We’ve always loved how the Kentucky Derby brings people together, and nothing says celebration quite like our Derby Cake recipe. This Southern classic boasts rich, moist layers packed with flavors that evoke the excitement of race day.
It’s a simple yet impressive bake that’s perfect for gatherings, drawing from traditional roots to create a dessert we’ll all cherish. Whether you’re a baking novice or pro, our take on this timeless treat promises to delight.
Ingredients
To bring our Derby Cake recipe to life—a Southern classic with rich, moist layers that evoke the thrill of the Kentucky Derby—gather these key ingredients. We’ve organized them by use in the preparation process for smooth baking.
For the Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For a sweet base that balances the cake’s richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- 3 large eggs: At room temperature to ensure even blending.
- 1 cup whole milk: For moisture and a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: To help the cake rise perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the Derby spirit.
- *1/4 cup bourbon: Optional, for an authentic Kentucky twist that adds depth.
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened, to create a creamy base.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sifted to avoid lumps and achieve smoothness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: For a fluffy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To complement the cake’s flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Toasted, for a nutty crunch that nods to Southern traditions.
This selection ensures our Derby Cake delivers on taste, texture, and tradition, making it a standout for any gathering.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients for the Derby Cake, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create this moist, flavorful Southern classic that captures the excitement of the Kentucky Derby.
Prep
First, we preheat the oven to 350°F to ensure even baking for our Derby Cake. In a large mixing bowl, we combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons baking powder, whisking them together until uniformly blended for a light, airy base.
Next, in a separate bowl, we cream 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 2 large eggs using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, evoking the rich, buttery aroma that defines this cake. We then stir in 1 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (plus 1 tablespoon bourbon if desired) to add moisture and a hint of Kentucky spirit.
For the frosting, we toast 1 cup pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden, then set them aside for that satisfying crunch. In another bowl, we beat 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable, creating a creamy topping that promises a decadent finish.
Bake
We grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking, then divide the batter evenly between them, smoothing the tops for uniform layers. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through for even heat distribution, until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the cake springs back lightly to the touch, filling the kitchen with the irresistible scent of warm vanilla and spices.
Cool and Frost
Once baked, we remove the Derby Cake layers from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes on a wire rack to lock in moisture. Carefully transfer the layers to the rack to cool completely for about 1 hour, ensuring they firm up without cracking for easy handling.
To assemble, we place one layer on a serving plate and spread half of the frosting over it, adding a generous sprinkle of the toasted pecans for texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the cake’s richness. We stack the second layer on top, frost the entire cake smoothly, and garnish with extra pecans if desired, resulting in a visually stunning dessert ready to impress at any gathering with its velvety smoothness and bold taste.
Required Equipment
To ensure our Derby Cake comes together seamlessly after preparing the ingredients and following the baking steps, we rely on a few essential tools that make the process efficient and enjoyable. These items help us achieve the perfect texture and presentation for this Southern classic.
Here’s a curated list of the required equipment, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: We use at least two large stainless steel or glass mixing bowls—one for combining dry ingredients and another for wet mixtures—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our cake’s moist layers, so we recommend a set of standard measuring cups (for dry and liquid ingredients) and spoons for precise additions like vanilla extract or baking powder.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar to achieve that velvety batter, we opt for an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with beaters to save time and ensure even blending.
- Oven: A reliable conventional or convection oven preheated to 350°F is essential for baking the cake layers evenly, as described in the previous steps.
- Cake Pans: We need two 9-inch round cake pans (non-stick preferred) to divide and bake the batter uniformly, resulting in the signature stacked layers of our Derby Cake.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, we use a wire cooling rack to let the cake layers cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring the frosting adheres perfectly.
- Spatula and Offset Spatula: A rubber spatula helps us fold ingredients without deflating the batter, while an offset spatula is ideal for smoothly spreading the frosting and pecans during assembly.
- Whisk: We employ a sturdy wire whisk for gently incorporating air into the batter or frosting, enhancing the light, fluffy texture we aim for in this recipe.
By having these tools ready, we guarantee a smooth transition from mixing to serving, making our Derby Cake a stress-free highlight of any gathering.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To keep our Derby Cake fresh and flavorful while simplifying your baking schedule, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach allows you to enjoy the moist layers and rich bourbon notes without last-minute stress, ensuring your celebration runs smoothly.
Preparing the Cake Layers Ahead
We often bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance or freeze them for longer storage. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Step 1: After baking the cake as outlined in our previous instructions, let the layers cool completely on a wire rack to preserve their velvety texture.
- Step 2: Wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn and maintain moisture.
- Step 3: Refrigerate the wrapped layers for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw frozen layers in the refrigerator overnight for even defrosting.
Making the Frosting in Advance
Our creamy frosting with toasted pecans can be prepared ahead to save time, ensuring it whips up to a smooth, buttery consistency when needed.
- Step 1: Prepare the frosting according to the recipe, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- Step 2: Refrigerate for up to 1 week to keep the flavors bold and fresh. If it firms up, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using, and re-whip with an electric mixer for the perfect spreadable texture.
- Step 3: For longer storage, freeze the frosting in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before applying.
Storage Tips and Guidelines
To help you plan effectively, we’ve compiled key storage durations and methods in the table below. These ensure your Derby Cake retains its irresistible taste and fluffy crumb.
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cake Layers | Refrigerate | Up to 2 days | Wrap tightly to avoid drying. |
| Cake Layers | Freeze | Up to 3 months | Thaw slowly for best texture. |
| Frosting | Refrigerate | Up to 1 week | Re-whip if needed for smoothness. |
| Frosting | Freeze | Up to 3 months | Stir after thawing to restore consistency. |
| Assembled Cake | Refrigerate | Up to 2 days | Cover loosely to prevent condensation. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we help you focus on the excitement of your gathering while delivering a Derby Cake that’s as delightful to serve as it is to eat. Always assemble the cake no more than a few hours before serving to keep the layers perfectly moist and the frosting crisp with pecans.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Derby Cake recipe with you as it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in every slice. Our favorite part is how it brings people together creating lasting memories at your gatherings.
With its rich flavors and simple steps we’ve outlined you’ll nail it on your first try. Give it a go and make it your go-to for future festivities—we promise it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kentucky Derby Cake?
Kentucky Derby Cake is a classic Southern dessert that captures the excitement of the Kentucky Derby. It’s a rich, moist layered cake with flavors like vanilla and an optional bourbon twist, topped with creamy frosting and toasted pecans. Perfect for celebrations, it’s accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, making it a cherished treat for gatherings.
What are the key ingredients for Derby Cake?
The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, whole milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract for the batter. For the frosting, you’ll need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and toasted pecans. An optional splash of bourbon adds a Kentucky flair, ensuring a flavorful, textured cake that’s easy to prepare.
How do you make Derby Cake?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and mixing dry ingredients like flour and baking powder. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, milk, and vanilla, then pour batter into greased 9-inch pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Cool the layers, prepare frosting by mixing butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, then assemble with pecans for a stunning, moist cake ready for any event.
What equipment is needed to bake Derby Cake?
You’ll need basic tools like mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer for creaming ingredients, and two 9-inch round cake pans for baking. These essentials ensure a smooth process from mixing batter to frosting the cake, making it straightforward for home bakers to create this delightful dessert without extra hassle.
Can I make Derby Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance or freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating or freezing. Prepare frosting ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a month. Assemble the cake just before serving to keep it fresh and moist.
How should I store Derby Cake?
Store unfrosted cake layers in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped securely. Frosted cake should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 2-3 days for best freshness. Let it come to room temperature before serving to maintain its moist texture and pecan crunch, ensuring it stays delicious for your gathering.