Name: Rich & Moist Blackout Cake for Every Chocolate Lover
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee (or hot water); 2 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for pudding); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for pudding); 1/4 cup cornstarch; 4 large egg yolks; 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for pudding)

Rich & Moist Blackout Cake for Every Chocolate Lover

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love chocolate, this cake is your dream come true. It’s intensely rich, deeply moist, and loaded with multiple layers of chocolate goodness. Inspired by the famous Brooklyn Blackout Cake, this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. With its dramatic appearance and indulgent texture, it’s perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your strongest chocolate cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Strong brewed coffee (or hot water)
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract

For the chocolate pudding filling/frosting:

Whole milk
Cornstarch
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Granulated sugar
Egg yolks
Butter
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and coffee (or hot water). Mix until combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the chocolate pudding: In a saucepan, whisk milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in butter, chocolate, and vanilla extract until smooth. Chill the pudding until firm enough to spread.
Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to make four thin layers. Set one layer aside and crumble it into fine crumbs.
Stack the three remaining cake layers with chocolate pudding between each. Spread pudding over the top and sides.
Press the crumbled cake onto the sides and top of the cake to complete the blackout effect. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10–12 servings.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Cooling & chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

Espresso Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter for a bolder chocolate flavor.
Nutty Version: Mix chopped toasted walnuts or hazelnuts into the pudding for a crunchy texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate for the pudding and replace buttermilk with almond milk plus vinegar.
Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in ramekins for individual blackout cakes—reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Layer Swap: Use a whipped chocolate ganache instead of pudding for a more stable filling and frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best texture, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

What makes a blackout cake different from a regular chocolate cake?

A blackout cake features layers of moist chocolate cake filled with pudding and coated in chocolate cake crumbs, making it more indulgent and texturally unique.

Can I use a different filling besides pudding?

Yes, you can substitute the pudding with chocolate buttercream or ganache if you prefer a more traditional frosting texture.

Is brewed coffee necessary in the batter?

Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee. You can use hot water instead if preferred.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store in the fridge and let come to room temperature before serving.

What type of chocolate is best for the pudding?

Use a good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the richest flavor. Avoid milk chocolate, which may be too sweet.

How do I prevent the cake from crumbling too much when slicing?

Use a serrated knife and make clean, gentle sawing motions. Chilling the cake also helps it slice more cleanly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum.

Why is the cake called “Blackout” cake?

The name comes from its intensely dark appearance and rich chocolate flavor—originally popularized during WWII blackouts in Brooklyn.

Can I use boxed cake mix for this recipe?

You can, but the homemade version has a deeper flavor and better texture. If using boxed mix, pair it with the homemade pudding for best results.

How do I get the crumb coating to stick?

Make sure the pudding layer is still slightly soft, then gently press the cake crumbs onto the sides and top until they adhere.

Conclusion

This Rich & Moist Blackout Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. With its ultra-moist texture, creamy pudding filling, and dramatic crumb coating, it delivers both impressive looks and unforgettable taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in something luxurious, this cake guarantees satisfaction in every slice.