Brown Derby Cake Recipe
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.
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Craig Tuttle
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Brown Derby Cake Recipe
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