Tuxedo Cake
Tuxedo Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, combining layers of rich chocolate cake with smooth white chocolate and silky semi-sweet chocolate ganache. This stunning dessert is perfect for special occasions or simply when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day. With its elegant black and white layers, Tuxedo Cake is sure to impress family and friends. Let’s dive right into this delicious recipe and discover how to create your own Tuxedo Cake masterpiece at home.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Decadent layers of chocolate cake and creamy ganache.
- Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
- Impressive presentation that’s perfect for celebrations.
- Customizable with different fillings or toppings.
- Rich flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm coffee
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch process
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Setup & Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans: To bake the cakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To achieve the perfect cake batter consistency.
- Double boiler or microwave: For melting chocolate.
- Offset spatula: For smoothing out the ganache.
- Cooling rack: To cool the cakes properly.
Tuxedo Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your two round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, warm coffee, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. In another bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the White Chocolate Ganache
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped white chocolate and butter together until smooth. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the melted white chocolate until well blended. Set aside.
Step 5: Make the Semi-Sweet Chocolate Ganache
In the same manner, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly, then whip the remaining heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the melted semi-sweet chocolate until combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Tuxedo Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of white chocolate ganache on top. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the semi-sweet chocolate ganache. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache all around the cake for a polished finish.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Feel free to get creative with your decorations! You can garnish the top of the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of additional ganache. Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve to your eager guests!
Make It Year-Round
- Customize the ganache flavors by incorporating other types of chocolate.
- Add seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a fresh twist.
- Use flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to change the cake’s profile.
- Decorate with festive toppings for holidays or special occasions.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t skip room temperature ingredients; they blend more easily and create a lighter cake.
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the ganache.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To store your Tuxedo Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then decorate as desired.
Your Top Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different chocolates, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when my cakes are done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it has wet batter on it, the cakes need more time in the oven.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Assemble the cake just before serving for the best texture.
What should I do if my ganache is too thick?
If your ganache is too thick, gently heat it over a double boiler or in the microwave for a few seconds at a time, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
Bring It Home
Once you’ve mastered the art of Tuxedo Cake, you’ll find it’s a showstopper that can be enjoyed at any gathering. Its beautiful layers and rich flavors create a memorable experience for all who taste it. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a special weekend treat, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful Tuxedo Cake that celebrates the best of chocolate!
Tuxedo Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your two round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, warm coffee, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. In another bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped white chocolate and butter together until smooth. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the melted white chocolate until well blended. Set aside.
- In the same manner, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly, then whip the remaining heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the melted semi-sweet chocolate until combined.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of white chocolate ganache on top. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the semi-sweet chocolate ganache. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache all around the cake for a polished finish.
- Feel free to get creative with your decorations! You can garnish the top of the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of additional ganache. Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve to your eager guests!
Notes
- Customize the ganache flavors by incorporating other types of chocolate.
- Add seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a fresh twist.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the ganache.
