Brooklyn Blackout Cake: A Tribute to America’s Sweet Past

The Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a dessert cherished not only for its rich flavors but also for its historical roots in Brooklyn, New York. Born in the 1940s, this cake is famous for its connection to World War II and Ebinger’s Bakery, the legendary Brooklyn establishment. Its layers of moist devil’s food cake, creamy chocolate pudding, and dark ganache frosting make it an unforgettable treat. In this article, we explore its origins, what makes it special, how to recreate it, and the lasting legacy it holds in American dessert culture.

 The Origin of Brooklyn Blackout Cake

WWII and the Birth of Brooklyn Blackout Cake

The story of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake begins during World War II, when Brooklyn was a bustling hub for the U.S. Navy. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was vital to the war effort, and blackout drills were common to prevent enemy detection of ships along the waterfront. These drills inspired the name “blackout” for this iconic cake.

In 1942, Ebinger’s Bakery, a popular bakery in Flatbush, Brooklyn, saw an opportunity to reflect the era’s wartime spirit. They created a dark, rich chocolate cake to honor the blackout drills that had become a part of life in Brooklyn. The cake’s name, “Brooklyn Blackout,” was a nod to the dark nights enforced by these drills.

Ebinger’s Bakery: The Heart of Brooklyn Baking

Ebinger’s Bakery, founded in 1898, was a beloved institution in Brooklyn. Known for their high-quality cakes and pastries, Ebinger’s quickly became a local favorite. However, it was the Brooklyn Blackout Cake that solidified its place in New York’s culinary history. Layers of devil’s food cake were paired with a creamy pudding filling, dark chocolate frosting, and a unique crumb garnish that set it apart from other desserts.

Sadly, when Ebinger’s closed its doors in 1972, the original recipe was lost. The closure left a void in the hearts of many Brooklynites who had grown up with this cake. Even today, the Brooklyn Blackout Cake remains a nostalgic memory for those who tasted it during Ebinger’s golden years.

For a more detailed look into Ebinger’s Bakery and its cultural impact, check out this History of Ebinger’s Bakery.

What Makes Brooklyn Blackout Cake Unique?

The Brooklyn Blackout Cake is not your typical chocolate cake. It combines distinct flavors and textures that make each bite memorable. Let’s dive into what makes this cake special, from its ingredients to its iconic presentation.

Key Elements of the Cake

1. Rich Devil’s Food Cake Layers
   • The cake base is devil’s food cake, known for its dark, tender crumb and intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa powder is essential here, providing a deeper, richer taste than regular cocoa powder. This gives the cake its characteristic dark color.
2. Creamy Chocolate Pudding Filling
   • The pudding layer is what makes this cake truly unique. Made from scratch, the pudding is sandwiched between layers of cake, adding a creamy texture that keeps the cake moist. The smooth chocolate flavor complements the cake’s richness without overwhelming it, providing a perfect balance.
3. Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting
   • A bittersweet chocolate ganache coats the cake, offering a glossy, dark layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb. For those who might not have golden syrup on hand, Epicurious offers tips on how to substitute corn syrup to achieve the right consistency in the ganache.
4. Crumb Coating
   • The finishing touch is a layer of chocolate crumbs pressed into the frosting. This crumb coating not only gives the cake a rustic look but also adds texture. The crumbs hide any imperfections in the frosting, creating an inviting, homey appearance.

Each element plays a crucial role in making the Brooklyn Blackout Cake distinct. The combination of flavors and textures creates a balanced, indulgent dessert that leaves a lasting impression.

How to Make Brooklyn Blackout Cake at Home

Although the original recipe was lost, many bakers have recreated the Brooklyn Blackout Cake with close approximations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this classic dessert at home. Following this recipe will let you experience the essence of the original cake.

1. Prepare the Cake Layers

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and a light dusting of cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • 1 large egg + 1 yolk
  • 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 5 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup hot water
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  2. In another bowl, whisk the egg, sugar, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then add hot water slowly, stirring until smooth.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.

2. Make the Chocolate Pudding Filling

The pudding filling is the cake’s most unique feature, adding moisture and a creamy layer between the cake.

• Ingredients:
  • ⅓ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk
  • ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
  • 4 oz milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk cocoa powder and cornstarch in a saucepan, then add heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
  2. Add the egg yolks, milk, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and stir until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate, and stir until melted. Chill until set.

3. Assemble the Cake with Ganache and Crumb Coating

The assembly process is straightforward but requires patience to achieve a polished finish.

• Ingredients for Ganache:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • ¾ cup sour cream
• Instructions for Assembly:
  1. Once the cake layers are cooled, cut each layer in half horizontally to create four layers.
  2. Spread half the pudding over the first layer, place the second layer on top, and add the remaining pudding. Place the third layer on top.
  3. Prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream, then adding chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then allow to cool until thickened.
  4. Spread the ganache over the entire cake and press the crumbled cake crumbs onto the sides and top.

To ensure the cake sets well, chilling it after assembly will help the layers firm up, making it easier to slice.

 The Legacy and Cultural Impact of Brooklyn Blackout Cake

The Brooklyn Blackout Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a reminder of Brooklyn’s history and the creativity that emerged from challenging times. While Ebinger’s Bakery is long gone, the legacy of this cake has been kept alive through modern bakers, food historians, and Brooklyn residents who fondly remember it.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake Today

In recent years, the Brooklyn Blackout Cake has reemerged in bakeries across New York City, symbolizing nostalgia and local pride. Many bakeries offer their versions, and the cake has become a favorite for home bakers. The cake serves as a delicious way to connect with Brooklyn’s past, allowing each generation to experience a slice of history.

What Makes Brooklyn Blackout Cake Unique?
The unique combination of chocolate layers, pudding filling, and crumb coating make it stand out from other chocolate cakes. Its historical link to WWII Brooklyn adds to its charm.

Where Can I Buy Brooklyn Blackout Cake Today?
Many bakeries in New York still serve the Brooklyn Blackout Cake, or you can try recreating it at home with modern recipes.

How Is the Pudding Filling Made?
The filling is made from cocoa powder, cornstarch, cream, and milk, giving it a smooth and rich texture that perfectly complements the cake layers.

Can I Use Regular Cocoa Powder Instead of Dutch-Process?
Dutch-process cocoa has a deeper, less acidic flavor than regular cocoa, giving the cake its signature dark color and rich taste.

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The Brooklyn Blackout Cake remains a celebrated symbol of Brooklyn’s rich heritage and the power of desserts to carry forward history, memory, and flavor. Through modern recipes, we can continue to enjoy the taste and tradition of this classic American cake.