Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe

If you’ve ever gazed longingly at the lavish, chocolate-laden Tuxedo Cake at Costco, wishing you could recreate its layers at home, this is your moment: introducing the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe! This decadent dessert features a trio of moist chocolate cake, silky white chocolate mousse, rich dark chocolate mousse, and a glossy ganache that will have everyone believing you picked it up from the bakery. Whether it’s for a celebration or to sweeten up your everyday, this recipe brings bakery-quality flavor and gorgeous presentation straight to your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element of this showstopping cake relies on a handful of staple ingredients, each pulling its own weight in taste, texture, and visual appeal. Don’t let the impressive result fool you: with a good shopping list and a little prep, this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe is absolutely doable at home!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake layers, lending structure without heaviness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a soft crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and imparts the cake’s signature dark color.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These two ensure your cake rises to the perfect, fluffy height.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights all those rich chocolate notes.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang that enhances the chocolate.
• Hot water: Intensifies the cocoa’s flavor and keeps the batter smooth.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays soft and tender, even after chilling.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings out complexity in both cake and mousse layers.
• White chocolate (chopped): The star of the mousse layer, choose a quality bar for the lushest flavor.
• Dark chocolate (chopped): For a luscious, slightly bitter mousse that pairs beautifully with sweet cake.
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes both mousse fillings impossibly airy and the ganache ultra-smooth.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mousse without grittiness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The ganache’s foundation; opt for your favorite brand for best results.
• Butter: Adds gloss and richness to your ganache finish.

How to Make Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a second bowl, whisk the buttermilk, hot water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gently blend the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until smooth—don’t overwork! Divide the chocolate cake batter evenly among the three pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let your cakes cool completely in the pans before proceeding.

Step 2: Make the White Chocolate Mousse

Melt your white chocolate (either in a microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler) until completely smooth, then let it stand to cool slightly. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted white chocolate, working in batches so your mousse stays light and airy. Set aside in the fridge while you prep the next mousse layer.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dark Chocolate Mousse

Repeat the process for the dark chocolate mousse. Melt the dark chocolate and let it cool briefly. While it cools, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks just form. Carefully fold the melted dark chocolate into the cream mixture, taking care not to deflate it. Refrigerate this mousse as well.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Now the fun part! Place one cooled chocolate cake layer onto your cake stand or serving plate (for extra polish, use a springform pan at this stage). Spread a generous layer of the dark chocolate mousse over it. Set the second cake layer on top and cover it with the white chocolate mousse, smoothing evenly to the edges. Top with the final chocolate cake layer, pressing gently for evenness. Chill the nearly finished cake for at least 30 minutes so the mousse layers can set and the cake becomes easier to glaze.

Step 5: Finish with Chocolate Ganache

To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (don’t boil!), then pour it over the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let it stand for a minute, then stir until silky-smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the thoroughly chilled cake, letting it elegantly drip down the sides. Pop the cake back in the refrigerator to let the ganache set completely before slicing and serving your masterpiece.

How to Serve Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, crown your Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few chocolate curls. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a slightly tart contrast that sets off all those rich layers. If you’re feeling festive, a few edible gold flakes or crisp chocolate pearls will really make your cake stand out at the table.

Side Dishes

This cake truly shines on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream is never a bad idea. For a more grown-up twist, serve with fresh espresso or a shot of cold brew. The slight bitterness complements the sweet, creamy mousse layers beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t hesitate to slice this beauty into mini cake squares for a dessert platter or serve in clear trifle glasses to show off the dramatic stripes. Individual parfait cups with alternating layers of cake and mousse are perfect for parties and make-ahead treats. No matter your presentation, the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe is always a scene-stealer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe irresistibly moist, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The mousse stays luscious for up to four days, and the cake layers retain their dreamy softness. Just be sure to keep it chilled thanks to the dairy-based mousse.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil, before placing in an airtight container. The Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor before serving.

Reheating

This cake is truly best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer the cake layers softer, let your slice sit at room temp for about 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as the mousse can lose its fluffiness and ganache its sheen.

FAQs

Is the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe suitable for making in advance?

Absolutely! Assembling and chilling the cake the day before allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, and the structure becomes even more sliceable. Just apply ganache on the day of serving for the glossiest finish.

Can I use different chocolate brands or types for the mousses?

Switching up your chocolates is a fantastic way to personalize the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe. Higher quality chocolate yields deeper flavors, but any good chocolate bar (not chocolate chips for the mousse) works in a pinch!

What if I only have two cake pans?

No problem! Simply bake two layers first, let them cool, then re-grease and bake the last layer with the remaining batter. The batter can rest briefly at room temp with no issue.

How do I get clean, bakery-style slices?

For perfect slices, use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. Let the cake sit at room temp for about 10 minutes before slicing for even prettier layers.

Can I make the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in a reliable cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure your chocolate and other add-ins are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy this stunning Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe at home. Layer by glorious layer, you and your loved ones will be swept away by its bakery-worthy looks and blissfully rich flavor. Grab your whisk, set out your ingredients, and let your kitchen be the place where sweet memories are made!

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