Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a decadent dessert that has captured the hearts of many with its rich chocolate flavor and velvety texture. Originating from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn during World War II, this cake was created as a tribute to the city’s resilience and spirit. The name itself pays homage to the blackouts that occurred during air raids, but the cake’s allure lies in its indulgent layers of chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and a luscious chocolate frosting that envelops it all.
People love Brooklyn Blackout Cake not just for its deep, satisfying taste, but also for the nostalgia it evokes. Each bite is a delightful experience, combining the moistness of the cake with the creamy filling, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a sweet craving, Brooklyn Blackout Cake is sure to impress. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that brings a piece of Brooklyn’s history right into your kitchen!

Ingredients:
- For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Chocolate Pudding Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ? cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup whole milk (more if needed)
- For the Chocolate Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Preparing the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure that your cakes come out easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but thats perfectly fine! It helps create a moist cake.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Pudding Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and combined.
- Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (make sure the wrap touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature. You can also refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process.
Preparing the Chocolate Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined. This will help prevent a sugar cloud!
- Add the salt, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at

Conclusion:
In summary, the Brooklyn Blackout Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts. This decadent cake, with its layers of moist chocolate sponge and luscious chocolate pudding, is a true celebration of flavor and texture that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the chocolate. You can also sprinkle some chocolate shavings or fresh berries on top for an extra touch of elegance. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a hint of espresso to the chocolate pudding for a delightful mocha twist, or even a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity contrast. I encourage you to give this Brooklyn Blackout Cake a try and experience the joy it brings. Once you’ve baked it, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s celebrate the love of baking together! So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this chocolatey masterpieceyou won’t regret it! PrintBrooklyn Blackout Cake: A Decadent Chocolate Delight You Must Try
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This decadent chocolate cake features layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding filling, and luscious chocolate frosting, all topped with a delightful chocolate crumb topping. Perfect for any chocolate lover!
Ingredients
- flour
- cocoa powder
- sugar
- melted butter
- salt
- chocolate pudding filling
- chocolate frosting
- chocolate crumb topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Spread the crumb mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until slightly firm. Let it cool before using.
- Once the chocolate cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the chocolate pudding filling on top.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the pudding filling.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting, smoothing it out as desired.
- Finally, sprinkle the chocolate crumb topping over the frosted cake for added texture and flavor.
- Slice and serve your delicious chocolate cake, and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can add chocolate chips to the cake batter.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the crumb topping right before serving for the best texture.
- Feel free to customize the frosting by adding a splash of coffee or espresso for a mocha flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
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