Brown Derby Cake Recipe
Brown Derby Cake Recipe is a rich, multi-layered dessert featuring chocolate cake, whipped cream, and sweet fruit fillings like cherries or strawberries. Often dome-shaped, it’s topped with more whipped cream and chocolate shavings. This vintage-inspired cake offers a decadent combination of flavors and textures, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for celebrations or an indulgent treat anytime.
Equipment
- 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Serrated knife (for leveling or slicing layers)
- Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 1 ¾ cups 220g all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup 65g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup 240ml whole milk
- ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup 240ml boiling water
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 ½ cups 600ml cold heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup 60g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Filling & Decoration
- 2 ½ cups about 450g fresh California strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Whole strawberries for garnish
- Chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract directly into the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water
- Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is expected and helps create a moist cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
Step 7: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top, then arrange sliced strawberries over the cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. Finish with whole strawberries and chocolate shavings or curls for decoration.