If you’re a true chocolate lover, the Brooklyn blackout cake recipe is the ultimate dessert you must try. Famous for its rich chocolate flavour, ultra-moist texture, and signature chocolate pudding filling, this iconic cake was created by Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn, New York, during the mid-20th century. With layers of dark chocolate cake, luscious pudding, and a crumbly chocolate topping, it’s a show-stopping treat that lives up to its legendary reputation.
The Brooklyn blackout cake is a comforting, nostalgic dessert from scratch using actual ingredients and a step-by-step process that ensures a bakery-quality result. This one isn’t just a chocolate cake. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream. The creamy filling layered in its moist layers set it apart from the rest of the chocolate cake pack, giving it a great depth of flavour and a variety of textures in each mouthful.
Whether baking for a special occasion, a holiday dessert table, or simply satisfying a serious chocolate craving, this homemade Brooklyn blackout cake recipe delivers in both taste and presentation. Plus, making it yourself means you can adjust the sweetness, use premium cocoa, or add a twist of espresso or bourbon to elevate the flavour. One thing’s for sure: this cake never fails to impress.
- Origins of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
- Why the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Is a Chocolate Lover’s Dream
- Keys for Perfecting the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
- Health Benefits of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake (in Moderation)
- Brooklyn Blackout Cake as a Show-Stopping Dessert
- Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe From OoohDelish!
- Conclusion
- FAQs: Brooklyn Blackout Cake
- Share Your Twist!
Origins of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
Long before there was an original Brooklyn Blackout Cake, there was this Brooklyn Blackout Cake: a richly layered confection of such deep chocolate flavour that its history is as complete as its flavour. This iconic dessert was introduced to Brooklyn, New York, in the 1940s at the now-defunct Ebinger’s Bakery. Named after the mandatory blackouts of World War II (when windows were darkened at nighttime to thwart air raids), it quickly became one of Ebinger’s flagship confections.
Its most distinctive aspect is three layers of very moist chocolate cake, filled and frosted with smooth chocolate pudding and then coated in cake crumbs, setting it apart from many frosted cakes of the day. And decades after the closing of Ebinger’s, the cake remains a nostalgic and cherished artefact of Brooklyn’s sweet past.
Why the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Is a Chocolate Lover’s Dream
The Brooklyn Blackout Cake recipe differs from a run-of-the-mill chocolate cake in its dramatic textures and deep, rugged chocolate flavour. It’s made with layers of moist chocolate cake, filled and frosted with a thick chocolate pudding instead of buttercream. What makes this cake genuinely iconic is the last layer, a thick shielding against crumbling cake crumbs that toast into the pudding frosting, resulting in a rustic appearance and the ensuing rich mouthfeel. Every bite is a blend of sponge, creamy filling, and dark cocoa notes, an unmatched experience for chocolate enthusiasts.
Keys for Perfecting the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
To achieve bakery-quality results at home, follow these essential tips:
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: Rich, dark cocoa powder gives the cake its signature flavor and color.
- Cook the Pudding Slowly: Whisk continuously and cook over medium heat to avoid lumps and get a silky finish.
- Chill the Pudding: Let the pudding cool completely before spreading it between cake layers to avoid a runny mess.
- Trim and Crumble: Slice off the rounded top of one cake layer to use for the signature crumb topping.
- Let It Set: Chill the cake for a few hours after assembly—this helps the pudding soak into the cake and makes slicing easier.
Health Benefits of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake (in Moderation)
Though an indulgent dessert, the Brooklyn Blackout Cake offers a few benefits when made from scratch and enjoyed in moderation:
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cocoa Powder | Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that support heart health. |
| Eggs | Provide high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. |
| Whole Milk (or alt) | Offers calcium and vitamin D for strong bones. |
| Dark Chocolate | Contains iron, magnesium, and mood-boosting compounds. |
Making the cake at home also allows you to control sugar, use organic ingredients, and add your own healthy substitutions like whole-grain flour or non-dairy milk.
Brooklyn Blackout Cake as a Show-Stopping Dessert
Be it for a birthday, to impress for a potluck dinner party, or if you’re indulging in your chocolate fix, the recipe for Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a real show-stopper of a dessert. It’s dramatic to look at, luxurious to eat and always gets raves. The varying textures and intense chocolate flavour make it unforgettable and homemade, making it even more impressive. It’s not just a cake; it’s an homage to nostalgia, history and the love everyone shares for chocolate.
Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe From OoohDelish!
Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- 8-inch round cake pans (2)
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Wire rack
- Spatula
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder preferably Dutch-process
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup boiling water
- For the Pudding Filling & Frosting:
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups whole milk
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Slowly add the boiling water while mixing to form a thin batter.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Pudding:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat. Stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla until smooth and fully melted. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill until completely cooled and set.
Assemble the Cake:
- Slice each cake layer horizontally to create 4 thin layers. Set one layer aside to crumble for the topping.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of pudding on top. Repeat with remaining layers. Use the remaining pudding to frost the top and sides.
- Crumble the reserved cake layer and gently press crumbs onto the sides and top of the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality cocoa and real chocolate.
- Cake tastes even better the next day as the pudding soaks into the layers.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Slice into this rich and velvety Brooklyn Blackout Cake—every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream. Serve chilled, share generously, and bon appétit! 🍫🎂
Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe Variations
You can keep things traditional or get creative with these delicious variations:
- Espresso-Infused Blackout Cake: Add a shot of espresso to the batter for a mocha twist.
- Bourbon Chocolate Pudding Cake: Stir a splash of bourbon into the pudding for an adult version.
- Mini Blackout Cupcakes: Make individual versions using muffin tins and a piping bag for pudding filling.
- Gluten-Free Blackout Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe more inclusive.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives and use coconut milk for the pudding.
Brooklyn Blackout Cake Tips and Tricks
Use these expert tips to make your blackout cake absolutely irresistible:
- Don’t Overbake: The cake should be moist and springy—check with a toothpick at 25 minutes.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cake will melt the pudding and ruin the layers.
- Use a Serrated Knife for Crumbs: A bread knife creates fine, even crumbs for the topping.
- Layer with a Spoon or Offset Spatula: Pudding can be delicate—spread it gently and evenly.
- Serve Chilled or at Room Temp: The texture changes slightly depending on temperature—try both to find your favorite.
Conclusion
Overall, Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a recipe that is all about its amazing rich chocolaty flavour, decadent texture, and sheer nostalgia. This classic Brooklyn-born dessert remains beloved for its creamy pudding centre, tender cake layers, and signature topping of crumbs. Whether celebrating tradition or satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake promises a memorable experience with every slice. Its origin story and lasting legacy make it more than just a dessert. It’s a piece of New York culinary history.
The beautiful thing about this cake is all the creativity and personalization you can do! From infusing espresso or bourbon to making them mini blackout cupcakes, there are endless ways to customize the recipe. Baking at home also gives you control over the ingredients, so you can use fancy cocoa, organic dairy or (with a little creativity) plant-based substitutes for a version that fits your dietary preferences without sacrificing the iconic richness.
Ultimately, making Brooklyn Blackout Cake at home is not only about sating a chocolate craving but also about creating something made with care, sharing it with people you love, and preserving a legacy that started decades ago. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a holiday table or simply because you love chocolate, this cake will impress and delight all those lucky enough to score a slice.
FAQs: Brooklyn Blackout Cake
What is a Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
The Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a rich chocolate layer cake filled and frosted with chocolate pudding, then topped with cake crumbs. It was made famous by Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn, NY.
Can I make Brooklyn Blackout Cake in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cake a day ahead. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the pudding to set and enhances the flavor and texture.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
For the best flavor, use unsweetened Dutch-process or high-quality dark cocoa powder to achieve the rich, deep chocolate taste this cake is known for.
Can I substitute the pudding with frosting?
While traditional Brooklyn Blackout Cake uses chocolate pudding, you can use chocolate buttercream for a twist—but it won’t have the same creamy, signature texture.
How should I store the cake?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Share Your Twist!
Have you added your own delicious twist to the Brooklyn Blackout Cake recipe? Whether you infused the cake with espresso ☕, spiked the pudding with bourbon 🥃, or made a vegan version using plant-based ingredients 🌱—we want to see your creative take!
📸 Snap a photo of your homemade blackout cake and share it in the comments!
💬 Tell us your secret ingredients, unique techniques, or family-approved variations!
📢 Tag us on social media and use #OoohDelishBlackoutCake for a chance to be featured on Oooh Delish!
Let’s keep this classic recipe alive—one chocolatey creation at a time! 🍰🖤 #ChocolateLovers #OoohDelish
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