the best Brooklyn Blackout Cake recipe

Introduction

The Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a legend in American baking. It’s the ultimate chocolate cake—dark, moist, and intensely rich, layered with smooth chocolate pudding and topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. Finished with a dramatic crumb coat, this cake is a showstopper for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because you need chocolate therapy.

History and Story of Brooklyn Blackout Cake

The Brooklyn Blackout Cake was born in New York City, created by the famous Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn in the 1940s. The name is a nod to the blackout drills during World War II, when New Yorkers had to darken their windows to protect the city. Ebinger’s took inspiration from these darkened streets and created a cake so deeply chocolatey, it felt like biting into the night.

The bakery may be gone, but the cake’s legacy lives on. It remains a nostalgic treat for many New Yorkers, and its reputation for being one of the most decadent chocolate cakes in America continues to attract chocolate lovers everywhere.

Ingredients (with all measurements and sections for cake, pudding, and frosting)

Cake:

• Unsalted butter, room temperature (for pans)
• ¾ cup (63 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder, plus more for pans
• 1½ cups (187 g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp. baking soda
• ¾ tsp. baking powder
• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1½ cups (packed; 320 g) dark brown sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature
• 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¾ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. plus ⅛ tsp. Morton kosher salt
• ¾ cup hot water

Pudding:

• ⅓ cup (28 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 5 Tbsp. (35 g) cornstarch
• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• 4 large egg yolks, beaten to blend
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• ⅔ cup (packed; 142 g) dark brown sugar
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 4 oz. milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp. golden syrup (such as Lyle’s Golden Syrup)
• ⅛ tsp. kosher salt
• 12 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Why You Should Try Brooklyn Blackout Cake

If you love chocolate, there’s simply nothing more satisfying than Brooklyn Blackout Cake. It combines different chocolate elements—cake, pudding, frosting, and crumbs—so every bite is moist, creamy, and packed with flavor. This cake is visually impressive, making it a centerpiece for special occasions. Plus, the technique of layering pudding and using cake crumbs is a fun baking project that will make you feel like a pro. The final taste is a perfect harmony of textures and deep, authentic chocolate flavor.

Preparation (step by step, as requested)

Cake:

1. Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8×2-inch round cake pans with parchment. Grease with unsalted butter, dust with cocoa powder, and tap out excess.
2. Sift ¾ cup cocoa powder, 1½ cups flour, 1½ tsp. baking soda, and ¾ tsp. baking powder into a medium bowl and whisk.
3. In a large bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1½ cups dark brown sugar, ¾ cup sour cream, 5 Tbsp. oil, 2 tsp. vanilla, ¾ tsp. salt, and ¾ cup hot water until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Divide the batter between the pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25–35 minutes. Cool completely in the pans on a wire rack, then invert.
   Make ahead: Cake layers can be baked 2 days ahead. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature.

Pudding:

1. Whisk ⅓ cup cocoa powder and 5 Tbsp. cornstarch in a large saucepan. Whisk in 1¼ cups heavy cream until smooth.
2. Add 4 egg yolks, 1¼ cups milk, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and ¼ tsp. salt. Whisk to combine.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high, whisking occasionally, then reduce to low. Continue whisking until thick and smooth, 1–2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, add 4 oz. chopped milk chocolate and 1 tsp. vanilla. Stir until chocolate melts and pudding is smooth.
5. Strain into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the pudding surface, and chill until cold (at least 2 hours).
   Make ahead: Pudding can be made 1 day in advance. Keep chilled.

Frosting & Assembly:

1. Bring 1 cup cream, 3 Tbsp. golden syrup, and ⅛ tsp. salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, add 12 oz. bittersweet chocolate, ¾ cup sour cream, and 2 Tbsp. butter. Stir until smooth.
2. Transfer to a bowl. Let sit at room temperature, stirring every 30 minutes until thickened and spreadable (about 1½ hours). If too loose, chill 5 minutes, stir, and repeat as needed.
3. Slice each cake layer in half horizontally (for 3 total layers; use the prettiest). Crumble the remaining layer into fine crumbs.
4. Place 1 layer (cut side up) on a stand. Spread half the pudding over, to the edge. Top with another layer (cut side down), spread with remaining pudding, and finish with the last cake layer (cut side down). Chill 1 hour (up to 8 hours) to firm the pudding.
5. Spread frosting over the top and sides. Don’t worry about perfection—the crumb coat will hide any flaws.
6. Place cake on a tray. Press cake crumbs onto the sides and edges until fully coated. Sprinkle some crumbs on the top edge.

FAQ – Brooklyn Blackout Cake

Can I make Brooklyn Blackout Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers and make the pudding a day or two ahead. Assemble and frost the cake a few hours before serving for best results.

Do I need Dutch-process cocoa?
Dutch-process cocoa is preferred for its rich flavor and dark color, but natural cocoa can be used in a pinch.

What if I don’t have golden syrup?
You can use light corn syrup or honey instead, but golden syrup gives a subtle caramel note.

Can I freeze Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
Yes, freeze unassembled cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.

Is this cake very sweet?
It’s rich, but the use of dark brown sugar and bittersweet chocolate means it’s more intense than sugary.

Nutrition Information (per slice, estimate)

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 65g
• Sugar: 46g
• Protein: 7g

This cake is an indulgence, best enjoyed on special occasions or whenever your chocolate craving strikes!

Conclusion

Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream—deep, moist layers, creamy pudding, rich frosting, and the crunch of chocolate crumbs in every bite. Its story is as rich as its flavor, and making it at home is a rewarding project for any baker. Try this legendary cake for your next celebration and discover why it’s an icon of American dessert history!

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