowly add the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth and silky. The hot water intensifies the cocoa flavor while helping to create a perfectly moist cake layer. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, then bake for about 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before moving onto the mousse layers.
Step 5: Prepare the Triple Chocolates Mousses
This is where your Tuxedo Cake gets its signature flair. Start by heating heavy cream gently in a saucepan. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl, then slowly combine them with the heated cream to create a silky custard base. Divide this mixture, melting and folding in dark chocolate for the first mousse, white chocolate for the second, and milk chocolate for the ganache. The technique results in three distinct, creamy layers with contrasting chocolate flavors and colors that delight every bite.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over the top and chill until set. Then add the second cake layer, spread the white chocolate mousse, and chill again. Finally, pour over the milk chocolate ganache, which adds the lustrous finishing touch to your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe. This layered assembly is the ultimate indulgence, showcasing the luxurious mousse textures and rich chocolate flavors.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley leaves or chocolate shavings on top add a fresh, elegant contrast to the rich layers of this cake. You can also dust a little cocoa powder or sprinkle some crushed nuts for extra texture that complements the smooth mousse.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate flavors. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also provide a vibrant pop of color and juicy tartness alongside the creamy cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake neatly and plate it with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce for an upscale touch. For added drama, you can serve individual mini versions using a ring mold, allowing each guest to enjoy their own perfectly layered portion of this divine Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake stays best when refrigerated, tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container, keeping the mousse fresh and the cake moist. It can last up to 3 days in the fridge without losing any of its luscious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe for longer storage. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the perfect mousse consistency.
Reheating
Since this cake is mousse-based, avoid microwaving or warming it as it will melt the delicate layers. Instead, serve it chilled or at room temperature for the ideal indulgent experience. The contrast of chilled mousse and soft cake is part of what makes this cake so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute non-dairy milk and coconut or soy-based cream alternatives, but keep in mind the texture of the mousse might be slightly different since dairy fats play an important role in richness and stability.
How long does it take to prepare the whole cake?
The total prep and cook time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes, plus additional chilling time for the mousse layers to set properly. Planning ahead ensures perfect results and less stress in the kitchen.
Can I use store-bought cake layers?
If you’re short on time, quality store-bought chocolate cake layers can be a shortcut. Just be sure they are dense enough to support the mousse layers without crumbling.
What is the best chocolate to use?
Choose good-quality baking or couverture chocolate for melting; they provide superior flavor and texture compared to lower-grade chocolates or chips. It truly impacts the taste of your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe.
How do I prevent mousse from curdling?
Tempering the egg yolk mixture with warm cream slowly and stirring constantly helps keep it smooth and luscious. Avoid overheating during melting the chocolate to maintain a creamy mousse.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, if you try this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe, you’ll find a new favorite dessert that combines elegance, intense chocolate flavor, and a texture contrast that’s nothing short of magical. It’s one of those recipes worth making again and again—because every slice is a celebration of chocolate in its finest form. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a cake that looks stunning and tastes even better!
“`
Print
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tuxedo Cake is an elegant triple chocolate mousse cake featuring moist chocolate cake layers paired with rich dark and white chocolate mousses. This dessert combines the deep flavors of dark, white, and milk chocolate, layered beautifully to create a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 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 whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- 1 cup hot water
For the Mousses
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate
- 4.5 oz white chocolate
For the Ganache
- 5 oz milk chocolate
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of rising agents and cocoa.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and espresso powder until smooth and well blended.
- Make Batter and Bake: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until combined. Then add the hot water slowly while mixing until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely.
- Prepare the Mousses: For the mousses, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering, then slowly whisk the hot cream into the yolk mixture to temper the eggs. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and divide into two portions. Melt the dark chocolate and white chocolate separately, then fold each into one portion of the custard. Whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form and gently fold half into each chocolate mixture to create the dark and white mousses.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over it, then add a layer of white chocolate mousse on top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set before adding the second cake layer and completing the layers similarly if desired.
- Make Ganache and Finish Cake: Heat ⅓ cup heavy cream until warm but not boiling, then pour over chopped milk chocolate; stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a luxurious finish. Garnish with fresh parsley if using, or decorate as preferred.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before assembling with mousse layers to prevent melting.
- Tempering the eggs correctly while making the mousse custard is essential to avoid scrambled eggs texture.
- Chilling between layers helps set the mousse for easier layering and cutting.
- The parsley garnish is optional and can be replaced with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for decoration.
- This cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours of assembly.
