Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a decadent dessert that embodies rich chocolate flavors and an indulgent texture, making it a standout choice for any special occasion or satisfying sweet tooth cravings. Originating from Brooklyn, this cake is known for its layers of moist chocolate cake paired with a luscious chocolate pudding filling, all covered in a silky chocolate frosting. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of sweetness and richness that leaves you wanting more. chocolate cherry cake variation Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something special, this Brooklyn Blackout Cake recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your dessert desires. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think! In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients needed, step-by-step instructions to create the perfect cake, and tips for achieving the best results.
Why You’ll Love This Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
- Incredibly Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake layers and creamy filling creates an unforgettable taste experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, this cake is sure to wow your friends and family, making it an excellent choice for celebrations or potlucks.
- Customizable Options: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding different flavorings or toppings, allowing you to personalize it to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the structure of the cake; use quality flour for the best results.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor; choose a high-quality brand for optimal taste.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture; be sure to measure accurately for perfect balance.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cake rise; ensure they are fresh for effective results.
- Salt: A small amount enhances all flavors in the cake; don’t skip it!
- Eggs: Large eggs add moisture and richness while helping bind the ingredients together.
- Buttermilk: This ingredient contributes to tenderness and adds a subtle tang; if unavailable, use milk mixed with vinegar as a substitute.
- Vegetable Oil: For added moisture and richness; oil helps keep the cake tender over time.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances flavor complexity; always opt for pure extract over imitation when possible.
For the Chocolate Pudding Filling:
- Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess in your pudding filling; avoid low-fat options for this recipe.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent in the pudding; ensure there are no lumps when mixing it into other ingredients.
For Frosting:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy blending into your frosting mixture.
- Cocoa Powder: Again used here for that rich frosting flavor; sift before using to avoid clumps.
- Powdered Sugar: This provides sweetness and smooth texture to your frosting; sift before measuring if necessary.
- Heavy Cream: For achieving desired consistency in frosting; start with small amounts until reaching preferred thickness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix sugar with eggs until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Combine well before incorporating dry ingredients gradually.
Step 4: Bake Layers
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans before transferring them onto wire racks.
Step 5: Make Chocolate Pudding Filling
While cakes cool down, prepare the pudding filling by whisking milk with cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened while stirring constantly. Let it cool completely before using.
Step 6: Assemble & Frost
Once cakes are cooled completely slice them into halves horizontally if desired. Spread chocolate pudding between layers followed by frosting on top and sides of the assembled cake. Decorate as desired.
Transfer slices onto plates when serving—a delightful treat awaits!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, butter, and dairy products to reach room temperature before mixing; this ensures better incorporation into batters.
- Dense Texture Tip: Avoid overmixing once wet ingredients are added—mix just until combined for fluffier cakes.
- Cake Storage Tips: Store leftovers covered tightly at room temperature or refrigerate if needed—this keeps cakes moist longer!
- Pudding Consistency Checkpoint: Stir pudding frequently while cooking on medium heat—prevent lumps from forming by ensuring constant motion.
- Topping Options: Consider adding shaved chocolate or sprinkles on top after frosting for extra visual appeal!
How to Serve Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe
This Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the richness of the chocolate cake.
- Fresh Berries: Their tartness provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet layers of the cake.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavors and offers a comforting finish to the meal.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake layers up to two days in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Frosting can also be made ahead; keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate the cake to maintain freshness. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Reheating: To enjoy leftover slices, allow them to come to room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes. If you prefer them slightly warmed, place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating as it may dry out the cake.
Suggestions for Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe:
Avoid Overmixing the Batter
Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. A few lumps are okay; they will bake out. If you mix too long, the gluten develops excessively, resulting in a cake that lacks the light, airy texture you desire. Focus on using gentle strokes with a spatula or whisk when combining ingredients to maintain that fluffy quality.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Using cold ingredients can affect how well your cake rises. For the best results, ensure that your eggs, butter, and any dairy products are at room temperature before mixing them into your batter. This helps create an emulsion that traps air, leading to a lighter texture in your Brooklyn Blackout Cake. Plan ahead to take these ingredients out of the refrigerator before you begin baking.
Measure Ingredients Accurately
Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial for success. Use weight measurements where possible for flour and sugar instead of volume measurements like cups. This ensures consistency every time you make your Brooklyn Blackout Cake. Invest in a kitchen scale for precise measuring, as slight variations can alter the cake’s texture and flavor significantly.
Allow the Cake to Cool Properly
Cooling your cake properly is essential for achieving the right texture and preventing sogginess. After baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows steam to escape without making the bottom mushy. If you frost while it’s still warm, the frosting can melt and slide off, ruining your beautiful presentation.
FAQs:
What is Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a rich chocolate layer cake filled with chocolate pudding and covered in chocolate frosting. It originated in Brooklyn during World War II and has since become a beloved classic dessert across the United States. The name reflects its dark appearance due to layers of chocolate cake and frosting. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and richness that makes it irresistible to chocolate lovers. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake recipe.
Can I make Brooklyn Blackout Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare various components of Brooklyn Blackout Cake ahead of time. Bake the cake layers one or two days in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the fridge if you live in a humid climate. You can also prepare the chocolate pudding filling ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble the cake.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use for this recipe?
For an authentic Brooklyn Blackout Cake experience, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-process cocoa powder gives your cake a richer flavor and darker color compared to regular cocoa powder due to its alkalization process. Make sure to sift it before measuring to avoid clumps, which can affect both taste and texture. For more inspiration, check out this Authentic Maggiano’s Lasagna recipe.
How should I store leftover Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
To keep your leftover Brooklyn Blackout Cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, especially if it contains any dairy-based fillings or frostings. Let it come back to room temperature before serving; this enhances its flavor profile.
Conclusion for Brooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe:
In summary, mastering the Brooklyn Blackout Cake requires attention to detail from ingredient selection to baking techniques. Avoid overmixing to maintain lightness in texture while ensuring all components are prepared at room temperature for optimal results. Accurate measurements play a vital role in achieving consistent flavors each time you bake this decadent dessert. white chocolate raspberry cake Store leftovers properly for best taste retention; enjoy this rich chocolate delight with family and friends! With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable treat that captures the essence of this classic dish.
Brooklyn Blackout Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a chocolate lover’s paradise, featuring rich layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding filling, and velvety chocolate frosting. This indulgent dessert is perfect for birthdays and special occasions or as a delightful everyday treat. With its deep flavors and satisfying texture, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with butter and line with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- 3. In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.
- 4. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- 5. For the pudding filling, whisk milk and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely.
- 6. Once cakes are cool, slice horizontally if desired. Spread pudding between layers and frost the top and sides with chocolate frosting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 90g
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 235mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
