Who Makes the Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
The Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a rich, chocolatey dessert with deep ties to New York’s history. Created in Brooklyn during World War II, this cake is made of moist chocolate layers, creamy pudding filling, and chocolate frosting. It’s all topped with dark chocolate crumbs. But who made the cake famous, and where can you find it today?
The Origins of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake
What is the Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
The Brooklyn Blackout Cake was created by Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn, New York, during World War II. The name “Blackout” was inspired by the city’s blackout drills. These drills were meant to protect Brooklyn from air raids. The dark look of the cake mirrored the blackouts, making it a fitting symbol of the time.
Ebinger’s Bakery opened its doors in 1898, started by George and Katherine Ebinger. It soon became one of Brooklyn’s most well-loved bakeries. Known for high-quality cakes and pastries, Ebinger’s had a special place in many hearts. The bakery closed in 1972, but the Brooklyn Blackout Cake lived on, becoming its most famous creation.
If you’re interested in learning more about the bakery’s history, you can check out this detailed account of the history of Ebinger’s Bakery. The cake’s ties to World War II and its cultural roots make it a part of New York’s rich food history.
How the Cake Became a Hit
The Brooklyn Blackout Cake quickly gained popularity. People loved the layers of chocolate, the pudding filling, and the frosting that tasted like heaven. The cake stood out, even during a time when ingredients were sometimes hard to find because of the war. People from all over New York would come to Ebinger’s Bakery to get a slice of this famous cake.
Over time, the cake became more than just a dessert. It was a symbol of Brooklyn’s strength during tough times. Though the bakery is no longer open, the cake is still celebrated today by those who remember it from childhood.
For anyone wanting to know where you can find the cake today, this guide to modern Brooklyn bakeries will lead you to some of the best places to enjoy it.
Who Originally Made the Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
The Story of Ebinger’s Bakery
As mentioned, Ebinger’s Bakery was the original creator of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake. The bakery was a cornerstone of the community in Brooklyn. During World War II, the bakery honored the blackout drills that had become a part of everyday life by naming this dark, rich dessert after them. The cake was loved not only for its taste but also for what it represented.
Ebinger’s made many other baked goods as well, but none as famous as the Brooklyn Blackout Cake. The bakery flourished for decades, serving Brooklyn and becoming an integral part of its food culture. The bakery’s closure in 1972 was a blow to many loyal customers. Fortunately, the cake’s legacy continues, and its recipes have been passed down.
What Happened After the Bakery Closed?
After Ebinger’s shut down, the original recipe for the Brooklyn Blackout Cake disappeared. The bakery kept the recipe closely guarded, and when they closed, the cake went with them. For many years, it seemed as though no one would taste the original cake again.
However, nostalgia for the cake never faded. New York bakers and chefs tried to recreate the cake using similar ingredients and methods. Today, there are many versions of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake, even though they may differ slightly from the original.
Why is the Cake So Famous?
Several things make the Brooklyn Blackout Cake famous:
- It was deeply connected to World War II.
- Its decadent chocolate layers and rich pudding filling made it an instant favorite.
- It became a nostalgic symbol of Brooklyn for many locals, especially those who grew up with it.
Even after World War II ended, the cake continued to grow in popularity. The taste and the history behind it made it a staple at celebrations and gatherings in Brooklyn and beyond. The cake’s fame spread, and now people across the country know about it, even if they’ve never visited Brooklyn.
The Recipe and What Makes it Special
The Key Ingredients
The original Brooklyn Blackout Cake had several key components that made it stand out:
- Rich chocolate cake baked from scratch.
- Chocolate pudding filling layered between the cake.
- Dark chocolate frosting covering the cake entirely.
- Crumbled chocolate cake pressed onto the frosting for a final touch.
The cake was known for being moist, flavorful, and indulgent. It was one of the most chocolatey cakes available at the time. Today, people try to recreate this cake by using high-quality ingredients and staying as close as possible to the original recipe.
Bon Appétit’s Brooklyn Blackout Cake recipe captures much of the spirit of the original, giving people a chance to enjoy the cake at home. This version includes instructions for the pudding filling, frosting, and cake crumbs.
Variations of the Recipe
There are many different recipes for the Brooklyn Blackout Cake today, but they all try to stay true to the spirit of the original. Some recipes use organic ingredients or alternative sweeteners, while others stick closely to the traditional method of baking.
For home bakers, it’s important to follow the steps carefully to get the right consistency and flavor. The pudding filling should be thick, but not too sweet. The frosting should be rich and smooth. The cake itself should be light, yet moist.
Where to Find the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Today
Modern Bakeries Offering the Cake
Even though Ebinger’s Bakery no longer exists, many Brooklyn bakeries have revived the Brooklyn Blackout Cake:
- The Chocolate Room in Brooklyn offers a modern version of the cake. They use high-quality ingredients and keep the traditional taste.
- Ovenly, another Brooklyn bakery, has created its own spin on the cake while keeping close to the original recipe.
- Other bakeries across New York and beyond offer their versions, with small variations in taste and ingredients.
Modern bakeries use organic cocoa and sometimes swap traditional sugar with more modern alternatives. However, the rich chocolate taste and pudding filling remain at the heart of the cake, staying true to its roots.
How to Make the Cake at Home
For those who want to bake the Brooklyn Blackout Cake at home, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. With the right ingredients and a little patience, anyone can enjoy this famous cake in their own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Chocolate pudding mix
- Dark chocolate crumbs for topping
Steps:
- Bake the Cake: Mix the dry ingredients first, then add the wet ingredients. Bake the chocolate layers until they’re firm but moist. Let them cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the Filling: Prepare the pudding filling and let it set. Spread the pudding between the cake layers for a thick, creamy texture.
- Frost the Cake: Whip up the chocolate frosting and spread it over the entire cake. The frosting should be smooth and rich, covering the cake evenly.
- Add the Crumbs: Take some of the cake scraps and crumble them into small pieces. Press the crumbs onto the frosting for the final touch.
Following these steps will give you a cake that’s close to the original Brooklyn Blackout Cake. For more detailed instructions, check out the recipes from Bon Appétit or Epicurious.
FAQs
What is the origin of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
The cake was created by Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn during WWII, named after the blackout drills that were conducted as part of air raid precautions.
Can I still buy the original Brooklyn Blackout Cake?
The original cake isn’t available anymore due to Ebinger’s closure in the 1970s. However, many bakeries in Brooklyn now offer their own versions of the famous cake.
How is the modern version different from the original?
Many modern versions use organic cocoa or alternative sweeteners. Some may also have slight changes in the recipe, but most stay true to the original’s spirit with layers of chocolate cake and pudding.
Why is it called the ‘Blackout’ cake?
The name comes from the blackout drills during WWII, which were necessary to protect Brooklyn from potential air raids.
The Brooklyn Blackout Cake remains a part of Brooklyn’s history and a beloved dessert across the U.S. Whether you buy it from a bakery or make it at home, this cake offers a delicious slice of nostalgia, reminding people of the strength and resilience of Brooklyn during one of its toughest times.