Introduction
Brooklyn Blackout Cake is an iconic chocolate dessert with rich layers that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. This cake features moist chocolate layers, silky chocolate pudding, and a glossy ganache that beautifully captures the essence of a traditional New York dessert. With its deep chocolate flavor and creamy textures, it’s perfect for any celebration or as a decadent treat for yourself. Let’s dive into making this masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Brooklyn Blackout Cake
This Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a showstopper that you will adore for several reasons. First, its incredible chocolate flavor makes it a favorite among chocolate lovers. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. Third, it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed for various occasions, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Fourth, the combination of cake and pudding creates a delightful texture contrast. Additionally, you can customize it with different frostings or toppings if desired. Finally, this cake is not only delicious, but it also has a rich history tied to Brooklyn, making it a cultural treat worth exploring.
Ingredients for Brooklyn Blackout Cake
Gather these items:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Consider using Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste)
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 pack Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
How to Make Brooklyn Blackout Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two round baking pans by greasing them with a bit of oil and dusting with flour.
- Step 2: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
- Step 3: Beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil in another bowl until light and fluffy, then add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate the milk and vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes before removing.
- Step 6: Prepare the instant chocolate pudding according to the package instructions and chill it in the refrigerator.
- Step 7: Layer one cake on a serving plate and spread the chilled chocolate pudding on top. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Step 8: Create the ganache by heating heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Drizzle it over the assembled cake.

Pro Tips for the Best Brooklyn Blackout Cake
Keep these in mind:
- Consider using Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer flavor.
- Chill the pudding for best results.
- For a unique twist, use a flavored pudding mix instead of chocolate.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Best Ways to Serve Brooklyn Blackout Cake
Enjoy this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. You can also sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for added elegance. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making it a perfect dessert for any gathering.

How to Store and Reheat Brooklyn Blackout Cake
To store your homemade Brooklyn Blackout Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, wrapping it well to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy it later, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn Blackout Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially cocoa powder and chocolate. Ensure your cake layers are moist by not overbaking and chilling the pudding properly before assembly.
Can I make Brooklyn Blackout Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers and pudding a day in advance. Just assemble the cake and add the ganache before serving for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
To avoid dry cake, do not overmix the batter and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended bake time. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
Variations of Brooklyn Blackout Cake You Can Try
If you want to experiment, consider making a peanut butter version by adding peanut butter to the chocolate pudding. Another variation is to create a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity twist. You can also add espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor, perfect for coffee lovers. Each of these variations can elevate the classic Brooklyn Blackout Cake to new heights.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies or Chocolate Eclair Cake. If you’re interested in exploring more about the history of desserts, visit History.com for a deeper dive.
Print
Brooklyn Blackout Cake: 7 Layers of Chocolate Bliss
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brooklyn Blackout Cake is an iconic chocolate dessert with layers of moist cake, silky chocolate pudding, and glossy ganache, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Consider using Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste)
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 pack Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two round baking pans by greasing them with a bit of oil and dusting with flour.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
- Beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil in another bowl until light and fluffy, then add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually, stirring gently until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes before removing.
- Prepare the instant chocolate pudding according to the package instructions and chill it in the refrigerator.
- Layer one cake on a serving plate and spread the chilled chocolate pudding on top. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Create the ganache by heating heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Drizzle it over the assembled cake.
Notes
- Consider using Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer flavor.
- Chill the pudding for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg