Introduction
Indulge in the luxurious layers of the Costco Tuxedo Cake, a dessert that combines rich chocolate layers, creamy mousse, and a glossy ganache topping. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat at home, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chocolate Cake:
200g all-purpose flour
250g granulated sugar
75g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 eggs
240ml buttermilk
120ml vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
240ml hot water
Chocolate Mousse:
200g dark chocolate, melted
250ml heavy cream
50g powdered sugar
White Chocolate Mousse:
200g white chocolate, melted
250ml heavy cream
50g powdered sugar
Chocolate Ganache:
200g dark chocolate, chopped
200ml heavy cream
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 10 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line two 20cm cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 200g of all-purpose flour, 250g of granulated sugar, 75g of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of salt until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add 2 eggs, 240ml of buttermilk, 120ml of vegetable oil, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the batter is smooth.
Add Hot Water
Gradually stir in 240ml of hot water to the batter, mixing until fully incorporated.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
Make the Chocolate Mousse
In a mixing bowl, whip 250ml of heavy cream with 50g of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Then, fold in 200g of melted dark chocolate. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator.
Make the White Chocolate Mousse
Repeat the previous step using 200g of melted white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. Whip and chill as before.
Layer the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly on top of it. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Spread the white chocolate mousse over the upper cake layer. Chill for 1 hour to set.
Make the Ganache
Heat 200ml of heavy cream in a saucepan until it is hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over 200g of chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and glossy.
Apply Ganache
Pour the chocolate ganache over the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful effect. Chill the cake until the ganache is set.
Slice and Serve
Once set, slice the cake into servings and enjoy this decadent dessert!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This cake can be served with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Customization
Feel free to add layers of fruit or nuts in between the mousse layers for added texture and flavor.
Baking Tips
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure the batter mixes well.
Chocolate Melting Tips
When melting chocolate, do so carefully in a microwave or double boiler to prevent burning.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Cake Pans
Greasing and lining the cake pans ensures that the cakes will easily release after baking. Use parchment paper to line the bottom and grease the sides with butter or oil.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Combine all dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor and leavening agents. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform cake texture.
Mixing Batter
When mixing the batter, combine wet and dry ingredients until just smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Adding hot water at the end helps to achieve a moist batter.
Baking the Cake
Bake the cake layers in a preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on the time and avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent the cakes from sinking.
Making Mousse
Whipping cream to soft peaks and gently folding in melted chocolate creates a light and airy mousse. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream during this process.
Layering Cake
Layering the cake with mousse requires spreading it evenly. This ensures balanced flavors and textures in each slice. Chilling the layered cake allows the mousse to set properly.
Preparing Ganache
Heat the cream until hot, then pour it over chopped chocolate. Letting it sit allows the chocolate to soften before stirring, resulting in a smooth ganache that can be poured over the cake.
Chilling the Cake
Chill the cake after assembling and pouring ganache. This step helps the ganache set and makes the cake easier to slice and serve.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
How can I make the cake more decorative?
Consider adding chocolate shavings, berries, or edible gold leaf on top of the ganache for an elegant presentation.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months.
How long does the cake last in the refrigerator?
The Tuxedo Cake can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What should I do if the mousse is too thick?
If the mousse is too thick, you can gently fold in a little more whipped cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
The Costco Tuxedo Cake is a show-stopping dessert that beautifully combines rich chocolate flavors with creamy mousses and a luxurious ganache. Its elegant appearance and decadent taste make it ideal for any celebration or as a special treat to enjoy at home. With its indulgent layers, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake
Add a layer of fresh raspberries between the chocolate and white chocolate mousse for a fruity contrast that enhances the cake’s richness.
Caramel Drizzle Tuxedo Cake
Incorporate a layer of caramel sauce between the chocolate and white chocolate mousses to add a sweet and salty flavor dimension.
Nutty Tuxedo Cake
Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts or almonds between the cake layers for added texture and a delightful crunch.
Red Velvet Tuxedo Cake
Swap the chocolate cake for red velvet cake layers, and retain the original mousses and ganache to create a vibrant and festive twist.
Coffee Infused Tuxedo Cake
Add brewed espresso or coffee to the chocolate cake batter and the chocolate mousse for a rich, mocha flavor.
Fruit and Nut Tuxedo Cake
Incorporate layers of mixed berries or tropical fruits with toasted pistachios for a refreshing and colorful combination.
Mint Chocolate Tuxedo Cake
Infuse the chocolate mousse with peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor that complements the rich chocolate beautifully.