If you’ve ever stood in front of the bakery case, gazing longingly at that mile-high chocolate masterpiece, you know just how irresistible the Tuxedo Cake is. With this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe, you can recreate that decadent dream at home—rich chocolate cake, luscious cheesecake layers, clouds of whipped cream, and a glossy ganache finish, all in your own kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors is an absolute showstopper, making it the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers and celebration seekers alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This showy dessert calls for straightforward pantry staples and a few star ingredients. Each one has a role, layer upon layer, ensuring the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe brings bakery-level magic to your table.
- Chocolate cake mix: The backbone for those moist, tender layers, saving tons of time without sacrificing flavor.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Amplifies moisture and deepens the chocolate intensity.
- Sour cream: The secret ingredient for a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and delightful tang.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps every bite soft and rich, never dry.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to elevate the cake layers.
- Warm water: Helps bring everything together into a silky, pourable batter.
- Vanilla extract: This little splash adds warmth and depth to every component.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of gooey chocolate in every slice.
- Cream cheese (softened): For that smooth, creamy cheesecake ripple through the center.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the tangy cream cheese for a classic cheesecake texture.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips into dreamy clouds for the topping and makes ganache extra silky.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves right into whipped cream for just-right sweetness.
- Dark chocolate (chopped): Melts into a rich ganache for that bakery-perfect finish.
- Chocolate curls or shavings (optional): Because a little flourish goes a long way on top of this stunner.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and greasing three 8-inch round cake pans (trust me, these tall layers are key to the wow factor). In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, warm water, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free—no need for a stand mixer, just a good whisk will do. Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips for melty, surprise bites. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Set the cakes aside to cool completely; patient cooling means easy layering!
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
While the cakes cool, whip up your no-bake cheesecake. Beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract together until ultra-smooth and fluffy. This mixture should hold its shape and be easily spreadable, making stacking and assembly a breeze later on. Set it aside for your soon-to-be tall cake tower.
Step 3: Whip Up the Topping
Grab your hand mixer or stand mixer and beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until gorgeous stiff peaks appear. Think pillowy clouds—this whipped cream is destined both for coating and decorating. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to frost, so it holds up beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
The ganache sends this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe straight to dessert heaven. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a saucepan just to a simmer, then pour over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for two minutes to melt, then stir until shiny and smooth. Set aside to thicken slightly while you assemble the layers—it should be thick but pourable.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Now for the fun! Place the first chocolate cake layer on your prettiest plate. Spread half the cheesecake mixture right to the edges, then add the second cake layer and repeat with the rest of the cheesecake. Top with the last cake layer. Use an offset spatula (or even a butter knife) to swoop the whipped topping all over the top and sides for a cloud-like finish. For the grand finale, gently pour the ganache over the center of the cake, letting those luscious chocolate drips cascade down the sides. Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings if you’re feeling extra fancy. Chill for at least an hour before slicing, letting all those gorgeous layers set up perfectly.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe
Garnishes
This cake already dazzles on its own, but a finishing touch or two can make every slice feel extra special. Sprinkle chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a handful of fresh raspberries on top to contrast the rich chocolate. Edible gold leaf or a few sprigs of mint add an elegant flourish for truly festive occasions.
Side Dishes
The Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe is best celebrated as the star of the dessert table, but if you’d like to round out the plate, try a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Fresh berries or a simple berry coulis bring a zippy freshness that pairs beautifully with the decadent cake layers.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow guests, serve each slice on individual dessert plates garnished with extra ganache drizzle and fresh fruit. For parties, try making mini versions in ramekins or as cupcakes—just layer the components as you would for the large cake. Even a “deconstructed” version in parfait glasses lets those gorgeous stripes shine through, perfect for dinner parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake (if there is any!) keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly covered. The flavors marry even further after a day or two, making for irresistibly fudgy, creamy slices. Always cover the cake to protect the whipped cream topping and keep it at its best for up to four days.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze the individual cake layers before assembling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before building your masterpiece. Fully assembled Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe slices can also be frozen; just thaw gently in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, you won’t need to reheat the whole thing. If you find the ganache is too firm straight from the fridge, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, so the chocolate layer softens just enough for perfect slicing.
FAQs
How can I keep my cake layers from sticking to the pans?
For foolproof release, line the bottoms of your pans with parchment paper before greasing. Let cakes cool for ten minutes, then run a knife around the edge for easy removal.
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch-made chocolate cake, it works beautifully here. The mix just makes things quick and consistent—perfect for busy bakers.
Is it necessary to chill the cake before serving?
Yes, chilling helps set the layers, making slicing tidy and keeping the cheesecake and whipped cream firm. Just one hour sets everything perfectly, but overnight is fine, too!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that the pudding mix is gluten free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to slice the cake for pretty layers?
Use a sharp, thin knife and wipe it clean between slices for sharp, defined stripes. Chilling before slicing helps, too, so your masterpiece stays picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how delightful and impressive this Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe truly is. There’s something magical about layering all that chocolate and cream, and every bite tastes like a celebration. Give it a go, share a slice, and let this cake turn even an ordinary day into something special!
Print
Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Tuxedo Cake, a delicious Costco copycat recipe that features layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, fluffy whipped topping, and a luxurious chocolate ganache drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Layers:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ganache:
- 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Chocolate curls or shavings
Optional Garnish:
Instructions
- Cake Layers: Preheat oven and prepare pans. Mix ingredients, fold in chocolate chips, divide batter, and bake.
- Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Whipped Topping: Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff. Chill.
- Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, stir until smooth.
- Assembly: Layer cake, cheesecake, whipped topping. Drizzle with ganache, garnish with chocolate curls. Chill before serving.
Notes
- You can freeze cake layers in advance to make assembly easier.
- Use stabilized whipped cream if you want the topping to hold longer at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
