If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating a decadent, elegant dessert that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds, then the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This luscious layered cake combines the luscious creaminess of vegan white chocolate mousse, a rich semi-sweet chocolate mousse infused with coffee, and tender layers of chocolate cake and fudge brownies. It’s a perfect blend of velvety, airy textures and intense chocolate flavors, all without dairy, making it a must-try masterpiece everyone will rave about. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a luxurious treat, this recipe brings that iconic Costco cake experience right to your home with a plant-based twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet purposeful ingredients is what makes this cake truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role — from the creamy vegan whipping cream to the intense coffee-enhanced chocolate — ensuring your final cake has the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and stunning appearance.
- Vegan white chocolate, 8 ounces (226g): The star for the smooth and sweet vanilla mousse layer with a silky finish.
- Plant milk, 4 fl oz (60ml): Provides a liquid base to melt the chocolate and agar while keeping it dairy-free.
- Vanilla bean paste or extract, 1 to 2 teaspoons: Adds natural vanilla aroma and depth to the white chocolate mousse.
- Agar powder, ½ teaspoon and ½ teaspoon: Acts as a vegan-friendly gelatin substitute to set the mousse layers perfectly.
- Aquafaba, ¼ cup (60ml) plus ¼ cup: This magical chickpea liquid whips up like egg whites, providing fluffy, airy texture to your mousse and cream components.
- Sugar, 2 tablespoons (28g) twice: Sweetens the mousse and helps stabilize the aquafaba for that luscious creaminess.
- Cream of tartar, ¼ teaspoon twice: Stabilizes the aquafaba, ensuring glossy and stiff peaks in your whipped aquafaba.
- Vegan whipping cream, 1½ cups twice: Whipped to light, airy perfection, it enriches both mousse layers with velvety softness.
- Semi-sweet vegan chocolate, 8 ounces (226g): Key for the intense chocolate mousse that contrasts beautifully with the white chocolate layer.
- Strong brewed coffee, 4 tablespoons (60ml): A subtle coffee kick that amplifies the chocolate flavor in the mousse.
- Chocolate cake, ½ recipe: Your rich, moist foundation layer.
- Fudge brownies, ½ recipe: Adds chewy, fudgy bursts throughout the white mousse.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Bake the Layers
Start by greasing and lining your 1/8 and 1/4 sheet pans with parchment paper to ensure your chocolate cake and fudge brownies come out easily. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), then prepare and bake your chocolate cake and fudge brownies according to your favorite recipes. Baking from scratch ensures moist, fresh layers that blend perfectly in this copycat delight.
Step 2: Cool and Cut the Cake and Brownies
Once baked, allow the cake and brownies to cool entirely; this step is critical to maintaining distinct layers in your final cake without melting the mousse. Next, line a loaf pan with plastic wrap to create an easy release, and trim the cake and brownies to fit snugly inside the pan. This careful sizing ensures an even, striking layered appearance.
Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Vanilla Mousse
Gently warm your plant milk with the vanilla bean paste and half a teaspoon of agar powder until just hot — avoid boiling. Stir in the vegan white chocolate until melted and smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the aquafaba together with sugar and cream of tartar until it forms stable, glossy peaks. Fold this whipped aquafaba into the white chocolate mixture along with the whipped vegan cream, creating a luxurious and airy vanilla mousse. Pour half of this mousse into your prepared loaf pan, mixing in chunks of your fudge brownies for a delightful surprise in every bite. Refrigerate this layer to set firmly.
Step 4: Prepare the Coffee-Infused Chocolate Mousse
Melt the semi-sweet vegan chocolate and mix it with brewed coffee and the remaining agar powder dissolved as before. Whip the aquafaba, sugar, and cream of tartar again until glossy, and combine this with the vegan whipping cream. Fold this fluffy mixture gently into the chocolate-coffee base, crafting a mousse layered with both richness and lightness. Pour this chocolate mousse evenly over your chilled white mousse layer.
Step 5: Add the Final Cake Layer and Chill
Top the mousse layers with the remaining trimmed chocolate cake. This forms the classic tuxedo “jacket” effect. Refrigerate your cake overnight for the flavors and textures to meld beautifully, or freeze it for about four hours if you’re eager to serve sooner.
Step 6: Unmold and Finish with Ganache
Carefully unmold your cake by lifting it from the loaf pan using the plastic wrap. For the final flourish, glaze your cake with a shiny vegan chocolate ganache to replicate the elegant Costco look. Optionally decorate with vegan chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an extra touch of sophistication.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe with delicate chocolate curls, edible gold leaf, or a dusting of powdered sugar elevates both presentation and flavor. Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries add a vibrant color contrast and fresh fruity note that perfectly complements the richness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a lightly brewed coffee or a smooth cup of plant-based latte. For a fruity balance, serve alongside a refreshing berry compote or a small bowl of citrus sorbet — the tartness cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into individual mini parfait jars layered with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or nuts for texture. Another idea is to serve it as an ice cream cake by adding a layer of vegan ice cream between the mousse levels for a summer twist that will wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy a slice or two without losing quality.
Freezing
This cake freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen leftovers maintain their taste and texture for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option to prepare in advance for celebrations or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Since this is a mousse-based cake, it’s best served chilled or slightly pulled from the fridge to soften before slicing. Avoid microwaving or heating it as that will ruin the delicate layers and texture. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to bring out the fullest flavors.
FAQs
Can I make the Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your chocolate cake and fudge brownie recipes with gluten-free versions. Many gluten-free baked goods work wonderfully here, preserving the texture and flavor you expect in this decadent cake.
Is the agar powder necessary for this recipe?
Yes, agar powder is essential since it acts as the vegan alternative to gelatin, helping the mousse layers set firmly without the use of animal products. It ensures your mousse maintains a beautiful sliceable texture.
Can I use regular dairy milk and cream instead of plant-based?
You can, although this recipe is designed to be fully vegan. Using dairy milk and cream will change the flavor slightly but often enhances creaminess. Adjust your ingredients accordingly and note that the recipe may no longer be vegan.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
This cake is perfect for making up to two days ahead. The overnight chilling allows the mousse and cake layers to meld perfectly, making it ideal for party prep. Just keep it refrigerated until serving!
What is aquafaba and why is it used here?
Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas, and it whips like egg whites, making it a fantastic vegan substitute for creating airy, stable mousse and creams. It’s a key player in achieving that light, fluffy texture in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into this dreamy Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe and enjoy every luscious bite as much as I do. It’s one of those showstopper desserts that feels fancy but is totally doable at home, especially with these plant-based ingredients. Once you make it and see those beautiful layers come together, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite. So roll up your sleeves, bake with joy, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this chocolatey, creamy masterpiece!
Print
Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (excluding chilling time overnight or 4 hours freezing)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Tuxedo Cake Costco Copy Cat recipe is a decadent, dairy-free and vegan dessert featuring layers of vegan white chocolate mousse and semi-sweet chocolate mousse, combined with chocolate cake and fudge brownie pieces. The cake is set with agar powder for a firm texture, uses aquafaba as an egg white substitute, and is finished with a rich chocolate ganache glaze. Perfect for indulgent celebrations or special occasions, this cake delivers a perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and intense dark chocolate flavors.
Ingredients
White Chocolate Mousse Layer
- 8 ounces (226g) vegan white chocolate
- 4 fl oz (60ml) plant milk
- 1 or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
- ½ teaspoon agar powder
- ¼ cup (60ml) aquafaba
- 2 tablespoons (28g) sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1½ cups vegan whipping cream, whipped
Chocolate Mousse Layer
- 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet vegan chocolate
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) strong brewed coffee
- ½ teaspoon agar powder
- 1½ cups vegan whipping cream, whipped
- ¼ cup (60ml) aquafaba
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons (28g) sugar
Cake Layers
- ½ recipe chocolate cake (prepared and baked separately)
- ½ recipe fudge brownies (prepared and baked separately)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pans and Heat Oven: Grease and line 1/8 and ¼ sheet pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to bake the cake and brownies.
- Bake Chocolate Cake and Fudge Brownies: Follow your favorite recipes for chocolate cake and fudge brownies and bake them in the prepared pans until done. Allow them to cool completely before assembling the mousse layers.
- Prepare Pan and Cut Cake: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap to facilitate easy removal of the cake later. Cut the cooled cake and brownies into sizes that will fit the loaf pan, ready to be layered.
- Make White Chocolate Mousse: Heat the plant milk with vanilla bean paste or extract and agar powder until the agar dissolves. Combine this mixture with melted vegan white chocolate. Whip aquafaba with sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it and the vegan whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture. Pour this mousse into the loaf pan, mixing in chunks of brownie. Refrigerate to allow it to set properly.
- Make Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mousse: Melt the semi-sweet vegan chocolate and mix it with agar powder dissolved in strong brewed coffee. Whip aquafaba with sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks are achieved, then fold together with whipped vegan cream into the chocolate mixture. Pour this mousse carefully over the set white chocolate mousse layer.
- Layer Cake and Chill: Place the remaining chocolate cake layer on top of the chocolate mousse layer. Refrigerate the assembled cake overnight to allow it to fully set, or alternatively freeze it for 4 hours.
- Unmold and Decorate: Once the cake has set, carefully unmold it by lifting the plastic wrap. Finish by glazing the top with a smooth chocolate ganache and decorate as desired to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- If you do not have vegan whipping cream, you can use chilled coconut cream whipped until fluffy as a substitute.
- Ensure agar powder is fully dissolved when heating with liquids to achieve proper setting of the mousse layers.
- The chocolate cake and fudge brownie recipes should be prepared in advance as per your favorite vegan recipes to incorporate into this mousse cake.
- Use strong brewed coffee to complement and intensify the chocolate flavor in the mousse.
- Refrigerating overnight is recommended for the best texture, but freezing for 4 hours is a shortcut to speed up setting.
- Ganache glaze can be made by melting semi-sweet vegan chocolate with a small amount of plant-based cream.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
