If you’re craving an indulgent dessert that is both elegant and irresistibly rich, then let me introduce you to the magic of the Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe. This stunning cake layers moist chocolate cake with three luscious mousses—dark, milk, and white chocolate—creating a harmonious dance of flavors and textures that delights every chocolate lover’s heart. Whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to enjoy a decadent treat, this cake promises to impress your guests and satisfy your sweetest cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this show-stopping Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is surprisingly straightforward with simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from building the tender cake layers to delivering silky mousse textures and that unmistakable chocolaty aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake structure, providing lightness and crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the cocoa powder to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moistness and smooth richness to the cake batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and tenderizes the cake crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep, intense chocolate flavor to the cake.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps combine ingredients evenly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and enhances all chocolate notes.
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped: For your luscious dark chocolate mousse—choose quality chocolate for best flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream (for each mousse layer): Essential for light, airy mousse with a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (per mousse layer): Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the rich chocolate.
- 4 oz milk chocolate, chopped: The heart of the milk chocolate mousse, offering creamy and gentle chocolate notes.
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped: The star of the white chocolate mousse, providing velvety sweetness and contrast.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Start your journey by preheating the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. This preparation ensures your chocolate cakes will slide out cleanly and maintain their perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation for your cake’s texture, ensuring each bite is tender yet structured enough to hold those delicious mousse layers.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Add Eggs
In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, almost like a cloud. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated for smooth, even batter.
Step 4: Combine Cocoa, Vanilla, and Milk
Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and milk, stirring just until everything is combined. Be gentle here—you want to keep the batter light and airy!
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing out the tops. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
Step 6: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Mousse
Melt your chopped dark chocolate gently and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the cooled melted chocolate. This mousse will be silky-smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Step 7: Make the Milk Chocolate Mousse
Repeat the process with milk chocolate: melt, cool, and fold into whipped cream with sugar. Expect a lighter, creamy texture that beautifully balances the darker layer.
Step 8: Finish with White Chocolate Mousse
Finally, melt the white chocolate and fold it carefully into whipped cream and sugar. This mousse is sweet, silky, and provides a lovely contrast to the other two.
Step 9: Assemble Your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over it. Add the second cake layer on top and spread with the milk chocolate mousse. Refrigerate for about an hour to let this middle layer set. Finally, spread the white chocolate mousse all over the cake and chill for an additional two hours until fully set.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling chocolate shavings on top or decorating with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. Not only do these add a pop of color, but they also bring a refreshing tartness that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a more luxurious touch, a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a few candied nuts adds delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering individual slices in mini glass parfait cups for a modern twist, showcasing each mousse layer visually. Or, serve with a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on the edges of the plate to frame your masterpiece. Your guests will be wowed before they even take a bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to use an airtight container or wrap it gently with plastic wrap to protect the delicate mousse layers and keep the cake moist and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to guard against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the mousse texture.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the mousse. Instead, simply remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without all three mousse layers?
Absolutely! While the combination defines the Tuxedo Cake experience, you can halve the recipe or use just one or two mousses if you prefer. Each layer is delicious on its own, so feel free to customize!
What kind of chocolate is best for the mousses?
High-quality chocolate with a good cocoa content is key, especially for the dark and milk layers. Look for chocolates labeled as baking or couverture for the richest flavor and smoothest texture.
How long does the cake take to set in the refrigerator?
Plan for at least three hours total: one hour after applying the milk chocolate mousse and two hours after the white chocolate mousse. This ensures the mousses firm up perfectly for clean slicing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like coconut cream in place of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate. It may slightly change the texture but still results in a delicious cake.
Is it possible to prepare parts of the cake in advance?
Definitely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and even prepare the mousse layers in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Just assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve for the freshest results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough you give this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe a try—it’s a true celebration of chocolate in all its glory. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or a special occasion, this cake brings joy in every bite and is guaranteed to become a treasured favorite.
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Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tuxedo Cake is a decadent triple chocolate mousse cake that layers rich dark, milk, and white chocolate mousses between moist chocolate cake layers. Perfect for special occasions, this elegant dessert combines the smooth texture of mousse with a tender cake base, topped with optional chocolate shavings or fresh berries for a stunning finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- 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 prevent sticking.
- 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 light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate. Mix in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dark Chocolate Mousse: Melt the dark chocolate gently, then allow it to cool slightly. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold in the melted chocolate to create a smooth mousse.
- Prepare the Milk Chocolate Mousse: Melt the milk chocolate and allow to cool slightly. Whip the heavy cream with sugar to stiff peaks and gently fold in the melted milk chocolate until well combined.
- Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse: Melt the white chocolate and let it cool slightly. Whip the heavy cream with sugar to stiff peaks and fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream gently to maintain volume.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread with the milk chocolate mousse. Refrigerate the cake until this layer is set, about 1 hour. Then spread the white chocolate mousse over the top and chill the entire cake until fully set, approximately 2 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the melted chocolate slightly before folding into the whipped cream to avoid melting the cream.
- Use chilled bowls and beaters when whipping cream to achieve better volume.
- You can prepare the mousse layers in advance and keep them refrigerated until assembly.
- For clean slicing, chill the cake thoroughly and use a sharp, warm knife.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with whipping cream but expect slightly less stability in the mousse.