Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe
This Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe delivers the perfect balance of rich chocolate fudge cake, creamy mousse, and silky chocolate frosting. A homemade version of the beloved store-bought classic, this decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or indulgent cravings.
10 Servings
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box 13.5 oz chocolate fudge cake mix
- Eggs as directed on the cake mix box + 1 additional egg
- Butter substituting the amount of oil listed on the box
- Milk substituting the amount of water listed on the box
For the Chocolate Mousse:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 box 5.9 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter (in place of oil), and milk (in place of water). Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, trim the rounded tops to create flat layers. Reserve the trimmed portions for later use.
Prepare the Chocolate Mousse
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and instant chocolate pudding mix.
- Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture thickens and forms soft peaks.
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the prepared mousse evenly over the cake layer, ensuring a smooth surface.
- Gently place the second cake layer on top.
Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and corn syrup in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture, continuing to beat until the frosting is well combined and silky in texture.
Assemble and Decorate
- Evenly frost the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula or knife.
- If desired, transfer some frosting to a piping bag and decorate the edges for a professional finish.
- To replicate Costco’s signature appearance, finely crumble the reserved cake trimmings and gently press them onto the sides of the frosted cake.
- For the final touch, use a fork to create decorative swirls or squiggles on the frosting.
Notes
To make this Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe gluten-free, follow these modifications:
- Cake Mix Substitute: Use a high-quality gluten-free chocolate cake mix in place of the regular boxed mix. Ensure it has a similar weight (13.5 oz) for accurate proportions.
- Thickening Agent for Mousse: Some instant pudding mixes contain gluten. Choose a certified gluten-free pudding mix or make homemade chocolate pudding with cornstarch and cocoa powder.
- Chocolate Chips: Confirm that the semisweet chocolate chips are gluten-free, as some brands process them in facilities that handle gluten-containing products.