Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat recipe is a total game-changer! If ur like me and obsessed w/ Costco’s famous tuxedo cake but don’t wanna make the trip every time the craving hits, this homemade version is gonna blow ur mind. The contrast between those rich chocolate layers and creamy white chocolate mousse is exactly like the one from the warehouse. Trust me, once u try this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat at home, you’ll be making it for every celebration.
Ingredients for Your Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure, don’t substitute with cake flour or it’ll be too tender
- 2 cups granulated sugar – balances the richness of chocolate, can reduce to 1¾ cups if u prefer less sweet
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – gives intense chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed works best
- 2 tsp baking soda – essential for rise, don’t skip this!
- 1 tsp baking powder – works with baking soda for perfect texture
- 1 tsp salt – enhances flavors, kosher or table salt both work
- 2 large eggs – room temp is important for better mixing
- 1 cup buttermilk – adds moisture and tanginess, can sub with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup vegetable oil – keeps cake moist for days, can use canola too
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – pure is best but imitation works in a pinch
- 1 cup hot coffee – intensifies chocolate flavor, can sub hot water if needed
For the White Chocolate Mousse:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips – use good quality for best results
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream – divided, needs high fat content (at least 36%)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar – stabilizes the whipped cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds flavor depth
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – creates that signature Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat shiny top
- ½ cup heavy cream – helps achieve perfect pouring consistency
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – adds shine and prevents cracking
How to Make This Amazing Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment.
- In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Stir in hot coffee carefully. Batter will be thin but that’s normal.
- Divide between pans and bake 30-35 mins until toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. If it’s totally clean, it might be overbaked.
- Cool in pans 10 mins then remove to wire racks. Cake needs to be completely cool before assembly or mousse will melt!
Step 2: Make White Chocolate Mousse
- Place white chocolate in medium bowl. Heat 1 cup cream until just simmering then pour over chocolate.
- Let sit 1 min then stir until smooth. If some chunks remain, microwave 10 secs and stir again.
- Cool completely to room temp (about 30 mins) – this is super important!
- In separate bowl, beat remaining 1½ cups cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fold white chocolate mixture into whipped cream gently until combined. Refrigerate 30 mins to firm up a bit.
Step 3: Make Chocolate Ganache
- Place chocolate chips in bowl. Heat cream until just bubbling around edges.
- Pour over chocolate and let sit 2 mins. Stir until smooth.
- Add butter and stir until melted and glossy. Let cool until slightly thickened but still pourable.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat
- Level cake layers if needed using serrated knife.
- Place first layer on cake plate. Spread half the mousse filling on top, leaving ½ inch border.
- Top with second cake layer and remaining mousse.
- Chill cake 1 hr minimum so mousse sets.
- Pour ganache over top, letting it drip down sides for that authentic Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat look.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hrs before serving, but overnight is best for flavors to develop.
Delicious Variations of Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat
- Triple Chocolate Version: Add mini chocolate chips between layers for extra texture
- Raspberry Twist: Spread thin layer raspberry jam between cake and mousse layers
- Coffee Lover’s Dream: Add 1 tbsp espresso powder to ganache for mocha flavor
- Birthday Upgrade: Mix in colorful sprinkles to the mousse for a fun surprise
- Mint Chocolate: Add ¼ tsp mint extract to the mousse for refreshing twist
Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat FAQs
Can I make this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better when made 1-2 days ahead. The flavors meld together and the texture gets even better. Store in fridge up to 5 days, but the mousse is best within first 3 days.
How do I store leftover Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat?
Keep refrigerated in airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Don’t leave at room temp more than 2 hrs or mousse might collapse. Not good for freezing as mousse texture changes when thawed.
Can I use box cake mix instead of making from scratch?
Yep! For quick version, use devil’s food cake mix prepared according to package. The homemade version has better depth of flavor but box mix works in a pinch for this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat.
Why did my ganache seize up?
Probably chocolate got too hot. If this happens, try whisking in 1-2 tsp hot cream to smooth it out. Make sure to use fresh chocolate chips – old ones don’t melt as well.
What if I don’t have buttermilk for the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat?
Easy fix! Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit 5 mins before using and it works just like buttermilk.
How do I get clean cake slices?
Use sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut. This gives u those beautiful clean layers just like the Costco version.
Is this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat recipe the exact same as Costco’s?
It’s super close! Mine might be slightly less sweet but the texture and appearance are practically identical. Most people can’t tell difference between this homemade Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat and the store version.
I’ve been making this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat for years now and it never disappoints. There’s something special about recreating store favorites at home – it’s like unlocking a secret. My mom who always insisted on buying desserts now asks for this cake for her birthday every year.
Whether ur making this for a special occasion or just because you deserve something amazing, this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat brings that perfect balance of chocolate intensity and creamy sweetness. Make it your own and start your own tradition!
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out my Tres Leches Cake or Fireball Poke Cake for more amazing dessert ideas!
Tuxedo Cake Costco
Equipment
- 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan
- Wire rack
- Serrated knife (for leveling)
- Cake plate
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For the White Chocolate Mousse:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream divided
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
Make Chocolate Cake Layers:
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- Carefully stir in hot coffee. Batter will be thin.
- Divide evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
Prepare White Chocolate Mousse:
- Heat 1 cup cream to simmer. Pour over white chocolate chips in bowl. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature (~30 min).
- In separate bowl, beat remaining 1½ cups cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
- Gently fold cooled white chocolate mixture into whipped cream. Chill 30 minutes.
Make Ganache:
- Heat cream to just simmering and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in butter until melted and glossy. Let cool slightly before using.
Assemble Cake:
- Level cake layers if needed. Place one layer on cake plate, spread half of mousse on top.
- Add second cake layer, spread remaining mousse on top.
- Chill for 1 hour. Pour ganache over top, letting it drip down sides.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving (overnight is best).