Tuxedo Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious, the Tuxedo Cake is a true showstopper. This beautiful two-layer cake features a rich dark chocolate base paired with a soft white cake layer, all held together by a luscious cream cheese frosting. The contrast of flavors and colors gives it a classic, elegant vibe, just like a tuxedo, making it perfect for celebrations or any time you want to impress your guests with a dessert that tastes amazing and looks sophisticated.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Tuxedo Cake comes from simple, everyday ingredients that combine beautifully to create its signature flavor, texture, and look. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s lending moisture, richness, or that contrasting color that makes this cake unforgettable.

• Flour (1 cup for each cake): The foundation providing structure to both the dark chocolate and white cake layers.
• Cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and a striking dark color to the chocolate cake layer.
• Sugar: Sweetens both cakes—use 1 cup for the chocolate and 1/2 cup for the white cake to balance flavors perfectly.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Important leavening agents that ensure your cakes rise fluffy and light.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness in both cakes.
• Milk (1/2 cup each): Adds moisture and helps create that tender crumb everyone loves in a homemade cake.
• Vegetable oil (1/4 cup each): Keeps the cake moist and soft without overpowering the flavors.
• Eggs (1 large for each cake): Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon each): Brings warmth and depth to both cake layers.
• Cream cheese (200g) and butter (100g) for the frosting: The creamy duo that creates a silky, smooth frosting with just the right tang.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and lightens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
• Grated white and dark chocolate or chocolate chips: For that final elegant garnish that adds texture and a touch of indulgence.

How to Make Tuxedo Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two cake pans to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine your flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and velvety. Pour it evenly into one of your cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, let the cake cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Bake the White Cake

Using a fresh bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Then stir in the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract, beating until the batter is perfectly smooth. Pour this mixture into your second greased pan and bake at the same temperature for another 25-30 minutes. Let this white cake cool completely as well, so it doesn’t melt the frosting later.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until silky smooth without lumps. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until your frosting is light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy. This frosting is the glue and the creamy delight that brings the Tuxedo Cake layers together.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tuxedo Cake

Place the cooled dark chocolate cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Then carefully place the white cake layer over it. Spread another thick layer of frosting on top to cover the white cake as well. Finally, sprinkle the top with a mix of grated white and dark chocolate or use chocolate chips to add that extra special touch. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to let everything set beautifully.

How to Serve Tuxedo Cake

Garnishes

A Tuxedo Cake isn’t complete without a luxurious finish. Freshly grated white and dark chocolate not only add texture but visually enhance the cake’s elegant design. You can also experiment with chocolate curls or even a light dusting of cocoa powder on the sides for a sophisticated touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which balances the rich flavors. For an adult twist, a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a glass of dessert wine elevates the entire experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider slicing the Tuxedo Cake into neat squares and serving on individual plates with a mint leaf garnish. Alternatively, you can layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries for a stunning visual and flavor twist that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Tuxedo Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and moisture in the cake and frosting.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake carefully in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

The Tuxedo Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature since it has cream cheese frosting. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving rather than heating it, which could affect the texture of the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour works just fine in this recipe and will still yield a tender cake, though cake flour may produce a slightly lighter texture.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives to create a dairy-free version that still tastes delightful.

Can I make the cakes ahead of time?

Definitely. You can bake both cake layers a day or two in advance and keep them wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm.

What’s the best way to get clean cake layers when assembling?

Use a serrated knife to level the cakes if needed and handle them gently with a thin spatula or cake lifter for neat stacking.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Just double the ingredients, use larger or multiple pans, and adjust baking times as needed.

Final Thoughts

Making a Tuxedo Cake is such a rewarding experience because of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Whether it’s for a celebration or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake’s rich chocolate and delicate white layers layered with creamy frosting never fail to impress. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily you can craft a cake that feels elegant and tastes downright heavenly!