Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe

If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolatey layers with a luscious tangy frosting, then the Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake blends the deep flavors of cocoa with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, topped off by an elegant drizzle of both semi-sweet and white chocolate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake delivers both elegance and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this cake right is all about the quality and balance of its ingredients. Each simple component plays a key role in creating the moist texture, rich flavor, and striking visual contrast that makes this dessert unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base and light crumb for the cake layers.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a tender structure.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the deep, chocolatey richness that defines the tuxedo style.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a perfectly fluffy rise.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture and richness.
• Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps develop a tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without adding extra flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate notes.
• Boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and creates a silky batter.
• Heavy cream: Whipped up for that airy, luscious cream cheese frosting.
• Cream cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess essential for the frosting’s character.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: For the rich chocolate drizzle on top.
• White chocolate: Offers beautiful contrast and a touch of sweetness in the drizzle.

How to Make Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans ensures your cakes will come out perfectly smooth, allowing you to layer them effortlessly.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa for consistent flavor throughout.

Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients

Incorporate the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and creamy — this ensures your cake will bake evenly with a moist crumb.

Step 4: Incorporating Boiling Water

Slowly add boiling water to the batter. The heat helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying that signature chocolate flavor, and creates a thinner batter that’s incredibly silky.

Step 5: Baking the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, your cake layers are beautifully baked and ready to cool.

Step 6: Cooling the Cake Layers

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before flipping them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows the layers to set perfectly for frosting.

Step 7: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form for lightness. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to create the frosting that’s fluffy, tangy, and dreamy.

Step 8: Frosting the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on one cake, top it with the second cake, then frost the entire cake evenly. This layered frosting ensures each bite is creamy from edge to edge.

Step 9: Chocolate Drizzle Decoration

Melt semi-sweet chocolate in short bursts in the microwave until silky smooth and drizzle over the frosted cake. Repeat the process with white chocolate, drizzling it in a decorative pattern for a striking tuxedo effect. Let it sit for 30 minutes to set before serving.

How to Serve Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few fresh berries on the side to elevate the presentation and add a pop of color that complements the rich chocolate tones beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to balance the indulgence with refreshing lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert table, slice the cake into neat squares and serve on decorative plates with an additional drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder, turning each portion into an individual masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover tuxedo cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for up to five days without drying out the frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately before frosting for up to three months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

This cake is best served cool or at room temperature; however, for a slightly warmed slice, let it sit at room temperature or gently warm a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, keeping in mind the frosting might soften.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting is classic for this tuxedo cake, a rich chocolate ganache or buttercream can also work beautifully if you prefer something sweeter or silkier.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are standard pantry items. Just take your time with the batter and frosting, and you’ll have a stunning result even if you’re new to cake baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make this delicious tuxedo cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long does the frosting need to set before serving?

Allow the chocolate drizzle to sit for at least 30 minutes to firm up properly. The frosting itself sets quickly once applied, but chilling the cake briefly can help for easier slicing.

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate?

Of course! Using dark chocolate will give the drizzle a more intense and slightly bitter edge, which can provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet cream cheese frosting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe that makes it stand out among chocolate cakes. This recipe is the perfect expression of simplicity meeting elegance—comforting and decadent in equal measure. I encourage you to try it out, impress your friends and family, and most importantly, savor every rich and creamy bite!

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