If you have ever bitten into a slice of the luscious Tuxedo Cake from Costco and wished you could recreate that perfect harmony of rich chocolate and creamy mousse at home, you are in for a treat! This Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe captures the irresistible layers of moist chocolate cake, silky chocolate and white chocolate mousse, and a decadent ganache topping. It is a show-stopping dessert that feels both elegantly indulgent and wonderfully comforting, perfect for celebrations or just a special weekend indulgence with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find. Each component, from the cocoa powder in the cake to the heavy cream in the mousses, plays a crucial role in building the cake’s rich texture, intense flavor, and beautiful contrast of colors.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, moist chocolate cake layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a moist crumb.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Give the cake that perfect lift and light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors gently.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the cake tender and adds subtle tanginess.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures moistness that lasts.
- Vanilla extract: Brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Hot coffee or water: Intensifies the chocolate notes perfectly.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into each mousse for airy, creamy layers.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into the chocolate mousse and ganache for smooth richness.
- White chocolate chips: For the dreamy, sweet white chocolate mousse layer.
- Optional chocolate curls or shavings: Add a decorative and tasty finishing touch.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get two 8-inch round cake pans greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—to evenly distribute everything. Incorporate the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Slowly stir in the hot coffee or water; the heat intensifies the chocolate flavor while loosening the batter for a silky texture. Pour the batter evenly into your pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool fully on a rack before moving to the next step to ensure clean mousse layering.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate and White Chocolate Mousse
The mousses are the stars that elevate this cake from great to show-stopping. Begin by heating 1 cup of heavy cream just to a simmer and pour it over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let this rest for a couple of minutes to melt, then whisk until completely smooth. Chill this ganache-like mixture for about 30 minutes. In the meantime, whip the remaining ½ cup of cream to soft peaks before folding it into the cooled chocolate glaze to lighten it up into mousse. Repeat this entire process replacing the semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips for the contrasting mousse layer. The chilled mousses give luscious, airy layers between the dense cake.
Step 3: Assemble Your Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe
Once your cakes are fully cooled, level them with a serrated knife for even layers. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread the chocolate mousse evenly across the top, being generous for that rich, creamy experience. Add the second cake layer on top and smooth the white chocolate mousse over the entire top, and even the sides if you like. Let the mousses chill and set briefly before the final step.
Step 4: Add a Decadent Ganache Topping
For the final impressive layer, simmer ¾ cup heavy cream and pour it over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. After sitting for a couple of minutes, stir this into a glossy, smooth ganache. Allow it to cool just enough to thicken slightly, then pour over the cake so it gently drips down the sides. This finishing touch adds that lusciously glossy appearance and an extra dose of chocolate bliss.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least two hours to let the layers set perfectly, making slicing cleaner and flavors melding more decadent. Optionally, adorn with chocolate curls or shavings to make it truly festive and irresistible.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is everything with this gorgeous cake. Fresh chocolate curls, delicate shavings, or even a dusting of cocoa powder add texture and a professional finish. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries complement the richness and add a pop of color and brightness.
Side Dishes
This cake is a star that doesn’t necessarily need much accompaniment, but a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream beside each slice enhances the creamy, indulgent mood. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich espresso pairs perfectly for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual slices with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce for a gourmet touch. Or plate mini versions as elegant desserts for parties by cutting the cake into small squares and topping each with a whimsical chocolate garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The beauty of this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe is that leftovers stay moist and creamy for up to four days when stored in the refrigerator covered tightly to prevent drying out or odor absorption. Keeping it chilled preserves those silky mousse layers and rich ganache.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake to enjoy later: wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the perfect texture. For best results, freeze before adding ganache topping and decorate fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a mousse-based chilled cake, it’s best served cold or at room temperature rather than warmed. Let slices sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the mousse slightly for maximum flavor without melting the layers.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity, which helps tenderize the cake and balance flavors beautifully.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
While this recipe relies heavily on dairy for the mousse and ganache, you could experiment with coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a vegan-friendly version, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How long does the mousse need to chill before whipping?
Chilling the melted chocolate and cream mixture for about 30 minutes is ideal. This step ensures it’s cool enough to incorporate the whipped cream smoothly and maintain its airy texture without melting.
Can I prepare the mousse layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chocolate and white chocolate mousse can be made a day in advance and refrigerated, making assembly on the day of serving quicker and easier while deepening the flavors.
What’s the best way to get clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This melts through the chocolate layers smoothly, helping maintain the neatness of each slice and showcase those beautiful mousse stripes.
Final Thoughts
This Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe is a delightful adventure into layers of rich, creamy chocolate and light, airy mousse all wrapped in moist cake. It’s truly rewarding to recreate a beloved store-bought cake in your own kitchen with fresh ingredients and a personal touch. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a special treat, this cake will impress every time. Give it a try—you might discover a new favorite dessert to share and savor with friends and family!
Print
Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tuxedo Cake Costco Copycat Recipe features rich chocolate and white chocolate mousse layered between moist chocolate cake layers, topped with a smooth ganache. Perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations, this dessert combines decadent flavors with an impressive presentation that rivals the iconic Costco version.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For the Chocolate Mousse Layer:
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the White Chocolate Mousse Layer:
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Chocolate curls or shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then slowly mix in the hot coffee or hot water until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the chocolate mousse: Heat 1 cup of heavy cream until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Chill this mixture for 30 minutes. Then, whip the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form and gently fold it into the cooled chocolate mixture until light and fluffy.
- Make the white chocolate mousse: Repeat the mousse-making process using the white chocolate chips and 1½ cups heavy cream, heating 1 cup cream and whipping the remaining ½ cup. Fold whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture until fluffy and smooth.
- Assemble the cake: Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the chocolate mousse evenly over it. Top with the second cake layer and spread the white chocolate mousse over the top and sides of the cake as desired.
- Prepare the ganache topping: Heat ¾ cup heavy cream until simmering and pour over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Chill and garnish: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set before slicing. Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings if desired. For cleaner mousse layers, you can freeze each mousse layer for 15 to 20 minutes before adding the next layer.
Notes
- For cleaner layers, freeze each mousse layer for 15–20 minutes before adding the next.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
