If you have a craving for a cake that’s both stunning and absolutely delicious, you’re going to fall in love with this Tuxedo Cake (Vanilla–Chocolate Layers) Recipe. It’s a gorgeous, layered dessert that combines the rich intensity of chocolate cake with the tender sweetness of vanilla, all brought together with a luscious cocoa buttercream frosting. Every bite feels like a little celebration, with velvety textures and classic flavors perfectly balanced. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this tuxedo cake will make you want to bake it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuxedo Cake comes together with simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in texture and flavor. The flour forms the structure, cocoa powder adds that unmistakable depth to the chocolate layers, and the butter and sugar create moistness and sweetness in the vanilla layer. Every little addition makes this cake truly shine.
- All-purpose flour: The base for both the vanilla and chocolate cake layers, providing the perfect structure for fluffy, tender cake.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the chocolate layers their deep, rich flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake layers for that classic balance and tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavens the cake so it rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together, adding richness and moisture.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to create a soft crumb in both cakes.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the chocolate layer moist and tender.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for the creamy vanilla cake and smooth frosting, contributing to a rich flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the vanilla cake with its warm, fragrant notes and complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Boiling water: Used to bloom the cocoa powder, maximizing its intense chocolate taste in the cake batter.
- Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and structure in the frosting without grittiness.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps adjust the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Optional garnishes: Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or ganache drizzle add a decorative and flavorful finish.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake (Vanilla–Chocolate Layers) Recipe
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 8-inch cake pans with grease and parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly combined. Then add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a smooth, uniform batter. The magic moment is folding in the boiling water—this thins the batter but results in an incredibly moist and tender chocolate cake. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow these layers to cool completely before handling.
Step 2: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layer
While the chocolate layers cool, prepare your vanilla cake. Grease and line one 8-inch cake pan. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Separately, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let this layer cool thoroughly before proceeding.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
For the rich frosting, beat the unsalted butter in a large bowl until it’s light and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. You can adjust the thickness by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed. This decadent, chocolatey buttercream is going to be the perfect filling and coating that ties the whole tuxedo cake together.
Step 4: Assemble the Tuxedo Cake (Vanilla–Chocolate Layers) Recipe
Once all your cake layers are completely cool, level them if necessary to create even surfaces. Begin by placing one chocolate cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Next, add the vanilla cake layer, followed by more frosting. Place the final chocolate cake layer on top, and now comes the fun part—cover the entire exterior of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out or creating decorative swirls as you like. Finish with your optional garnishes like chocolate shavings or a drizzle of ganache for an elegant cheesecake effect.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake (Vanilla–Chocolate Layers) Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Tuxedo Cake lies not just in the layers but in how you dress it up. Chocolate shavings create a gorgeous texture contrast and a touch of elegance, while sprinkles can add colorful fun, especially for parties. A ganache drizzle adds an extra layer of silky richness that makes the cake look professional and irresistible. Whatever garnishes you choose, they’ll enhance both visual appeal and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This cake stands superbly on its own, but pairing it with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns it into an unforgettable dessert experience. Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, cut through the richness with their bright acidity. A warm cup of coffee or espresso is also an excellent companion, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, slice your tuxedo cake layers horizontally to create even more layers, alternating cake and frosting for a towering masterpiece. For a casual vibe, serve the cake in rustic slices on vintage plates. Another fun idea is to turn leftovers into decadent cake pops by crumbling the cake, mixing it with frosting, and shaping it into bite-sized treats covered with chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Tuxedo Cake at room temperature if it will be eaten within a day, just covered loosely with a cake dome or foil. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, especially if your kitchen is warm or the frosting is soft. Make sure it’s well-covered to avoid drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This tuxedo cake freezes well, which is perfect if you want to prepare it in advance for a big event. Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Because this is a layered, frosted cake, reheating is generally not necessary or recommended. However, if you prefer your cake slightly warmed, let slices come to room temperature or give them a brief 10-15 second zap in the microwave. Keep a close eye to avoid melting the frosting or drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use a different flour type for this Tuxedo Cake (Vanilla–Chocolate Layers) Recipe?
All-purpose flour works best here for texture and rise, but if you want to experiment, cake flour can make the layers even more tender. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the amount slightly.
What’s the secret to moist chocolate cake layers?
Adding boiling water to the chocolate batter blooms the cocoa powder, intensifying the flavor while producing a moist and tender crumb. Also, the vegetable oil helps keep those layers super soft.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.
How far in advance can I assemble the cake?
You can assemble your tuxedo cake a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Can I freeze the frosting separately?
Absolutely! Store the frosting in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and beat it again to restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the classic combination of vanilla and chocolate, and this Tuxedo Cake (Vanilla–Chocolate Layers) Recipe captures that magic effortlessly. Simple, elegant, and packed with flavor, it’s a cake that invites celebration in every slice. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a festive occasion or just to brighten your day. Your friends and family will thank you, and you’ll find this recipe becoming a beloved favorite in no time.
Print
Tuxedo Cake (Vanilla–Chocolate Layers) Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling and decorating)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the classic elegance of Tuxedo Cake featuring rich chocolate layers paired with a moist vanilla layer, all enveloped in a luscious chocolate buttercream frosting. This layered celebration cake combines deep cocoa flavor with vanilla sweetness, perfect for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the chocolate cake layers:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the vanilla cake layer:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the frosting and filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional garnish:
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
- Ganache drizzle
Instructions
- Make the chocolate cake layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth. Carefully stir in the boiling water — note that the batter will be thin, which is normal. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans.
- Make the vanilla cake layer: Prepare one 8-inch cake pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to achieve a smooth batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat the unsalted butter until light and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream to reach the desired consistency.
- Assemble the cake: If necessary, level the tops of the chocolate and vanilla cake layers to create even surfaces. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over it. Top with the vanilla cake layer, then spread more frosting. Place the second chocolate cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top. Finish by garnishing the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of ganache as desired.
Notes
- For a bolder look and flavor, alternate layers of frosting and ganache between the cakes.
- This cake holds up well for celebrations and can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate if the frosting feels very soft.
