Tuxedo Cake

Tuxedo Cake

Cake
1 C unsalted butter
2 C water
1 C canola oil
4 C sugar
1 C high quality unsweetened cocoa powder
4 C flour
4 large eggs
1 C buttermilk
1 T baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 T vanilla

Whipped Cream Frosting
4 c chilled heavy whipping cream
1 1/4 C powdered sugar

Chocolate Glaze
4 ounces high quality bittersweet chocolate (broken into pieces)
1/2 C heavy whipping cream
1/4 C corn syrup (or Lyles Golden Syrup- which I have yet to find)
2 t vanilla

To make the cake: Place one baking rack one -third from the bottom of the oven and the second two-thirds from the bottom. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds, grease with butter, and dust with flour (or spray with Baker’s Joy).

Combine the butter, water, and canola oil in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, cocoa, and flour. Pour the butter mixture into the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then whisk in the buttermilk. Whisk in the baking soda, salt, and vanilla all at once. Transfer the batter to the prepared pans.

Stagger the cake layers on the oven racks so that no layer is directly over another. Set two layers on one rack and the third on the other.  Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of each layer comes out clean. Monitor the layers carefully for doneness; each one maybe done at a different time.  Remove the cakes from the oven and cool on racks for about 15 minutes before inverting onto baking racks. Cool the cakes completely, at least 2 hours, before frosting.

To make the frosting: Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the cream in a large bowl on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and whip until thoroughly combined.  (I try to get it as thick as possible.) Place 1 cake layer on a platter and spread some of the frosting over the top. Top with the remaining layer or layers, thickly coating the top and sides of each with frosting.  Refrigerate the cake until the whipped cream frosting has stabilized, at least 1 hour.

To make the glaze: Place the chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is very hot and just beginning to steam. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until it has melted completely. Stir in the syrup and vanilla. Pour the glaze into a medium pitcher or measuring cup and let cool for 10 minutes. Do not let the glaze sit longer because it will stiffen and become difficult to pour over the cake. Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, ensuring that it covers the top and drizzles down the sides. Cover the top of the cake entirely, but make sure some of the cream frosting shows through the drizzles on the sides. (If the glaze doesn’t flow easily over the edge of the cake don’t be afraid to add an extra tablespoon or two of corn syrup.) I sometimes pour it over slowly using a small measuring cup.

Refrigerate the cake until the glaze is set and the whipped cream frosting is firm, at least 1 hour. Slice the cake with a long knife, dipping it in a tall glass of hot water between each slice. The refrigerated cake will keep for about 2 days.

*This recipe was passed on to me by Dayna Magleby, who loves a good party and a beautiful cake! This cake is so fun and festive, yet the flavors are simple and every one loves it!  However, I have yet to see people eat more than one slice, let alone the first one they are served.

*Recipe adapted from The Pastry Queen

*Josie picked this for her 8th birthday!

See what I mean? 8 slices not finished....so rich! ;) But by the next day....not a slice to be had, cake plate cleaned!