How to Make a Tuxedo Cake: A Show-Stopping Dessert for Any Occasion

The Tuxedo Cake. Just the name evokes a sense of elegance and celebration, doesn’t it? It’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. This decadent cake, with its contrasting layers of dark chocolate and vanilla, resembles a classic tuxedo, hence the name. But don’t let the sophisticated look intimidate you. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be surprised how simple it is to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, there’s nothing too fancy here, just good quality ingredients that will make your cake sing.

For the Chocolate Cake:

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

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools of the Trade:

Having the right tools makes baking so much more enjoyable. You’ll need:

• Two 9-inch round baking pans
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatulas
• Serrated knife
• Piping bag and tips (optional)

Baking the Perfect Tuxedo Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Cake Pans:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. For an extra layer of protection against sticking, line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Mixing the Chocolate Cake Batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
• Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth.

3. Mixing the Vanilla Cake Batter:

• In another large bowl (or you can wash and dry the one you used for the chocolate batter), combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

4. Baking the Cakes:

• Divide the chocolate batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Repeat the process with the vanilla batter, baking for the same amount of time.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Preparing the Chocolate Filling:

• In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.

6. Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

7. Assembling the Tuxedo Cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary.
• Place one chocolate cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate.
• Spread half of the chocolate filling evenly over the cake layer.
• Top with a vanilla cake layer and spread with the remaining chocolate filling.
• Place the second chocolate cake layer on top.
• Frost the entire cake with a thin layer of vanilla buttercream to create a crumb coat. This helps to seal in any crumbs and creates a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting.
• Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.
• Once the crumb coat is firm, frost the cake with the remaining vanilla buttercream, creating a smooth and elegant finish.

8. Adding the Finishing Touches:

This is where you can unleash your creativity and give your tuxedo cake that “wow” factor!

• Classic Tuxedo Look: Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to create decorative swirls around the top and bottom edges of the cake.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake for an extra touch of decadence.
• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin curls of chocolate from a chocolate bar and scatter them over the cake.

Tuxedo Cake on a Stand

Tips for Baking Success:

Here are a few insider tips to help you achieve tuxedo cake perfection:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps to ensure that your batter mixes together smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Accurate Measuring: Use measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements, especially for the dry ingredients. This will help to ensure that your cake has the right texture.
• Cooling the Cakes Completely: It’s essential to let the cakes cool completely before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Of course! While vanilla buttercream is the classic choice for a tuxedo cake, you can use your favorite frosting. Chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped cream would all be delicious options.

How should I store my Tuxedo Cake?

Store your frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Close Up of Tuxedo Cake Slice

Conclusion:

There you have it – everything you need to know to create your very own show-stopping tuxedo cake. Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting in the kitchen. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this elegant and delicious dessert. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us in the comments below!