Creating the ultimate Brooklyn Blackout Cake involves several straightforward steps. Follow this guide for successful baking:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually stir in the boiling water until well combined. The batter will be runny.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Prepare Chocolate Pudding: In a bowl, combine the chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk thoroughly until thickened.
8. Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. If desired, set aside.
9. Assemble the Cake: Layer one cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of chocolate pudding on top. Repeat with the second cake.
10. Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream over the top layer, covering the cake completely.
11. Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top before serving.

These step-by-step instructions will guide you through making this astonishing cake with ease!