How to Make a Blackout Cake as Good as Ebinger’s

Blackout Cake, also known as the Brooklyn Blackout Cake, was made famous by Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn, New York. This rich, chocolatey dessert, layered with dark chocolate cake, a creamy pudding filling, and smooth frosting, has captivated chocolate lovers for decades. Although Ebinger’s Bakery is now gone, you can still recreate this iconic cake at home. Follow this guide to make a Blackout Cake as indulgent and memorable as the original.

Understanding the History of Ebinger’s Blackout Cake

Ebinger’s Bakery, which opened in 1898, quickly became a beloved Brooklyn bakery known for its unique creations. One of its most famous desserts was the Blackout Cake, introduced during World War II. At that time, the Brooklyn Navy Yard held blackout drills to protect against air raids, and the cake’s dark, rich appearance became a perfect tribute to these events. The Blackout Cake soon became a Brooklyn icon, remembered for its intense flavor and unmistakable layers.

This cake was distinctive for three main reasons:

Dark chocolate cake layers – These layers provided the base for the cake’s deep flavor.
Thick chocolate pudding filling – Sandwiched between the layers, the pudding added moisture and richness.
Chocolate crumbs on the outside – The crumbled chocolate cake gave the cake a unique appearance and added texture.

Even though Ebinger’s Bakery closed its doors in the 1970s, the recipe has been recreated by bakers all over the world. Modern interpretations still try to capture the essence of this legendary dessert.

What Made Ebinger’s Blackout Cake Unique?

The Blackout Cake’s rich, layered texture came from using high-quality ingredients and specific baking techniques. Unlike typical chocolate cakes, this one combined cake, pudding, and crumbs. The combination created a dessert with varied textures and an extra-intense chocolate flavor, making it a standout among chocolate cakes. Today’s bakers still pay homage to this unique cake, adapting the recipe with modern touches.

Gathering Ingredients and Preparing the Cake

Creating a Blackout Cake that captures Ebinger’s original flavor involves carefully choosing the right ingredients and following each step closely. High-quality chocolate and fresh ingredients are essential.

Essential Ingredients

To achieve the best taste, start with these key ingredients:

Dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder: Dark chocolate will create the deep, bittersweet flavor that makes Blackout Cake special.
Butter: Adds richness and helps with the cake’s texture.
Sugar and eggs: For sweetness and structure.
Whole milk: Used in both the cake batter and the pudding filling for extra moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.

For the best results, it’s recommended to choose high-quality brands, such as King Arthur Baking or Ghirardelli. Fresh ingredients ensure the cake will be moist and flavorful.

Making the Chocolate Cake Layers

To begin, the chocolate cake layers must be prepared. The steps below outline how to create these:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
Sift together dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This will prevent lumps and make mixing easier.
Cream the butter and sugar until they’re fluffy. Then, add the eggs one by one, mixing each time.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with milk. This helps maintain the cake’s smooth texture.
Pour the batter into pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Tip: For a softer texture, avoid overmixing the batter, which can make the cake dense.

Preparing the Chocolate Pudding Filling

The chocolate pudding filling is what sets Blackout Cake apart from other chocolate cakes. The pudding adds moisture and an extra layer of richness.

Combine cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sugar in a saucepan.
Gradually add milk, stirring to avoid lumps.
Cook over medium heat until it thickens to a pudding consistency. Constant stirring is essential here.
Refrigerate the pudding until it’s cool and easy to spread.

Adding a hint of espresso powder can make the chocolate flavor even richer, though it’s optional.

Making the Frosting and Assembling the Cake

Making the Chocolate Frosting

The frosting is a key element that ties the layers together, giving the cake a smooth, creamy finish. Here’s how to make it:

Melt dark chocolate in a double boiler, then set it aside to cool slightly.
Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy.
Add melted chocolate and a splash of milk, mixing until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk if needed.

The frosting should be easy to spread but thick enough to hold the cake together.

Assembling the Blackout Cake

Assembling the cake involves carefully layering the cake, pudding, and frosting to create the signature look of the Blackout Cake. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate pudding on top.
Add the second layer and repeat with more pudding.
Spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake, covering it completely.
Crumble one of the cake layers into fine crumbs and press these crumbs onto the frosting.

The crumbs give the Blackout Cake its signature appearance, adding a unique texture and visual appeal. Tip: For easier slicing, chill the cake for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Blackout Cake

Use fresh ingredients to keep the cake moist.
Refrigerate the pudding before using it to avoid a runny filling.
Chill the cake briefly before slicing for clean, even layers.

FAQs, Serving Suggestions, and Creative Variations

FAQs

Why is it Called Blackout Cake?

The cake’s name honors WWII blackout drills in Brooklyn, which kept the Navy Yard safe. The dark, chocolatey appearance made it a fitting tribute.

What Makes Blackout Cake Different from Other Chocolate Cakes?

Unlike regular chocolate cakes, Blackout Cake includes a chocolate pudding filling between layers. It’s also topped with cake crumbs for a unique texture and appearance.

Can I Make Blackout Cake Without Pudding?

While possible, the pudding is a crucial part of the traditional Blackout Cake. It adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Blackout Cake pairs well with a cold glass of milk or a strong coffee to balance its rich flavor. For an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Variations

To keep the classic recipe interesting, consider trying one of these popular variations:

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for whole milk, and use dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version.
Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
Nutty Twist: Mix crushed almonds or hazelnuts into the frosting for added crunch and flavor.

Storage Tips

To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to three days without losing its moisture. The cake’s flavors will deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

This Blackout Cake recipe brings the iconic Ebinger’s Blackout Cake back to life with each layer of dark chocolate, rich pudding, and creamy frosting. With careful preparation and quality ingredients, this recipe can help you create a cake as memorable as the original. Perfect for celebrations or simply indulging your love for chocolate, the Blackout Cake is a timeless classic that keeps Brooklyn’s culinary history alive. Enjoy it with loved ones or savor it on your own for a taste of true chocolate decadence.

With this expanded guide, you now have everything needed to create an authentic Blackout Cake that’s as unforgettable as Ebinger’s original.

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