Tuxedo Bar Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to impress, delight, and indulge, the Tuxedo Bar Cake is your answer—a striking masterpiece of moist chocolate cake, creamy vanilla, and silky chocolate mousse, all crowned with a show-stopping marbled ganache. This cake doesn’t just taste spectacular, it looks like it came straight from a boutique bakery, but the best part? You can absolutely conquer it at home. Whether for special occasions, holidays, or just because you deserve a treat, the Tuxedo Bar Cake is a love letter to chocolate lovers that’s sure to make every gathering unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This stunning cake layers simple, essential ingredients to create incredible depth of flavor and contrast. Each component builds towards the Tuxedo Bar Cake’s signature look and taste—black, white, and pure decadence in every bite!

• Unsalted butter (1 cup for cake, more for buttercream): Gives richness and creates that melt-in-the-mouth crumb.
• Water (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and light.
• Unsweetened dark cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Adds intense chocolate flavor and that deep, tuxedo-worthy color.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone for structure and soft texture.
• Light brown sugar (1 1/2 cups): Lends sweetness with caramel undertones.
• Espresso powder (2 tsp, optional): Enhances the chocolate’s depth beautifully.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Fine grain sea salt (1/2 tsp): Balances flavors, making the chocolate pop.
• Buttermilk (1/2 cup, room temperature): Tenderizes the crumb, adding subtle tang.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Binds the cake and aids in structure.
• Vanilla extract (for cake and cream, 2 tsp total): Rounds out everything with warmth and aroma.
• Heavy cream (1 cup, divided): Vital for the chocolate mousse and creaminess throughout.
• Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup for mousse, 1 cup for ganache): You can use chopped chocolate for a touch of luxury.
• Cream cheese (4 oz.): The tangy, silky base of the vanilla layer.
• White chocolate (3 oz., melted): Brings creamy sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
• Lemon juice (1/2 tbsp): Brightens up the cream cheese flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar (for cream, glaze, and buttercream, over 1 cup): For smooth, sweet frosting and drizzling.
• Sunflower or vegetable oil (1 tbsp): Gives the ganache a glossy finish.
• Milk (for glaze and buttercream, as needed): Thins frostings and makes them spreadably perfect.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tbsp for buttercream): Boosts chocolate flavor in the finishing touch.
• Rolled cookie wafer (like Pirouette): For that fancy, bakery-inspired garnish.
• Chocolate truffles (3, store-bought): Stunning edible décor on top.

How to Make Tuxedo Bar Cake

Step 1: Make and Bake the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 17×11 inch rimmed baking sheet with both grease and parchment. In a saucepan, gently melt together butter, water, and cocoa powder (no boiling!) until glossy and blended. Separately, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the buttermilk mixture to the cooled chocolate mixture, blending well, then combine with the dry ingredients and beat until silky and smooth. Spread the batter into your prepared pan, tap to level, and bake for 18-20 minutes—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Cool completely in the pan, then freeze until firm to make slicing layers a breeze.

Step 2: Slice and Prep the Cake Layers

Invert your frozen cake onto a work surface—if it resists, let it warm a few minutes before trying again. Peel off the parchment and slice the cake into three even 11×5 inch rectangles; snack on the trimmings if you dare! Wrap the layers in plastic to keep them from drying out while you tackle the fillings.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Mousse Layer

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half the heavy cream with the semisweet chocolate, melt together, and whisk until luxuriously smooth. After a brief cool-down, whip the remaining heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold it gently into the ganache. This creates a dreamy mousse with a feather-light texture—stow it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese until extra creamy, then blend in the melted white chocolate for a harmonious union. Incorporate butter and a splash of lemon juice for tang, then gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, whipping until fluffy and spreadable. This layer offers a gorgeous flavor contrast and that tuxedo-white middle band.

Step 5: Assemble the Tuxedo Bar Cake Layers

On your serving platter, lay down the first cake layer and spread the chocolate mousse all the way to the edges. Top with a second layer, then blanket it with the vanilla cream cheese filling, making sure it’s even and smooth. Finish with the final cake layer, gently pressing the stack into neat, striking stripes. Chill briefly while you prep the ganache and glaze.

Step 6: Create the Marbled Ganache Topping

For the ultimate tuxedo look, stir together the semisweet chocolate chips, cream, and oil and melt until glossy, then make a simple white glaze with confectioners’ sugar and enough milk to drizzle. Flood your cake with the ganache, letting it barely slip over the edges, and pipe or drizzle stripes of white glaze on top. Swirl with a knife tip to create dramatic marbling—this is easier than it looks and so fun!

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Buttercream and Décor

Blend butter, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, and enough milk to reach a fluffy and pipeable consistency. Using a piping bag, add a flourish of buttercream across the top. Finish with artistic flair: arrange a wafer cookie and chocolate truffles as your dazzling, edible crown. Chill the cake to set before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Tuxedo Bar Cake

Tuxedo Bar Cake Garnishes

The finishing touches truly take the Tuxedo Bar Cake to the next level. Classic chocolate truffles and a crisp wafer sparkle on top, but you can get creative—try chocolate curls, gold leaf, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a luxe look that’ll turn every head at the table.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and layered, so serve slices with cool vanilla ice cream, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or fresh berries to cut the richness and add a splash of color. Coffee or espresso pairs beautifully and highlights the deep chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present Tuxedo Bar Cake

Slice your Tuxedo Bar Cake into slim bars for a chic dessert platter or dramatic diagonals for extra flair. Stack slice towers, serve mini squares for a party tray, or wrap up individual bars as elegant edible gifts. Each presentation makes the dapper layers shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Tuxedo Bar Cake will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store leftover slices in an airtight container to keep the layers moist and the fillings creamy—if you can resist finishing it sooner!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the assembled cake or individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the luscious textures.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, which highlights the mousse and marscapone layers. Simply remove a slice from the fridge 20 minutes before serving—no reheating required!

FAQs

Can I make the Tuxedo Bar Cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers, mousse, and cream cheese filling a day ahead, assembling everything when needed. Chilling the assembled cake overnight also makes slicing even easier.

Do I have to use espresso powder in the cake?

No, espresso powder is optional but it deepens the chocolate flavor wonderfully. If you’re making this for kids or don’t want added coffee notes, just skip it—the cake will still taste incredible.

What if I don’t have a large rimmed baking sheet?

If you only have a smaller pan, make two thinner sheet cakes and cut to size, or use two regular loaf pans. The signature look comes from stacking those tidy rectangles with gorgeously even layers.

Can I swap the chocolate truffles for something else?

Yes! Feel free to top your Tuxedo Bar Cake with chocolate curls, striped chocolate pieces, berries, or even a homemade chocolate shard for a little drama.

Is it difficult to get the marbled effect on top?

Not at all! Just pour lines of the white glaze across the ganache, then drag a knife through to create beautiful swirls. It looks fancy but is so forgiving—plus, a little mess just adds artistic charm.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Tuxedo Bar Cake. It’s a stunning dessert that’s much easier than it looks, and every layer brings a new delight. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want to treat yourself, this cake promises compliments and plenty of smiles. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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