Name: Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cubed); 1 cup Water; 1/3 cup Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 1/2 cups Light Brown Sugar (packed); 2 teaspoons Espresso Powder (optional); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Fine Grain Sea Salt; 1/2 cup Buttermilk (room temperature); 2 large Eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Heavy Cream (divided); 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips; 4 oz Cream Cheese; 3 oz White Chocolate (melted and cooled slightly); 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter (for mousse layer); 1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional); 1/3 cup Confectioners’ Sugar; 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips (for ganache); 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (for ganache); 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil; 1/2 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (for frosting); 1 tablespoon Milk (for frosting); 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for frosting); 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for frosting); 1 Rolled Cookie Wafer; 3 Fancy Chocolate Truffles

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 67 reviews

If you have a special occasion or simply want to indulge your chocolate cravings, nothing compares to the rich layers and luxurious texture found in this Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe. It’s a show-stopping dessert that combines moist chocolate cake with luscious mousse and tangy cream cheese layers, all enveloped in a smooth, velvety ganache. Every bite offers an irresistible harmony of deep cocoa intensity and creamy sweetness, making this cake a guaranteed crowd-pleaser who will impress any guest with its elegant taste and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small white dishes and measuring cups arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top right, there is a white bowl filled with large, uneven chunks of dark chocolate. To its left, a small white bowl contains a clear yellow liquid. Below that, a metal measuring cup holds a white powdery ingredient, likely flour or sugar. Next to it, another metal measuring cup is filled with a granular white substance. At the bottom right, a small white bowl holds two bright yellow egg yolks. The ingredients look ready to be mixed for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this masterpiece might sound complex, but the ingredients are wonderfully simple and essential. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of moist texture, rich flavor, and beautiful visual contrast that make this Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.

1 cup Unsalted Butter (cubed): Ensures rich moisture and flavor throughout the cake.
1 cup Water: Essential for melting the butter and cocoa together for a glossy, deep chocolate base.
1/3 cup Unsweet Dark Cocoa Powder: Provides the intense chocolate flavor that defines the cake.
2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cake; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
1 1/2 cups Light Brown Sugar (packed): Adds caramel sweetness that perfectly complements the cocoa.
2 teaspoons Espresso Powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate notes without adding bitterness.
1 teaspoon Baking Soda: A key leavening agent that makes the cake rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon Fine Grain Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness while intensifying flavor.
1/2 cup Buttermilk (room temperature): Tenderizes the cake crumb and adds a slight tang.
2 large Eggs (room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to the cake’s soft texture.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth to the batter.
1 cup Heavy Cream (divided): Creates the airy texture in mousse and ganache layers.
1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the mousse layer, melted into dreamy richness.
4 oz Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy contrast in the filling.
3 oz White Chocolate (melted and cooled): Offers sweetness and smoothness in the mousse mixture.
1/3 cup Unsalted Butter (for mousse): Adds creaminess and helps set the mousse.
1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional): Brightens the cream cheese flavor with a subtle citrus note.
1/3 cup Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the mousse filling perfectly.
1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips (for ganache): Creates the rich, glossy topping.
1/2 cup Heavy Cream (for ganache): Ensures smoothness and luscious texture.
1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil: Helps achieve a silky ganache consistency.
1/2 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (for frosting): Sweetness for the decorative frosting edge.
1 tablespoon Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s thickness for easy piping.
3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Provides a creamy base for the frosting.
2 tablespoons Unsweet Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
1 Rolled Cookie Wafer: Adds a touch of visual elegance when decorating.
3 Fancy Chocolate Truffles: Indulgent finishing touch that pampers your guests.

How to Make Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your cake pans with parchment paper to ensure your cakes release easily after baking. This preparation sets you up for perfect cake layers without stress.

Step 2: Creating the Cocoa Butter Base

In a medium saucepan, melt the cubed unsalted butter with water and the unsweetened dark cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy, then remove it from heat to cool slightly. This rich cocoa-butter base imparts the deep chocolate flavor that is fundamental to our Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, baking soda, and fine grain sea salt until evenly combined. If using espresso powder to enhance chocolate depth, fold it into the mixture now. This step balances sweetness and leavening agents for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Mixing Batter

Pour the cooled cocoa butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until everything is just combined. Then add buttermilk, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and creamy, which will help your cake bake up moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Bake carefully so that each layer is perfectly tender, forming the base for your stunning Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe.

Step 6: Cooling the Cakes

Allow your cake layers to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Proper cooling is essential before adding the luscious mousse and cream cheese layers so the textures don’t melt together.

Step 7: Whipping the Chocolate Mousse

Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. This mousse layer brings lightness and bursts of chocolate that cut through the density of the cake.

Step 8: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

Blend the cream cheese, melted white chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, and lemon juice until smooth and fluffy. This tangy, sweet filling contrasts beautifully with the chocolate mousse and cake layers.

Step 9: Assembling the Cake

Layer your cake by alternating pieces of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and cream cheese filling. Repeat this layering until all components are stacked, creating a stunning multi-textured dessert that exemplifies the art of the Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe.

Step 10: Making the Ganache

Heat semisweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and sunflower oil together until the mixture is melted and perfectly smooth. Pour this luxurious ganache over the assembled cake and allow it to set, forming a shiny, chocolatey shell that ties the whole cake together.

Step 11: Final Decorating

Prepare the frosting by blending confectioners’ sugar, milk, unsalted butter, and cocoa powder until creamy. Pipe this frosting around the base of the cake to add a professional touch. Finish by adding a rolled cookie wafer and three fancy chocolate truffles on top for a beautiful and indulgent presentation.

How to Serve Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe

A slice of layered chocolate cake on a white plate sits on a white marbled surface. The cake has five layers: three dark chocolate sponge layers alternating with two thick cream layers. The entire slice is covered in shiny dark chocolate ganache that drips smoothly down the sides. On top, three swirls of white whipped cream are decorated with thin lines of dark chocolate. A small green mint leaf peeks out between the whipped cream swirls. A silver fork rests beside the slice on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving presentation, consider adding fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder alongside the beautifully piped frosting. The rolled cookie wafer and truffles already lend a touch of elegance, making the cake both stunning and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple fresh fruit salad or a light scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These lighter accompaniments balance the richness of the cake and add fresh contrast to your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cake the centerpiece by serving it on a decorative platter surrounded by edible gold leaf or chocolate shards. You can also slice the cake into smaller bars and serve them on dessert trays for a party-style buffet, making it easy for guests to enjoy without the fuss of cutting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled and frosted, store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and taste.

Freezing

You can freeze this decadent cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the delicate mousse and ganache layers perfectly.

Reheating

Since this is a rich, mousse-filled dessert, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature to preserve the luxurious textures that make this Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement to keep the texture just right, and be mindful that baking times may vary slightly.

Is espresso powder necessary?

Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended as it intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. If you prefer not to use it, you can leave it out without sacrificing too much richness.

How do I get the mousse light and fluffy?

Whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding in chocolate chips is key. Be gentle when folding to maintain the airiness and avoid deflating your mousse, which ensures a lovely texture within the cake.

Can I prepare parts of the cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers and prepare the mousse and cream cheese filling a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve to keep everything fresh and stable.

What’s the best way to slice this rich cake?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps you cut clean, neat slices without dragging through the mousse or ganache, showcasing the beautiful layers perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like the joy of sharing a Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe with loved ones. From the first glance to the final bite, this cake delivers layers of flavor and texture that make any occasion feel a little more special. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate with chocolate and elegance combined!