Brown Derby Cake, famously known from the Los Angeles Brown Derby restaurant, is a luxurious dessert layered with chocolate cake, fresh whipped cream, and a mix of juicy fresh fruit. This cake has an old-Hollywood charm and a light, decadent appeal thanks to its airy sponge cake and fresh toppings. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake is a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
🍰 Brown Derby Cake Recipe
- Cuisine: American, Classic Dessert
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
- Assembly Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Keywords: Brown Derby Cake, Hollywood cake, fruit-topped cake, whipped cream cake, layered cake
🥄 Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Large mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cake stand or serving plate
- Offset spatula (optional, for smooth frosting)
🍒 Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot water
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (drained if using canned)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add the hot water slowly, stirring until smooth. The batter will be thin, which is perfect for a light sponge.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a large, chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip to avoid curdling.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one of the chocolate cake layers on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top.
- Scatter a portion of each fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin orange segments) evenly over the whipped cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
Top with Fresh Fruit:
- Arrange the remaining fruit decoratively on top of the cake, and lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Chill and Serve:
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set. Slice and enjoy!
🍽️ Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 28g
🌟 Additional Notes
- Fresh Fruit Options: Feel free to mix up the fruit! Blackberries, kiwi, or pineapple chunks are also lovely additions.
- Storage: This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cover it loosely to keep it from drying out.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Assemble with fresh whipped cream and fruit just before serving.