Name: Indulge in Decadence with Tuxedo Bar Cake Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Substitution: Use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup Water (No substitutions needed.); 1 cup Unsweet Dark Cocoa Powder (No substitutions needed.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitution: Use gluten-free flour mix for gluten-free version.); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (Substitution: Coconut sugar can be used for a healthier alternative.); 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder (Omit if unavailable.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Check freshness to ensure leavening power.); ½ teaspoon Fine Grain Sea Salt (No substitutions needed.); 1 cup Buttermilk (Substitution: Use dairy-free buttermilk (soy or almond milk with vinegar) for dairy-free version.); 2 large Eggs (No substitutions suggested; egg replacers may alter texture.); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (No substitutions needed.); 2 cups Heavy Cream (Substitution: Use coconut cream for dairy-free.); 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Substitution: Dark chocolate chips for richer flavor.); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Substitution: Use dairy-free cream cheese for dairy-free version.); 4 ounces White Chocolate (Substitution: Omit for a less sweet option or use dairy-free white chocolate.); ½ cup Confectioners’ Sugar (No substitutions needed.); 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil (Any neutral oil can be substituted.); 1 cup Confectioners' Sugar (for Frosting) (No substitutions necessary.); ½ cup Milk (Substitution: Use dairy-free milk for dairy-free frosting.); 1 cup Unsweet Cocoa Powder (No substitutions needed.); 1 package Rolled Cookie Wafer (Omit if unavailable or use chocolate curls if desired.); 8 pieces Fancy Chocolate Truffles (Substitute with additional chocolate shavings if not available.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the rich aroma of melted chocolate filled the air, instantly elevating my spirits. That’s the magic of creating a Tuxedo Bar Cake—a delightful dessert that beautifully layers chocolate cake, airy mousse, and creamy goodness under a luscious ganache. Perfect for celebrating special moments or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master, making it a go-to for bakers at any skill level. Plus, it’s wonderfully customizable with dairy-free and gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this chocolatey delight. Can you imagine slicing into this sumptuous cake, with its elegant appearance and layers of bliss? Let’s dive in and make this delectable centerpiece together!

Why is Tuxedo Bar Cake Irresistible?

Decadent Layers: Each slice of this Tuxedo Bar Cake features rich chocolate cake paired with airy mousse, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Customizable Treats: With options for dairy-free and gluten-free variations, this cake is adaptable to suit various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.

Impressive Presentation: Topped with a glossy ganache and adorned with fancy chocolate truffles, it’s the kind of dessert that makes any celebration special—perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries, just like when serving the Christmas Fruit Cake.

Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, the process is surprisingly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all levels.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual family night, this cake is sure to impress everyone, much like the delightful Hot Chocolate Cupcakes you serve alongside!

Tuxedo Bar Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

Unsalted Butter – Ensures rich moisture and flavor. Substitution: Use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option.
Water – Essential for melting the butter and cocoa together. No substitutions needed.
Unsweet Dark Cocoa Powder – Provides deep chocolate flavor. No substitutions needed.
All-Purpose Flour – Creates the cake structure. Substitution: Use gluten-free flour mix for gluten-free version.
Light Brown Sugar – Adds caramel sweetness. Substitution: Coconut sugar can be used for a healthier alternative.
Espresso Powder – Enhances chocolate flavor (optional). Omit if unavailable.
Baking Soda – Crucial for cake to rise. Check freshness to ensure leavening power.
Fine Grain Sea Salt – Balances sweetness. No substitutions needed.
Buttermilk – Tenderizes the cake. Substitution: Use dairy-free buttermilk (soy or almond milk with vinegar) for dairy-free version.
Eggs – Bind ingredients. No substitutions suggested; egg replacers may alter texture.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor. No substitutions needed.

For the Mousse

Heavy Cream – Creates a light and airy texture for the mousse. Substitution: Use coconut cream for dairy-free.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips – The star of the mousse layer. Substitution: Dark chocolate chips for richer flavor.
Cream Cheese – Adds a tangy flavor to the mousse. Substitution: Use dairy-free cream cheese for dairy-free version.
White Chocolate – Provides sweetness and creaminess. Substitution: Omit for a less sweet option or use dairy-free white chocolate.
Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens the mousse filling. No substitutions needed.

For the Ganache & Frosting

Sunflower Oil – Helps achieve smooth consistency in ganache. Any neutral oil can be substituted.
Confectioners’ Sugar (for Frosting) – Sweetens the frosting. No substitutions necessary.
Milk – Adjusts thickness of frosting. Substitution: Use dairy-free milk for dairy-free frosting.
Unsweet Cocoa Powder – Deepens chocolate flavor in frosting. No substitutions needed.

For Decoration

Rolled Cookie Wafer – Adds visual appeal. Omit if unavailable or use chocolate curls if desired.
Fancy Chocolate Truffles – Indulgent finishing touch. Substitute with additional chocolate shavings if not available.

This Tuxedo Bar Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that captivates the heart and palate!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tuxedo Bar Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare your two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or spraying them with a non-stick spray. Alternatively, line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the Tuxedo Bar Cake layers release easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Chocolate Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of unsweet dark cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is melted and glossy, stirring constantly to combine. Once fully melted, remove from heat and allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly while you gather the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of fine grain sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for an enhanced chocolate flavor. This dry mixture will form the structure of your Tuxedo Bar Cake and should be well-combined to avoid clumps.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined, ensuring you don’t overmix to prevent a dense cake. The batter should be slightly thick and beautifully rich, offering a sneak peek of the decadence that awaits in your Tuxedo Bar Cake.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the batter. Use a spatula to mix until the batter is creamy and smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients fully, creating the perfect batter for your luscious cake layers.

Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As the cakes bake, they’ll rise beautifully, filling your kitchen with a heavenly chocolate aroma.

Step 7: Cool Cake Layers
Once baked, remove the cake layers from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, gently turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they’re fully cooled before you start assembling the Tuxedo Bar Cake to avoid melting the mousse.

Step 8: Make Mousse
In a large bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, blend 8 ounces of cream cheese, 4 ounces of white chocolate, ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter until completely smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream and 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to achieve a light and airy mousse.

Step 9: Assemble Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread half of the mousse mixture over the first layer, then top it with the second cake layer. Spoon the remaining mousse over the top, smoothing it out to create an even layer. This stunning assembly showcases the layers of your Tuxedo Bar Cake beautifully.

Step 10: Prepare Ganache
In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips with ½ cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable. This velvety ganache will coat your Tuxedo Bar Cake perfectly, adding that luxurious finish.

Step 11: Finish Cake
With the ganache ready, pour it over the top of your assembled Tuxedo Bar Cake, allowing it to cascade over the edges for an elegant presentation. Let it set for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For added flair, pipe some frosting along the edges and top with fancy chocolate truffles or rolled cookie wafers for a beautiful garnish.

Expert Tips for Tuxedo Bar Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients, like butter and eggs, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter, leading to a fluffier Tuxedo Bar Cake.
Don’t Overmix: To maintain a light texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet ingredients are combined. Mix until just combined for the best results.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before stacking and adding mousse. This prevents the mousse from melting and ensures clean layers when slicing.
Ganache Consistency: While preparing the ganache, stir continuously over low heat to avoid burning chocolate. This ensures a smooth finish to your Tuxedo Bar Cake.
Mousse Folding Technique: When incorporating whipped cream into the mousse, use gentle folding motions. This preserves the airy texture, giving your cake a delightful lightness.
Presentation Matters: For an eye-catching finish, drizzle ganache over the top and decorate with chocolate truffles. A beautiful presentation elevates your Tuxedo Bar Cake, making it party-ready!

How to Store and Freeze Tuxedo Bar Cake

Fridge: Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, retaining its rich flavor and moisture.

Freezer: For longer storage, slice the Tuxedo Bar Cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delectable taste.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, move them to the fridge to thaw overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cake, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Tuxedo Bar Cake Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Tuxedo Bar Cake and make it uniquely yours!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free butter and use coconut cream for the mousse for a completely dairy-free delight.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour mix to accommodate gluten sensitivity, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
Decadent Dark Chocolate: Trade semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips in the mousse for a deeper, richer taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
Flavorful Twists: Add a splash of flavored liqueurs such as orange or coffee to the mousse for a gourmet, adult-oriented twist.
Seasonal Berries: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cake layers for a burst of fruity freshness that complements the rich chocolate beautifully.
Mini Cupcakes: Turn the Tuxedo Bar Cake into charming mini cupcakes for a fun, portable version that’s perfect for gatherings or parties.
Sugar Alternatives: For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or another natural sweetener to replace light brown sugar without losing sweetness.
Heavenly Hazelnut: Incorporate chopped hazelnuts into the mousse for added texture and a nutty flavor that makes every bite even more indulgent.

With these variations, your Tuxedo Bar Cake can be personalized for any occasion—try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve it alongside the Christmas Tree Cake to create a stunning dessert table!

Make Ahead Options

These Tuxedo Bar Cake preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix your cake batter and bake the layers up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring each layer is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated to maintain freshness. The mousse can also be prepared ahead; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, layer the cooled cake with the mousse, then finish by preparing the ganache—this step should be done just before serving to keep it smooth and glossy. By prepping in advance, you’ll save valuable time, allowing you to enjoy the decadence of homemade Tuxedo Bar Cake with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Tuxedo Bar Cake

Indulging in a slice of this chocolate creation calls for memorable sides and drinks that heighten the experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, its creamy sweetness balances the rich chocolate flavors beautifully. The contrast in temperatures adds to the excitement with each bite.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries provide a welcome burst of freshness that cuts through the decadent layers of cake. Their bright colors also make for a stunning presentation.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture, enhancing the richness of the cake while lending a cloud-like finish to your dessert experience.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup elevates the chocolate flavors, creating a cozy pairing that offers a delightful contrast in textures and tastes. The comforting notes will wrap around you as you savor every slice.
Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, serve with a side of chocolate fondue, allowing guests to dip pieces in for an indulgent treat. This interactive experience is sure to thrill everyone at the table!
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Reinforce that chocolate theme with these decadent bites. They provide a delightful crunch and fusion of flavors that echo the Tuxedo Bar Cake’s layers.

Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for the Tuxedo Bar Cake?
Absolutely! For optimal flavor, use unsalted butter that’s soft but not melted—think creamy. Check your eggs for freshness by placing them in water; fresh eggs sink, while old ones float. Also, ensure your cocoa powder and baking soda are fresh; a quick sniff will reveal that rich scent for cocoa and a fizz while using baking soda.

How should I store leftovers of the Tuxedo Bar Cake, and how long will it last?
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cake slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well wrapped to prevent freezer burn!

Can I freeze the Tuxedo Bar Cake? If so, how?
Yes! To freeze, first allow the cake to cool completely. Slice it into individual portions for convenience. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Make sure to label it with the date. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. You can enjoy it cold or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

What should I do if my mousse doesn’t turn out as expected?
If your mousse isn’t coming together, don’t worry! Start by whipping the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. If it becomes grainy, try gently kneading it back to smoothness. If your mousse is too runny, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Always fold the whipped cream into the other ingredients gently to maintain that light mousse texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or common allergies related to these ingredients?
Yes, consider that this Tuxedo Bar Cake contains dairy, eggs, and chocolate, which should not be given to pets. For allergens, ensure you’re aware of any sensitivities, especially to gluten or dairy. Feel free to use gluten-free substitutes and dairy-free versions, like almond milk or coconut cream, to make this indulgent dessert more accessible for those with dietary restrictions!

How do I best achieve the glossy finish on the ganache?
To achieve that sumptuous, glossy finish on your ganache, make sure to melt the chocolate chips slowly over low heat while stirring continuously with the cream and oil. If it starts to seize up or get grainy, a splash of warm cream can help bring it back to that luscious, silky consistency. Remember to let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to prevent it from melting the mousse layers.