Decadent Tuxedo Cake Recipe: An Easy Chocolate Delight
45
min
353
Calories
17g
Fats
50g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this superb Tuxedo Cake - a rich, multi-layered treat that combines fluffy chocolate sponge, silky ganache, and a glossy frosting.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans before lining them with parchment paper for easy release after baking. In the bowl of your stand mixer, sift together your dry ingredients - flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients form the backbone of our luxurious chocolate cake, providing structure, sweetness, and that deep chocolatey goodness. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. These bring moisture and richness, ensuring a tender crumb. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while the mixer runs on a low speed. Then, add the hot coffee. This secret ingredient enhances the cocoa's flavor, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile. Mix until just combined - overmixing can lead to a tough cake!
Pro Tip: Always sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure an even distribution throughout the batter.
Step 2: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and slide them into your preheated oven. Let them bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they're perfectly baked. The transformation from liquid batter to spongy cake is both magical and satisfying. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps in handling and ensures they don't break when turning out onto a cooling rack. Once they're cool enough to touch, transfer them out of the pans to cool completely. This step is crucial for the ganache to set properly in the next phase of assembly.
Pro Tip: Cooling the cakes completely is essential to prevent the ganache from melting when applied.
Step 3: Ganache and Assembly
For the ganache, heat cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. Off the heat, add chopped chocolate, letting it sit for a minute before stirring. The heat from the cream gently melts the chocolate, resulting in a silky, smooth ganache. Divide your ganache if you like, using some for the black ganache and the rest for the white ganache layer. Each layer adds a different textural contrast and visual appeal. Assembling the cake is like building a masterpiece. Begin with a layer of cake, add your black ganache, and top with the next cake layer. Repeat with white ganache. The final layer of ganache should be spread neatly, creating a smooth surface for the frosting. The cake then needs to chill to set the ganache layers properly.
Pro Tip: For smoother ganache, chop the chocolate finely before adding it to the hot cream.
Step 4: Final Touches
The crowning glory of this cake is the shiny glaze and white chocolate decorations. For the glaze, repeat the process of the ganache, but let it cool slightly so it thickens before pouring over the cake. This creates a glossy finish that drapes elegantly over the sides. Melt white chocolate, and using a toothpick, swirl it into the still-wet glaze for a mesmerizing pattern. These final touches not only add beauty but additional layers of chocolate flavor. Cutting this cake is a moment of reveal; inside, the contrasting layers are a testament to your culinary prowess. Remember to warm the knife for clean slices, showcasing the meticulous layers without smudging. This Tuxedo Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of textures and flavors bound to impress.
Pro Tip: A warm knife ensures clean cuts through the ganache layers for picture-perfect servings.
