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Tuxedo Bar Cake

Decadent Tuxedo Bar Cake That Will Impress Any Guest

This Tuxedo Bar Cake is an indulgent dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, airy mousse, and creamy cheese, perfect for any celebration.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter cubed; ensures rich moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup Water essential for melting the butter and cocoa together.
  • 1/3 cup Unsweet Dark Cocoa Powder provides deep chocolate flavor.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour can be replaced with gluten-free flour mix.
  • 1 1/2 cups Light Brown Sugar packed; adds caramel sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons Espresso Powder optional; enhances chocolate flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda crucial for cake to rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Grain Sea Salt balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk at room temperature; tenderizes cake.
  • 2 large Eggs at room temperature; binds ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract adds depth of flavor.
For the Mousse
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream divided; creates a light and airy texture.
  • 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips the star of the mousse layer.
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese provides a tangy flavor.
  • 3 oz White Chocolate melted and cooled slightly.
  • 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter for mousse layer.
  • 1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice optional; brightens cream cheese flavor.
  • 1/3 cup Confectioners’ Sugar sweetens the filling.
For the Ganache
  • 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips for rich ganache thickness.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream ensures creaminess of the ganache.
  • 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil helps achieve smooth consistency.
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Confectioners' Sugar sweetens the frosting.
  • 1 tablespoon Milk adjusts thickness of frosting.
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter provides creamy base.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweet Cocoa Powder deepens chocolate flavor.
For Decoration
  • 1 Rolled Cookie Wafer adds visual appeal.
  • 3 Fancy Chocolate Truffles indulgent finishing touch.

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Cake pans
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans by greasing or lining them with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, water, and dark cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until melted and glossy, then cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, and sea salt. Fold in espresso powder if using.
  4. Pour the melted butter and cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until combined.
  5. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the batter, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  6. Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in semisweet chocolate chips.
  9. Blend cream cheese, white chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, unsalted butter, and lemon juice until smooth.
  10. Layer the cake with chocolate cake, mousse, and cream cheese mixture repeatedly until assembled.
  11. For ganache, heat semisweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and sunflower oil until melted and smooth.
  12. Pour ganache over the assembled cake and allow it to set.
  13. For decoration, prepare frosting and pipe around the base of the cake; top with truffles and cookie wafer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 750IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep all dairy ingredients at room temperature for better mixing. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake. Cool cake layers completely before assembly to prevent melting mousse. Stir ganache continuously while melting for a smooth finish.

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