The moment the rich scent of chocolate wafts through my kitchen, I feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. It’s a smell that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations, where desserts were the stars of the show. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that encapsulates all those joyful moments—the Tuxedo Bar Cake.
This stunning cake boasts layers of luscious chocolate cake, dreamy mousse, and creamy cheese, all brought together with a silky ganache. It’s the kind of dessert that not only impresses at parties but also provides the comfort of homemade goodness that we often miss in fast food. I discovered this gem on a particularly brisk afternoon, when I was craving something delightful yet satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this cake is surprisingly easy to assemble and will have you looking like a pro. Ready to indulge your senses and elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into the delicious details of making this unforgettable treat!
Why is Tuxedo Bar Cake a Must-Try?
Indulgent layers of rich chocolate and creamy mousse make this cake a true showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds! Versatile and impressive, it’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert at home. Quick prep means you can whip it up without a fuss. Memorable flavors like espresso and lemon enhance this decadent treat, reaching far beyond your standard chocolate cake. If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, don’t miss checking out our collection of irresistible chocolate dessert recipes!
Tuxedo Bar Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup, cubed; brings rich moisture to the cake.
• Water – 1 cup; used to melt the butter and cocoa.
• Unsweet dark cocoa powder – 1/3 cup; adds deep chocolate flavor to the cake.
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups; provides structure and stability to the cake layers.
• Light brown sugar – 1 1/2 cups, packed; gives a subtle caramel sweetness.
• Espresso powder – 2 teaspoons, optional; enhances the chocolate flavor significantly.
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon; helps the cake rise perfectly.
• Fine grain sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon; balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Buttermilk – 1/2 cup, at room temperature; tenderizes the cake for a moist texture.
• Large eggs – 2, at room temperature; help bind the ingredients for a fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; adds warm background notes to the cake.
For the Mousse and Cream Cheese Layers
• Heavy cream – 1 cup, divided; creates an airy mousse texture.
• Semisweet chocolate chips – 1/2 cup; the star of your luscious chocolate mousse.
• Cream cheese – 4 oz.; provides a tangy contrast in the cream cheese layer.
• White chocolate – 3 oz., melted and cooled slightly; for a creamy, sweet layer.
• Unsalted butter – 1/3 cup, at room temperature; smooths out the cream mixture.
• Lemon juice – 1/2 tablespoon; brightens up the cream cheese flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar – 1/3 cup; sweetens the cream cheese filling to perfection.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; reinforces the sweet flavors in this layer.
For the Ganache and Decoration
• Semisweet chocolate chips – 1 cup; for a glossy ganache that makes everything look fancy.
• Heavy cream – ½ cup; richens the ganache for a velvety finish.
• Sunflower oil – 1 tablespoon; keeps the ganache smooth and pourable.
• Confectioners’ sugar – 1/2 cup; sweetens your chocolate buttercream frosting.
• Milk – 1 tablespoon; helps achieve desired thickness in the buttercream.
• Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons, at room temperature; the base for your creamy frosting.
• Unsweet cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons; intensifies the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• Milk or cream – as needed; to thin frosting for easier spreading.
• Rolled cookie wafer – 1; for an elegant presentation on top.
• Fancy chocolate truffles – 3, store-bought; adds a luxurious touch for decoration.
Now that you have all the essentials for this Tuxedo Bar Cake, let’s get to baking this delightful indulgence your friends and family will absolutely adore!
How to Make Tuxedo Bar Cake
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release after baking.
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Combine the butter, water, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until everything is melted together, stirring occasionally to create a smooth mixture.
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Whisk the flour, brown sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well combined, creating a dry mix that lays the foundation for your cake.
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Mix the melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until all components are just combined, forming a lush, chocolatey batter.
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Incorporate the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla into the batter. Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
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Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that the cake is done.
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Cool the cakes in their pans for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling your layers.
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Whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form, then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips carefully to create a light mousse texture for the filling.
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Blend the cream cheese, melted white chocolate, butter, lemon juice, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth and creamy, forming your delightful cream cheese layer.
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Assemble your cake layers by alternating a layer of chocolate cake, a layer of mousse, followed by a layer of cream cheese mixture, repeating until all layers are stacked.
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Prepare the marbled ganache by combining the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and sunflower oil in a saucepan. Heat over low until melted, stirring for a shiny finish.
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Pour the ganache evenly over the assembled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a luxurious, glossy look.
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Make the chocolate buttercream by beating the unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder in a bowl until smooth, adding milk to achieve your desired thickness.
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Decorate your cake with the chocolate truffles and the rolled cookie wafer for a gorgeous finishing touch that adds flair to your Tuxedo Bar Cake.
Optional: Serve with fresh strawberries for a fruity contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Tuxedo Bar Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without compromising flavor! You can easily prepare the chocolate cake layers up to 3 days in advance; simply cool them completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate to keep them fresh. Likewise, the mousse and cream cheese layers can be made up to 24 hours earlier; store them in airtight containers to maintain their creamy texture. When you’re ready to assemble, layer the cake with mousse and cream cheese, then finish with the ganache. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort—just as delicious as if you made it all in one day!
Tuxedo Bar Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your Tuxedo Bar Cake with these delicious twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for an equally tasty treat.
- Nutty: Add 1 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or hazelnuts, into the cake batter for an extra crunch. They provide a delightful texture and depth!
- Extra Rich: Replace heavy cream in the mousse with mascarpone for a creamier, richer taste that will elevate your dessert experience.
- Fruit-Infused: Incorporate 1 cup of raspberry or cherry preserves between the layers for a burst of fruity flavor that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Coffee Lovers: For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 1 tablespoon in the cake batter, enriching those decadent chocolate notes.
- Vegan Delight: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, almond milk as a dairy substitute, and coconut cream for the mousse to create a vegan version everyone will love!
- Spiced Sensation: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to the cake batter for a warm, spicy kick that surprises the palate with every bite.
- Layered Cheesecake: Swap out the cream cheese layer for a no-bake cheesecake filling to make each slice even creamier and indulgent.
With so many options, there’s a Tuxedo Bar Cake variation for everyone to delight in!
Expert Tips for Tuxedo Bar Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth batter and a fluffier cake.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to prevent a dense cake.
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Cool Completely: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before assembling. This prevents melting the mousse and cream cheese layers.
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Perfect Ganache: Stir the ganache continuously while melting over low heat to avoid burning. You want a glossy, smooth finish for your Tuxedo Bar Cake.
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Decorate with Flair: Add a few extra chocolate truffles or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the cake for an impressive look that will wow your guests!
What to Serve with Tuxedo Bar Cake?
Indulging in a slice of this decadent cake is a true delight, but the right pairings can elevate your dessert experience even further.
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Fresh Berries: Add a burst of color and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate flavors. Strawberries or raspberries are especially delightful!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture complements the cake’s richness perfectly, creating a heavenly combination. Consider a scoop melting on top for the ultimate indulgence.
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Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup of espresso or your favorite coffee enhances the cake’s chocolate notes, enriching every bite.
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Chocolate Ganache Dip: For those who can never get enough chocolate, serve some extra ganache on the side for dipping!
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a lovely, creamy touch that nicely balances out the cake’s richness.
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Nutty Biscotti: For a crunchy complement, pair with chocolate-dipped biscotti to add different textures that enrich the overall experience.
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Sparkling Wine: A glass of prosecco or champagne adds a celebratory feel to your dessert table, making every bite feel special.
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Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint not only adds a pop of color but also offers a refreshing lift of flavor that balances well with the cake.
Each of these pairing options brings a new layer of enjoyment, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself!
How to Store and Freeze Tuxedo Bar Cake
Room Temperature: Keep any uneaten Tuxedo Bar Cake covered under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days. This will keep it fresh and moist.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment keeps the layers intact while enhancing the flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the Tuxedo Bar Cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge. For a cozy touch, warm them gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving!
Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of cocoa powder is best for this cake?
I recommend using unsweet dark cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. It gives the cake a deep, dark color and a more intense chocolate taste compared to regular cocoa powder.
How should I store leftover Tuxedo Bar Cake?
Keep any uneaten Tuxedo Bar Cake covered under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. If there are leftovers, transfer the cake to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the layers and keeps it fresh.
Can I freeze slices of Tuxedo Bar Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired.
What should I do if the cake layers are too dense?
If your cake layers turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing during the batter preparation. Mix just until combined when incorporating wet and dry ingredients. Make sure your ingredients, especially the buttermilk and eggs, are at room temperature to create a fluffier texture.
Are there any dietary considerations with this cake?
Yes! This Tuxedo Bar Cake contains dairy and gluten, which may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease. You can experiment with dairy-free butter and gluten-free flour substitutes to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just be mindful of the ratios, as they may vary from traditional ingredients!
What can I use instead of espresso powder?
If you prefer not to use espresso powder, you can simply omit it from the recipe. However, if you want to maintain that coffee essence, consider using a strong brewed coffee as part of your liquid ingredients, replacing some of the water. This adds depth to the chocolate flavor without the need for espresso powder.
Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe FAQs
Tuxedo Bar Cake: The Ultimate Indulgence for Chocolate Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper.
- Combine the butter, water, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until melted, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk the flour, brown sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix the melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Incorporate the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla into the batter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form, then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
- Blend the cream cheese, melted white chocolate, butter, lemon juice, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble the cake layers by alternating chocolate cake, mousse, and cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare the marbled ganache by combining the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and sunflower oil in a saucepan. Heat until melted.
- Pour the ganache evenly over the assembled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Make the chocolate buttercream by beating the unsalted butter, confectioners' sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Decorate your cake with chocolate truffles and the rolled cookie wafer for a finishing touch.