Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this Elegant Tuxedo Layer Cake! Featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a light and fluffy white chocolate mousse, and a silky dark chocolate ganache, this cake is a true masterpiece.
Perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, this decadent dessert will impress anyone who takes a bite. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a stunning and delicious tuxedo cake that looks as good as it tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Cake 🍰
✔️ Decadent & Rich – Layers of chocolate cake, mousse, and ganache for the ultimate indulgence.
✔️ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Dark and white chocolate create an exquisite contrast.
✔️ Impressively Elegant – A show-stopping cake for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings.
✔️ Moist & Fluffy Texture – Buttermilk keeps the cake soft and tender.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the White Chocolate Mousse:
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dark Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Make Tuxedo Layer Cake – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3️⃣ Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
4️⃣ Stir in the boiling water and mix until the batter becomes thin and smooth.
5️⃣ Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
6️⃣ Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: Make the White Chocolate Mousse
1️⃣ In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped white chocolate with ½ cup of heavy cream over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until smooth, then let it cool to room temperature.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whip the remaining 1½ cups of heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3️⃣ Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled white chocolate mixture, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
Step 3: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Ganache
1️⃣ Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2️⃣ In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to boil.
3️⃣ Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Let it cool to room temperature before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
1️⃣ Place one cooled chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
2️⃣ Spread half of the white chocolate mousse evenly over the cake layer.
3️⃣ Add the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining mousse over it.
4️⃣ Place the third cake layer on top.
5️⃣ Pour the dark chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip beautifully down the sides.
6️⃣ Let the ganache set at room temperature before serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips 🏡
✅ Refrigerate: Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Freezing Option: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
✅ Best Serving Tip: Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Tuxedo Cake 🔥
✔️ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smoother batter and even baking.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
✔️ Chill the Mousse Before Assembling – This helps it hold its shape when layering the cake.
✔️ Use High-Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) 📊
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 30g
- Sugars: 45g
Final Thoughts 🍫🎩
This Elegant Tuxedo Layer Cake is a decadent masterpiece that brings together rich chocolate cake, airy white chocolate mousse, and silky dark chocolate ganache. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake will leave everyone speechless!
Try this recipe today and experience the perfect harmony of chocolate flavors! 🍰❤️