Tuxedo Cake
Who doesn’t love a cake that resembles a tuxedo?
Tuxedo Cake is one of those desserts that seems to elevate any occasion, with its rich layers of chocolate cake and creamy frosting. Imagine slicing through soft, decadent chocolate layers only to reveal a smooth and velvety cream cheese filling. It’s not just a feast for the senses—this cake is a crowd-pleaser that often gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s a fun project that looks fancy but isn’t too complicated to whip up!
Why make this recipe
You’ll fall head over heels for Tuxedo Cake for a few reasons:
- Impressive yet simple: It looks like you slaved away for hours, but the truth? It’s pretty straightforward!
- Perfect for any occasion: Birthdays, holidays, or random Tuesday nights—you’ll definitely find a reason to bake this beauty.
- Decadent taste without breaking the bank: All the ingredients are easy to find, and they don’t cost a fortune.
Seriously, who needs a reason to treat themselves with chocolate, right? 😋
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water until well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- To assemble, place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread with cream cheese frosting, and repeat for the next layer.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and pour over the top layer of the cake.
- Chill before serving.
How to make Tuxedo Cake (Overview)
Making Tuxedo Cake is pretty much like a delicious adventure! Start by mixing dry ingredients, then add in the wet stuff and let that batter come to life. A hot tip? Don’t skip the boiling water— it makes the cake super moist! While your cake layers cool, whip up that amazing cream cheese frosting. Layer it all together, drizzle with chocolate ganache, and boom—you’ve got a showstopper! 🍰
How to serve Tuxedo Cake
Serving Tuxedo Cake is all about finesse! Slice into those rich layers and watch the creamy frosting mix with the chocolate goodness. You can add a sprinkle of cocoa powder on the top for a splash of color or serve with fresh berries for a tangy contrast. Imagine each bite, with the cake being soft, the frosting creamy, and the ganache smooth—it’s pure magic! ✨
How to store Tuxedo Cake
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap slices in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. You can also freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly. When you’re ready to dive in again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Tips to make Tuxedo Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Chill your cream cheese before beating for an extra smooth frosting.
- If your ganache is too thick, heat it gently until it reaches the desired pouring consistency.
- Want more richness? Add an extra layer of frosting between the cake layers—it’s totally allowed!
- If you prefer a lighter touch, swap in whipped cream for half the cream cheese in the frosting.
Variation
Feeling playful? Turn Tuxedo Cake into a red velvet dream by swapping out some cocoa powder for red velvet cake mix! Or go vegan by using plant-based cream cheese and aquafaba instead of eggs. The options are endless!
FAQs
Can I make Tuxedo Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day in advance and frost them right before serving.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Try a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
How should I store leftover cake?
Wrap the cake tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze it for up to three months.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Tuxedo Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water until well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- To assemble, place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread with cream cheese frosting, and repeat for the next layer.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and pour over the top layer of the cake.
- Chill before serving.
