Tuxedo Bar Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance, indulgence, and crowd-pleasing flavors, look no further than the Tuxedo Bar Cake. Named for its stunning black-and-white layers that resemble a tuxedo, this cake is as sophisticated in appearance as it is satisfying in flavor.

With moist chocolate cake, layers of creamy vanilla mousse, silky chocolate ganache, and a glossy chocolate glaze, this treat is ideal for celebrations, special dinners, or when you’re simply in the mood to impress. In this article, you’ll learn how to make it from scratch, get expert tips, and discover variations to suit every taste.

What Is a Tuxedo Bar Cake?

The Tuxedo Bar Cake is a layered dessert that showcases two bold contrasts — rich chocolate and smooth vanilla. Think of it as a cross between a mousse cake and a layer cake, often served in rectangular slices like a “bar” instead of the traditional round cake.

Inspired by the design of a tuxedo, the deep chocolate tones are offset with white vanilla or cream cheese filling. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, making it a popular pick for high-end bakeries and home bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Visually stunning — elegant black & white contrast
• Texture heaven — moist cake, fluffy mousse, smooth ganache
• Perfect for holidays — Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries
• Easy to customize — flavor, shape, and layers

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water or hot coffee

For the Vanilla Cream Layer:

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (optional, for richer flavor)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• ½ cup dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp corn syrup or glucose (for shine)

Recommended Kitchen Tools

• Two 9×13-inch baking pans (or one you slice horizontally)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Offset spatula
• Serrated knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan (for ganache and glaze)

How to Make a Tuxedo Bar Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
4. Slowly pour in hot water or coffee while mixing at low speed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
6. Let the cake cool completely, then level the top if needed. Slice horizontally into two even layers if using one pan.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Cream

1. In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. For added richness, fold in softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
3. Chill until ready to use.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

1. Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
2. Pour over chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl.
3. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
4. Cool to room temperature to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving board or tray.
2. Spread a thick layer of vanilla cream over the cake.
3. Drizzle and spread half the ganache over the cream.
4. Add the second cake layer on top and gently press.
5. Spread the rest of the ganache over the top layer.
6. Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, melt the chocolate, butter, and corn syrup until glossy and smooth.
2. Pour over the chilled cake and use an offset spatula to gently spread.
3. Chill again for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use hot coffee in the batter — it enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Chill between layers to avoid melting or sliding.
• Use a serrated knife for clean, bakery-style slices.
• Add gelatin to the cream if transporting in warm weather.

Variations to Try

Mocha Tuxedo Cake

Add 1 tbsp of espresso powder to the cake and ganache.

Raspberry Tuxedo Cake

Add a layer of raspberry jam under the vanilla cream or mix fresh raspberries into the cream.

White Chocolate Tuxedo Cake

Use white chocolate ganache instead of dark for a twist.

Holiday Tuxedo Cake

Add peppermint extract to the cream and top with crushed peppermint candies.

Make It Fit Your Diet

Gluten-Free:

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Vegan:

• Use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives.
• Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Use vegan butter and chocolate.

Lower Sugar:

Use stevia or erythritol in the cream and cake layers.

Storage & Serving

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
• Serve cold for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a creamier bite.

Final Thoughts

The Tuxedo Bar Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. From the moist chocolate base to the fluffy cream center and that shiny ganache glaze, every bite is a luxurious celebration of contrasts.

Whether you’re preparing it for a birthday, a dinner party, or just to spoil yourself, this dessert delivers stunning results with surprisingly simple steps.

Ready to turn your kitchen into a gourmet bakery? Save this recipe and let the tuxedo magic begin!