Tuxedo cake is seriously the most amazing dessert I’ve ever made! When I first tried making this recipe, my kitchen smelled incredible and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. The contrast between the dark chocolate layers and creamy white chocolate frosting is just perfect – kinda like a tuxedo (hence the name!). It’s got this super moist texture that’ll make you close your eyes when you take that first bite. Keep reading to find out how easy it is to make this showstopper dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 cups granulated sugar – makes the cake perfectly sweet without being overpowering
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – you can use cake flour for an even lighter texture
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – get the good stuff if you can, it makes a diff!
- 1½ tsp baking powder – this helps the cake rise beautifully
- 1½ tsp baking soda – works with the powder for perfect texture
- 1 tsp salt – balances the sweetness
- 2 large eggs – room temp works best
- 1 cup milk – whole milk gives richest results but any milk works
- ½ cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake super moist
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – pure is best but imitation works too
- 1 cup hot coffee – don’t skip this! It enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee
For the White Chocolate Filling:
- 8 oz white chocolate – chopped or chips both work
- ¼ cup heavy cream – this makes it smooth and spreadable
- 8 oz cream cheese – full-fat gives the best flavor but lower fat works if needed
- ½ cup unsalted butter – room temperature is crucial
- 2 cups powdered sugar – sift it to avoid lumps
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – dark chocolate works too for more contrast
- ½ cup heavy cream – don’t substitute this or ganache won’t set right
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – makes it glossy and smooth
How to Make This Amazing Tuxedo Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients – sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter will look kinda thin, that’s normal!
- Carefully stir in the hot coffee. Your batter will be very thin now – don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.
- Pour evenly into the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the White Chocolate Filling
- Melt white chocolate with heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Let it cool a bit.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the cooled white chocolate mixture and beat until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. If it’s too soft, chill it for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate.
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add butter and stir until completely incorporated and glossy. Let it cool until thickened but still pourable.
Step 4: Assemble the Tuxedo Cake
- Level the tops of your cake layers if needed.
- Place one layer on your serving plate and spread about half of the white chocolate filling on top.
- Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with remaining white chocolate filling.
- Chill for about 20 minutes to set the filling.
- Pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides for that dramatic tuxedo effect.
- Chill until the ganache is set, about 30 minutes.
Your tuxedo cake is done when the ganache has set but still looks glossy. The cake should feel firm when gently touched.
Amazing Variations to Try
Raspberry Tuxedo Cake
Add a layer of raspberry preserves between cake layers for a fruity twist. The tartness cuts through the richness perfectly!
Mint Chocolate Tuxedo
Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the white chocolate filling for a cool mint flavor that pairs amazing with chocolate.
Mocha Tuxedo Cake
Add 1 tbsp espresso powder to the chocolate cake batter and 1 tsp to the ganache for coffee lovers.
Salted Caramel Tuxedo
Drizzle salted caramel between layers and add a few drizzles on top of the ganache. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that sweet-salty combo.
Orange Chocolate Tuxedo
Add orange zest to the cake batter and a splash of orange liqueur to the ganache for a sophisticated flavor profile.
FAQ – Your Tuxedo Cake Questions Answered!
How do I store leftover tuxedo cake?
Store your tuxedo cake in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in a cake container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, but honestly, it never lasts that long in my house! Let slices sit at room temp for about 20 mins before serving for best flavor and texture.
Can I make this tuxedo cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. The assembled cake is actually even better on day 2 when the flavors have had time to meld together. Just wait to add the ganache until a few hours before serving for the prettiest look.
Can I freeze this tuxedo cake?
Yes! This tuxedo cake freezes great. You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake (before adding ganache). Wrap really well in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why did my ganache seize up?
If your ganache gets grainy or seizes, your cream was probably too hot when you poured it over the chocolate. To fix it, try adding 1-2 tsp of warm heavy cream and gently whisking until smooth again.
What if I don’t drink coffee? Can I skip it in the cake?
Don’t worry! The coffee in this tuxedo cake recipe doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee – it just enhances the chocolate flavor. But if you really don’t want to use it, you can substitute hot water instead. The cake will still be good but not quite as rich.
Can I turn this into cupcakes instead of a layer cake?
For sure! This recipe makes about 24 tuxedo cupcakes. Bake at the same temp for about 18-20 minutes. Core out a bit from the center, fill with white chocolate filling, then dip tops in ganache. So cute!
Why is my white chocolate filling too runny?
If your filling is runny, the white chocolate mixture was probably still too warm when you added it. Pop the bowl in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, then beat again until it firms up.
Time to Enjoy Your Tuxedo Cake!
This tuxedo cake has been my go-to fancy dessert for years now. I still remember the first time I made it for my mom’s birthday – she took one bite and got that dreamy look on her face. That’s when I knew this recipe was special!
What I love most about this cake is how it walks the line between classic and modern. The contrast of colors and flavors feels both familiar and exciting at the same time. Make it your own by trying one of the variations or coming up with your own twist!
If you try this amazing tuxedo cake recipe, check out our Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat version too! And for another delicious treat, our Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is to die for!