Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe

The Dreamy Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe for Chocolate Lovers

Rich chocolate lovers find brooklyn blackout cake as their ultimate dessert dream.

Dark, decadent layers promise intense flavor in every single bite.

Cocoa-drenched memories burst through this classic american chocolate creation.

Neighborhoods in new york whisper stories about this legendary sweet treat.

Creamy chocolate pudding between cake layers creates textural magic.

Indulgent chocolate crumbs coat the exterior with delightful crunch.

Dive into this delectable experience that will make you swoon with pure chocolate bliss.

What’s Rich in Brooklyn Blackout Cake

Whip Up a Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Dive into this Brooklyn Blackout Cake’s irresistible charm!

  • Decadent Chocolate Explosion: Experience layers of rich, intense chocolate that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Masterpiece: Perfect for special celebrations, potlucks, or when you want to impress family and friends with your baking skills.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious success every time.
  • Textural Chocolate Bliss: Enjoy a delightful combination of moist cake, creamy pudding filling, and crunchy cake crumb coating that creates an extraordinary sensory experience.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base for the cake's tender texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake structure.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
  • Baking Soda: Contributes to cake's leavening.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Espresso Powder: Intensifies chocolate taste.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
  • Boiling Water: Helps create a thin, smooth batter.
Pudding Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cocoa Powder: Creates rich chocolate pudding base.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the pudding.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the pudding.
  • Milk: Provides smooth liquid base.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates creamy base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth texture.
  • Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pans

Crank up the oven to 350°F. Generously coat two 9-inch cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Espresso powder
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Boiling water

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and blend until smooth. The batter will look runny – that’s perfect! Pour evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Pudding Filling

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to keep the mixture silky smooth. Cook over medium heat, continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and starts bubbling. Remove from heat and fold in butter and vanilla. Chill in the refrigerator until completely cool.

Step 3: Build Cake Layers

Carefully slice each cake layer horizontally, creating four total layers. Start assembling by placing one layer on a cake stand. Spread one-third of the chilled pudding. Repeat with remaining layers. Crumble one cake layer to use as decoration later.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Whip butter and cocoa powder until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract. Generously frost the entire cake. Press the reserved cake crumbs onto the sides and top for a rustic, delicious finish.

Tips for Brooklyn Blackout Cake

  • Select the Perfect Cocoa: Choose high-quality dark cocoa powder for an intense, rich chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake's taste profile.
  • Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overmixing the batter and check cake doneness early to ensure a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Master Pudding Consistency: Stir pudding constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture that spreads easily between cake layers.
  • Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to help the frosting set and intensify the chocolate flavors.
  • Crumb Coating Technique: Apply a thin layer of frosting first as a base coat to seal in cake crumbs, creating a flawless final presentation.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake: Storage Tips You Need

  • Store the blackout cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
  • Carefully wrap the entire cake in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, let them come to room temperature naturally to maintain the cake's texture and prevent sogginess.

Blackout Cake Tasty Companions

  • Pair Decadent Chocolate Stout: Enhance the cake's rich chocolate flavor with a robust, dark stout beer that complements the deep cocoa notes.
  • Complement with Espresso Martini: The coffee undertones in the cake pair perfectly with a smooth, boozy espresso martini, elevating the dessert experience.
  • Match with Raspberry Liqueur: Add a bright, fruity contrast to the intense chocolate cake by serving a chilled raspberry liqueur on the side.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a classic dessert combination with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream that balances the cake's intense chocolate flavor.

Classic Cake Layer Options

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and dairy-free chocolate for pudding and frosting.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Delight: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, and incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nutty Chocolate Adventure: Add chopped walnuts or pecans between cake layers and sprinkle toasted almond slivers on the cake's exterior for extra crunch and flavor.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake?

The cake was created during World War II in Brooklyn, named after the wartime blackout drills when cities would darken their lights to prevent enemy attacks.

  • Why does the recipe include espresso powder?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making the cake richer and more intense without adding a coffee taste.

  • How can I ensure my cake layers are even?

Use a serrated knife and rotate the cake slowly while cutting, keeping the knife level to create uniform cake layers.

  • What makes the pudding filling special?

The homemade pudding is cooked from scratch, creating a thick, creamy chocolate filling that’s more flavorful than store-bought versions.

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Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe

Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich chocolate layers of Brooklyn blackout cake melt together in a nostalgic dessert celebrating New York’s culinary heritage. Sweet chocolate pudding and crumbs create a deeply indulgent experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients (Dry):

  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

Cake Ingredients (Wet):

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk
  • 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) boiling water

Chocolate Pudding Filling Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (33 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups (532 milliliters) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (67 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake foundation by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 9-inch circular baking molds with grease and flour for optimal release.
  2. Combine all dry cake ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring thorough integration of flour, sugar, cocoa, leavening agents, and espresso powder.
  3. Incorporate liquid elements including milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Gently fold in boiling water, creating a smooth, liquid batter.
  4. Distribute the batter evenly between prepared pans, maintaining balanced thickness. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes until a testing probe emerges clean.
  5. Allow cakes to rest in their molds for 10 minutes, then transition to a cooling platform to reach ambient temperature.
  6. Craft the pudding filling by blending sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually introduce milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.
  7. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently until it thickens and bubbles emerge. Remove from heat, integrate butter and vanilla, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  8. Carefully divide each cake layer horizontally, creating four delicate sections. Construct the cake by alternating layers of pudding, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Deliberately crumble one cake layer to reserve for exterior decoration.
  10. Prepare the frosting by whipping butter and cocoa powder until creamy. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and milk, achieving a silky smooth consistency.
  11. Enrobe the entire cake with frosting, meticulously pressing the reserved cake crumbs along the sides and crown for a textured, rustic finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, well-blended batter that creates a tender, moist cake texture.
  • The coffee powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a strong coffee taste, making the chocolate deeper and richer.
  • Refrigerate the cake between frosting layers to prevent crumbs from mixing into the final chocolate frosting layer.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s structure and softness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 498
  • Sugar: 51g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 69g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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