Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzles Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both rich and charmingly elegant, this Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzles Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of moist, deep chocolate cake enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting, topped with artistic drizzles of semi-sweet and white chocolate that make every slice as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This cake effortlessly balances creamy tang with intense cocoa flavor, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet perfectly approachable for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzles Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredient list. Each item plays a crucial role, from the flour that gives structure to the cake, to the creams and chocolates that deliver richness and visual flair.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation for a tender yet sturdy cake crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a moist texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich, chocolatey depth and dark hue.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a light, fluffy rise.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and helps keep the crumb soft.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist without overpowering flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle sweetness and aroma that complements the chocolate.
• Boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and makes the batter smooth.
• Heavy cream: Whipped into fluffy peaks to create a light, airy frosting texture.
• Cream cheese: Adds tangy richness and creaminess to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to perfection.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Melted for elegant dark chocolate drizzles on top.
• White chocolate: Melted separately to add a striking, decorative contrast.

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

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect temperature once your batter is ready. Next, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking, setting the stage for even baking and delightful cake layers.

Step 2: Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blending these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures your cake will have an even rise and balanced flavor throughout.

Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients

Now, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend everything on medium speed until your batter is smooth and uniform, which makes for a perfectly textured cake.

Step 4: Incorporating Boiling Water

Carefully pour the boiling water into your batter and mix until fully combined. This step might surprise you, but the hot water intensifies the cocoa flavor and creates a luxuriously smooth batter that bakes into moist, tender layers.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake them in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. This timing gives the cakes their perfect balance of moistness and firmness.

Step 6: Cooling the Cake Layers

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial before frosting to ensure your cream cheese frosting won’t melt or slide off.

Step 7: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip the heavy cream in a bowl until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture for a dreamy, fluffy frosting that balances tanginess and sweet creaminess beautifully.

Step 8: Assembling the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. This smooth, creamy coating is what makes this Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzles Recipe truly indulgent.

Step 9: Adding the Chocolate Drizzles

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each. Drizzle this luscious chocolate over the frosted cake in elegant swirls or a zigzag pattern. Repeat the process with the white chocolate, adding a visually stunning contrast that completes the cake’s tuxedo-inspired look.

Step 10: Setting the Chocolate

Allow your masterpiece to sit for about 30 minutes so the chocolate drizzle firms up beautifully. This not only makes for an attractive presentation but also means the cake slices cleanly without smudging the chocolate decor.

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

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is a wonderful opportunity to personalize this cake. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries introduce a fresh, slightly tart burst that pairs wonderfully with the creamy frosting and rich chocolate. Alternatively, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast and added depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve this luscious cake as the centerpiece after a hearty meal, perhaps alongside a lightly spiced coffee or a refreshing berry compote. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream offers a creamy, cold balance that complements every bite of the Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzles Recipe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this cake to a party or special event, consider decorating the base of the cake plate with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a little additional melted white and dark chocolate on the plate itself. This transforms your serving into a work of art, impressing guests with both looks and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzles Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the frosting from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make this delightful dessert ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Wrap the assembled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely in the fridge before layering, frosting, and decorating with the chocolate drizzles.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer, allow slices to come to room temperature after removing from the fridge by letting them sit out for about 30 minutes. This frees up all the rich flavors and creamy textures to shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness perfect for balancing chocolate, you can substitute with classic buttercream or whipped ganache if you prefer a sweeter finish.

Is it necessary to use boiling water in the batter?

Yes, the boiling water blooms the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and contributing to the moist texture of the cake. Skipping this step might result in a drier, less flavorful cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure to choose one with xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture and structure.

How long should I let the chocolate drizzle set?

Allow at least 30 minutes at room temperature for the chocolate to firm up completely. This ensures clean slices and keeps the decorative effect intact when serving.

What is the best way to cut this cake?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices, especially because the cream cheese frosting can be sticky and the chocolate drizzle can create slight resistance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade cake that brings joy with every slice, and this Tuxedo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Drizzles Recipe is a shining example. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this cake combines texture, flavor, and style in a way that feels both timeless and inviting. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite worth sharing again and again!

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