Tuxedo Bar Cake

Tuxedo Bar Cake

        If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts elegant and indulgent, look no further than            the Tuxedo Bar Cake. This rich, layered masterpiece is a visual stunner and a chocolate               lover’s dream, featuring a gorgeous contrast of deep cocoa and snowy white—hence the “tuxedo” name.

        At first bite, you’re met with layers of fudgy chocolate cake, dark chocolate mousse, silky           white mousse or cream cheese filling, all topped with a glossy ganache that glistens like a           mirror. Whether you’re recreating the beloved Costco tuxedo cake or adding your own twist, it’s an irresistible dessert bar that delivers bakery-worthy results from your home kitchen.

      In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a classic Tuxedo Bar Cake step-by-step, explore fun         variations, and discover pro presentation tips that’ll wow at birthdays, holidays, or just because. Let’s get baking—this is one showstopper you’ll want to master.

Why This Bar Cake Is a Showstopper

What makes the Tuxedo Bar Cake truly unforgettable is its exquisite contrast of textures and flavors. Imagine biting into a moist, fudgy chocolate cake base that gives way to airy, velvety layers of dark chocolate mousse and a creamy, light white chocolate or cream cheese mousse. Each layer melts on your tongue, finishing with a silky, glossy ganache that gleams invitingly.

Visually, the cake’s striking black-and-white “tuxedo” aesthetic lends an air of sophistication, making it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations, from birthdays to holiday dinners.

Versatility is another reason this dessert shines. Whether baked as individual dessert bars, a full-sized layer cake, or even a sheet-pan version, it pleases both casual chocolate lovers and dessert connoisseurs alike. This cake effortlessly combines elegance with indulgence, ensuring it will impress at any occasion.

What Is a Tuxedo Bar Cake?

A Tuxedo Bar Cake is a luscious dessert made by layering rich chocolate and creamy white components into bars. It takes its name from the striking black-and-white layers reminiscent of a classic tuxedo jacket.

This cake gained widespread popularity as a copycat of Costco’s iconic tuxedo cake, inspiring countless home bakers and food bloggers like SprinkleBakes, Chelsweets, and Baran Bakery to recreate their versions. While the core elements remain similar—a chocolate base, chocolate mousse, white chocolate or cream cheese mousse, and ganache topping—recipes vary between bar form, layered cake, or mousse cake.

Each version brings its own twist, but all deliver the perfect balance of decadent chocolate richness and creamy, light contrast, capturing the essence of a truly elegant dessert.

Anatomy of the Perfect Tuxedo Bar Cake

The Tuxedo Bar Cake is a harmonious composition of several key layers, each contributing unique textures and flavors.

A. Chocolate Base

The foundation is typically a moist, fudgy brownie or cake-style base, rich with cocoa and sometimes a hint of espresso to intensify the chocolate flavor. SprinkleBakes’ popular copycat uses a dense yet tender chocolate cake that holds the mousse layers beautifully without crumbling.

B. Chocolate Mousse Layer

Next comes a light, airy dark chocolate mousse, whipped to fluffy perfection. Recipes from Chelsweets and Bonni Bakery often call for melting high-quality bittersweet chocolate and folding it into softly whipped cream to create a mousse that’s decadent but not overly heavy.

C. White Chocolate / Cream Cheese Layer

The signature white layer adds creamy sweetness and balances the dark chocolate. It can be a silky white chocolate mousse or a cream cheese-based mousse. Chelsweets and Baran Bakery use whipped white chocolate or a blend of cream cheese and whipped cream, creating a luscious, velvety texture that complements the chocolate mousse beautifully.

D. Ganache or Glaze Finish

Finally, the cake is topped with a glossy dark chocolate ganache, poured warm and smooth for a shiny finish. Some versions feature simple decorations like feathered swirls or chocolate curls, keeping the focus on the cake’s elegant contrast.

Each layer is essential for achieving the luxurious mouthfeel and stunning look that make this cake a true showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect Tuxedo Bar Cake, you’ll need quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors and textures.

• Cocoa Powder & Dark Chocolate: Use unsweetened cocoa powder and high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (60-70% cocoa) for a deep, rich chocolate flavor.

• White Chocolate: Opt for premium white chocolate bars rather than chips for smoother melting and creamier mousse.

• Cream Cheese (Optional): Some recipes incorporate cream cheese in the white layer for tang and silkiness.

• Heavy Cream: Essential for whipping into fluffy mousse layers and making the ganache luscious.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture, especially in the chocolate base.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar for the cake base; powdered sugar may be used in mousse or cream cheese layers for a smoother texture.

• Eggs & Flour: Eggs provide structure and richness, while all-purpose flour is standard for the base. Gluten-free flours can be substituted if needed.

Pro Tips:

• Measure by weight whenever possible for accuracy, especially with flour and chocolate.

• Choose bittersweet chocolate over sweet milk chocolate for a balanced depth.

• Chill mixing bowls and equipment before whipping cream to ensure the mousse holds its shape perfectly.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to bake a bakery-worthy Tuxedo Bar Cake right in your own kitchen.

Equipment Essentials

To create a flawless Tuxedo Bar Cake, gather these key tools:

• A 9×13-inch baking pan works great for bars; alternatively, a springform pan suits layered cakes.

• Several mixing bowls for mousse and batter preparation.

• An electric mixer (stand or hand) to whip cream and mousse effortlessly.

• Spatulas for folding and spreading layers smoothly.

• A small saucepan to melt chocolate and make ganache.

Optional but helpful extras include a dessert ring for perfectly shaped mousse layers, an offset spatula for neat frosting, and parchment paper to line your pan for easy removal.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment. Mix cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a pinch of salt to create a rich chocolate batter. Pour evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Dark Chocolate Mousse

Melt bittersweet chocolate gently over a double boiler or low heat. Whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold melted chocolate into a third of the whipped cream, then gently fold in the remaining cream until smooth and airy.

Step 3: Prepare White Chocolate or Cream-Cheese Mousse

Melt white chocolate similarly. If using cream cheese, beat until smooth, then fold into whipped cream. Combine white chocolate with the cream cheese mixture or whipped cream alone for a light, creamy layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the cooled cake base. Chill for 15 minutes. Then layer the white chocolate or cream cheese mousse over the chocolate mousse. Smooth the top with an offset spatula.

Step 5: Make & Pour the Ganache

Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for a minute. Stir gently until glossy and smooth. Allow ganache to cool slightly (still pourable) before spreading over the top layer.

Step 6: Chill Thoroughly & Slice Cleanly

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully. For clean slices, warm a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and cut with gentle pressure.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

The Tuxedo Bar Cake adapts beautifully to your preferences and dietary needs.

Formats:

• Bake as classic bars for easy serving, or

• Use a springform pan to create a layered mousse cake for a dramatic presentation.

Dietary Swaps:

• Make it vegan by substituting coconut cream for heavy cream and using dairy-free dark and white chocolates.

• Use gluten-free flour blends in the cake base to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Fun Spins:

• Miniature bars or cupcakes offer portable indulgence.

• Add brownie chunks to the base for extra fudginess or a shot of espresso for depth.

• Top with festive sprinkles, crushed nuts, or fresh berries to match any occasion.

These tweaks keep the core luxurious taste intact while allowing you to customize to your kitchen and guests.

Make‑Ahead, Storage & Serving Tips

Tuxedo Bar Cake is a great make-ahead dessert. Bake and prepare each mousse layer in advance, then assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped for up to one month—thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Serve the cake chilled for clean slices and refreshing texture, or let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for a softer bite. Avoid reheating as it affects mousse texture.

To slice neat bars, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and cut with gentle, even strokes. This helps maintain the cake’s elegant layers and presentation.

Nutrition Snapshot

Each Tuxedo Bar Cake slice (based on 12 servings) is an indulgent treat, typically containing around 350–400 calories, with 20–25 grams of fat and 30 grams of sugar.

While rich, this dessert shines when enjoyed in moderation—perfect for special occasions or sharing with loved ones. Balancing portion size and savoring each bite lets you enjoy the luxurious layers without guilt.

For a lighter option, consider reducing sugar or swapping some heavy cream with lighter dairy alternatives, but remember, richness is part of the charm!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tuxedo bar cake?
A layered dessert bar with contrasting black (chocolate) and white (white chocolate or cream cheese) mousse layers on a fudgy chocolate base, topped with shiny ganache.

How is it different from a layer or mousse cake?
Tuxedo bars are usually baked in a sheet pan and cut into bars, while mousse or layer cakes may be taller, round, and sliced differently. Bars are more casual yet still elegant.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Layers can be prepared and assembled a day in advance. Just chill thoroughly before serving.

How do I store or freeze it?
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Freeze wrapped well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Can I skip gelatin in mousse?
Yes, but mousse might be less stable. Whipping cream well and chilling properly helps maintain structure.

Why is it called ‘tuxedo’?
Because the dessert’s black-and-white layers resemble the formal elegance of a tuxedo jacket.

Expert Tips for Success

• Always chill your bowls and beaters before whipping cream to achieve stable peaks quickly.

• Use an offset spatula to level mousse layers for clean, even stacking.

• Choose couverture-quality chocolate for superior flavor and texture.

• Let ganache cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting lower layers.

• Fully chill the assembled cake—overnight is best—to ensure clean slices with sharp edges.

• Warm your knife under hot water and wipe dry before each cut for neat bars.

These tips help you achieve professional results with ease.

Presentation & Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Tuxedo Bar Cake with simple yet stunning garnishes: delicate chocolate curls, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or even a touch of edible gold leaf for celebrations.

Serve alongside a rich espresso, a glass of dessert wine, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to complement the chocolate’s depth.

For larger events, scale up as a sheet cake or create a tiered layer cake for an impressive centerpiece.

Conclusion & Call‑to‑Action

With its luxurious layers, sophisticated look, and irresistible chocolate flavor, the Tuxedo Bar Cake is a dessert that truly impresses. Whether for a special celebration or an elegant treat, this cake offers a perfect balance of richness and elegance. Ready to wow your friends and family? Dive into the recipe, personalize it with your favorite twists, and don’t forget to share your baking success—and photos! Happy baking!