Brooklyn Blackout Cake

First off, I just want to express a huge thank you to all of you who tune in, try out my recipes, and share your experiences! It’s your enthusiasm and feedback that make this journey so incredibly rewarding. Today, I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that promises to be a showstopper at any table it graces — the iconic Brooklyn Blackout Cake. Believe me, this is not just any cake; it’s a heartfelt ode to all things chocolate, layered deep with flavor and history!

Ingredients

To get started on our chocolate adventure, you’ll need the following:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but it enhances the chocolate flavor!)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

The Chocolate Pudding Filling:

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Brooklyn Blackout Cake

1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
3. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together until well combined.
4. Carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

2: Make the Chocolate Pudding Filling

1. In a saucepan, stir together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency.
3. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.
4. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming and chill completely in the refrigerator.

3: Assemble the Cake

1. When the cakes are completely cooled, use a bread knife to slice each cake layer horizontally into two layers.
2. Layer the cakes with chocolate pudding between each layer.
3. Crumble one of the cake layers and press onto the sides and top of the cake for that classic Brooklyn Blackout look.

4: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. Cream together butter and cocoa powder until well-combined.
2. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
3. Stir in vanilla.
4. Frost the cake with a thin layer for the crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes, then finish frosting smoothly.

Helpful Tips

• Ensure all ingredients, especially perishables like milk and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter.
• For the pudding, constant stirring is key to avoid lumps and achieve that silky, rich texture.
• If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar in the cake batter by up to 1/4 cup.

Substitutions/Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use almond, soy, or oat milk in place of regular milk, and vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding and cakes a day in advance. Assemble and frost the cake on the day of serving for best results.

How do I store Brooklyn Blackout Cake? Store this cake covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved this deep dive into decadence, check out these other chocolate-rich recipes:

• S’mores Iced Coffee
• Creamsicle Cake Recipe

These delightful recipes are perfect for any sweet tooth looking to explore new, exciting flavors!

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