Best Brown Derby Cake Recipe

The Brown Derby Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines layers of moist, flavorful cake with a creamy, sweet filling. The cake itself has a light, spongy texture with hints of vanilla and almond. Its flavor is beautifully balanced with the sweet and tangy filling made from cream cheese and pineapple, giving it a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake. Chopped pecans or walnuts are often sprinkled on top, adding a delightful crunch.

With its combination of creamy, nutty, and fruity elements, this cake is both comforting and indulgent, making it perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients for Brown Derby Cake

Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces butter, softened
• 2 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 5 eggs
• 6 ounces buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Filling and Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional for stabilizing)
• 1 tablespoon gelatin (optional, for stability)

Brown Derby Cake Filling:

• Strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Canned peaches, drained (or homemade peach pie filling)
• 1 banana, sliced

Step By Step Process for Making Best Brown Derby Cake Recipe

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make the Best Brown Derby Cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In an electric mixer, cream together 8 ounces of softened butter and 2 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs: Crack the 5 eggs, adding one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated.
5. Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk: With the mixer on low, gradually add half of the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Once mixed, add half of the 6 ounces of buttermilk. Continue alternating until all dry ingredients and buttermilk are incorporated, finishing with the dry ingredients.
6. Add vanilla: Finally, mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly into three greased 8-inch round cake pans (or use 10-inch pans if desired). Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling and Frosting

1. Bloom the gelatin (if using): In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to “bloom” and activate.
2. Whip the cream: While the gelatin blooms, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip 2 cups of heavy cream. Start at a low speed and gradually increase to medium-high. Once the cream starts thickening, slowly add 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar. If using cream of tartar (about 1/2 teaspoon), add it now to stabilize the whipped cream.
3. Add the gelatin (optional): If you’re using gelatin, microwave the gelatin mixture for about 10 seconds until melted. Stir it well and then gently fold it into the whipped cream. This step helps to stabilize the whipped cream, so it holds its shape better as you assemble the cake.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the first cake: Place one layer of the chocolate cake on a cake board or pedestal. Pipe a whipped cream wall around the edge of the cake, creating a barrier to hold in the fruit filling.
2. Fill with fruit: Inside the whipped cream barrier, add layers of sliced strawberries, banana slices, and drained canned peaches (or peach pie filling). You can layer them in any order, but aim for a good balance of fruit in each slice.
3. Add whipped cream: Spoon or pipe more whipped cream over the fruit to cover it, forming a thick layer. This keeps the fruit in place and adds creaminess to each bite.
4. Repeat with the second layer: Place a second layer of cake on top of the whipped cream. Repeat the process by adding another whipped cream barrier, more fruit, and whipped cream in the center.
5. Crumble the third layer: For the final cake layer, crumble it into small pieces. If you want to create a more intricate look, cut this last layer into a Pac-Man shape or just crumble it for a rustic, textured finish. Scatter the crumbled cake over the entire top and sides of the cake.

Step 4: Smooth the Frosting and Final Touches

1. Smooth the whipped cream: Use an offset spatula to smooth the whipped cream on the top and sides of the cake. To get a perfectly smooth finish, you can use a piece of parchment paper shaped like a triangle. Drag it from the bottom to the top and around the cake in one swift motion to smooth out the surface.
2. Garnish: After smoothing the whipped cream, add extra strawberries or any other fruit on top to decorate the cake. You can also sprinkle extra cake crumbs over the top for added texture and visual appeal.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Let the assembled cake chill in the fridge for about 1 hour to allow the whipped cream to set and the flavors to meld together.
• Once chilled and set, slice and serve your Brown Derby Cake. It’s a delightful combination of rich chocolate cake, sweet fruit, and creamy whipped filling, making it perfect for any celebration or special occasion!

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