You’d never guess this came from your own kitchen.
That rich, glossy chocolate ganache. The silky mousse layers. The tender chocolate cake that melts the second it hits your fork. If you love the iconic Costco Tuxedo Cake, this homemade version delivers that same bakery-style luxury — but fresher, richer, and surprisingly doable at home.
This is the kind of dessert that makes people pause mid-bite and ask, “You made this?”
✨ Copycat Costco Tuxedo Cake (Step-by-Step Guide)
A rich, layered Copycat Costco Tuxedo Cake instantly transforms any dessert table, impresses guests, and gives your celebration that polished, bakery-style look — without needing a warehouse membership. This homemade version delivers the same chocolate mousse layers, moist cake, and glossy ganache at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re planning a holiday dessert spread or spring gathering, you might also love this light and moist Lemon Ricotta Cake for a bright citrus contrast that balances deep chocolate flavors beautifully.
Let’s explore how to recreate this iconic Costco Tuxedo Cake copycat recipe right in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-rich chocolate flavor with layered mousse and ganache
- Bakery-style presentation without professional skills
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and dinner parties
- Make-ahead friendly (actually tastes better the next day)
- Costs far less than buying a whole warehouse cake
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
For the Chocolate Mousse Filling
- 1½ cups heavy cream (cold)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
For the White Chocolate Mousse Layer
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 6 oz white chocolate, melted and cooled
For the Ganache Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Optional: Chocolate shavings for garnish.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin — that’s normal).
Pour evenly into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely before assembling.
2. Make the Chocolate Mousse
Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in melted chocolate until smooth and fluffy. Chill until ready to use.
3. Make the White Chocolate Mousse
Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold in cooled white chocolate carefully to keep it airy.
4. Prepare the Ganache
Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool slightly until thick but pourable.
Assembly
- Place one cake layer on a cake board.
- Spread chocolate mousse evenly.
- Add second cake layer.
- Spread white chocolate mousse on top.
- Chill for 30–45 minutes to firm up.
- Pour ganache over the top, letting it drip naturally.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Want cleaner layers? Assemble inside a cake ring or springform pan.
- Extra indulgent? Add a thin chocolate fudge layer between cake and mousse.
- Make ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day once the layers set fully.
- Freezer-friendly: Chill 30 minutes before slicing for ultra-clean edges.
Serving Ideas
Serve chilled for defined layers or slightly softened for ultra-creamy texture.
Pair with:
- Fresh berries
- Espresso or dark roast coffee
- A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream
This cake works beautifully for:
- Birthdays
- Holiday tables
- Dinner parties
- Special celebrations
- When you simply want something dramatic and chocolate-forward
Conclusion
This Copycat Costco Tuxedo Cake proves you don’t need a warehouse membership to enjoy a luxury chocolate dessert. It’s rich without being overwhelming, balanced with light mousse layers, and impressive enough to feel bakery-level.
Once you make this at home, it may quietly become your go-to celebration cake.
Save it. Make it. And watch it disappear slice by slice. 🍫
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy this indulgent Pistachio Cream Croissant Bake recipe, a rich and buttery baked pastry perfect for brunch or holiday mornings. For something fruity and elegant, try this homemade Strawberry Balsamic Galette recipe, featuring a flaky crust and sweet-tart strawberry filling with a hint of balsamic depth. Or bake a traditional Italian Easter Bread recipe, a soft, lightly sweet braided bread that’s perfect for Easter celebrations and spring gatherings.
Each of these spring dessert recipes delivers bakery-style results at home, making them perfect for holidays, brunch menus, or seasonal entertaining.
