Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe (Easy Copycat Recipe)

If you have ever visited the Costco bakery section, chances are you have seen the famous Tuxedo Cake. This decadent dessert is known for its rich chocolate layers, creamy mousse filling, and smooth chocolate ganache. As a result, it has become one of the most popular bakery items among chocolate lovers.

The good news is that you do not need a Costco membership to enjoy this delicious dessert. With this Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe, you can recreate the bakery favorite right in your own kitchen.

Not only does this cake look impressive, but it also delivers incredible flavor in every bite. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy mousse, and silky ganache creates a dessert that is perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Furthermore, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even if you have never made a layered cake before.

What Is a Costco Tuxedo Cake?

The Costco Tuxedo Cake is a layered chocolate dessert featuring moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate mousse, and glossy chocolate ganache.

The dessert gets its name from the contrast between the dark chocolate layers and the lighter mousse filling. Consequently, the cake has a sophisticated appearance that resembles a formal tuxedo.

Today, many home bakers search for a Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe because they want to enjoy the same bakery-style dessert without leaving home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich chocolate flavor
• Smooth and creamy mousse filling
• Elegant bakery-style presentation
• Perfect for celebrations
• Easy step-by-step instructions
• Budget-friendly alternative to store-bought cakes

Additionally, this recipe can be customized with different flavors and toppings.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee

Ingredients for the Chocolate Mousse

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ganache Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

• Two 9-inch cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Having everything ready beforehand will make the baking process much easier.

How to Make Costco Tuxedo Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grease and line two cake pans with parchment paper.

This simple step helps prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Meanwhile, prepare the wet ingredients in a separate area.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture.

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Next, slowly pour in the hot coffee while stirring continuously. Although the batter will appear thin, this helps create an exceptionally moist cake.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After baking, allow the cake layers to cool completely. Otherwise, the mousse filling may soften too much during assembly.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

The mousse layer is what makes this Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe truly special.

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and melt them carefully.

Afterward, let the chocolate cool slightly before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Be careful not to overwhip the cream.

Step 3: Fold Everything Together

Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream.

Continue folding until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

Finally, refrigerate the mousse for about 20 minutes to help it firm up.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Step 1: Heat the Cream

Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and heat it until it begins to simmer.

Do not allow it to boil.

Step 2: Add Chocolate

Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate.

Then let the mixture sit for two minutes.

Step 3: Stir Until Smooth

Stir slowly until the ganache becomes glossy and silky.

As a result, you will have a luxurious topping that looks professionally made.

Assemble the Cake

First Layer

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

Next, spread half of the chocolate mousse evenly across the surface.

Second Layer

Carefully place the second cake layer on top.

Then spread the remaining mousse over the cake.

Add the Ganache

Pour the ganache over the top of the cake.

For a bakery-style finish, allow some of the ganache to drip gently down the sides.

Chill Before Serving

Finally, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour.

This helps the layers set properly and improves the overall texture.

Tips for the Best Costco Tuxedo Cake

Use High-Quality Chocolate

Since chocolate is the star ingredient, using premium chocolate will significantly improve the flavor.

Do Not Skip the Coffee

Many people worry about adding coffee. However, it simply enhances the chocolate flavor and does not make the cake taste like coffee.

Chill Between Steps

Whenever possible, chill the mousse and assembled cake.

As a result, the layers remain neat and stable.

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better texture.

Delicious Variations

White Chocolate Tuxedo Cake

Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter dessert.

Triple Chocolate Version

Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra richness.

Raspberry Tuxedo Cake

For example, you can spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves between the cake and mousse.

Espresso Tuxedo Cake

Add one teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Additionally, you can freeze individual slices for up to two months.

When ready to serve, thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving:

• Calories: 550
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 40g

Nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe unique?

The combination of moist chocolate cake, rich mousse filling, and silky ganache creates a luxurious dessert that stands out from traditional chocolate cakes.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, many bakers prefer making it one day ahead because the flavors develop even more overnight.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely. Simply wrap individual slices tightly and freeze them for up to two months.

Is the Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe suitable for birthdays?

Yes, it is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other celebrations.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Certainly. Milk chocolate creates a sweeter flavor while maintaining the cake’s creamy texture.

Learn more about chocolate cake