How to Make Louie's Derby Cake

This cake is simple to create with kids and is a fun activity for Derby Day.

The Kentucky Derby, one of the largest thoroughbred races in the world, held in Louisville, Kentucky, has been run since 1872. There have been a variety of traditions that have been built upon the race, including recipes. A derby cake, with several different variations, is a staple at most Kentucky Derby parties. Create the cake for a perfect centerpiece during a derby celebration. Compliment the cake with a scoop of ice cream or whipping cream.

Things You'll Need

• 9-inch round cake pan
• 2 tbsp. butter
• Wax paper square
• 1 lb. butter, room temperature
• 3 cups white sugar
• Hand mixer
• Large bowl
• 8 egg yolks
• 3 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. almond extract
• 2/3 cup bourbon
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 8 egg whites
• Medium metal bowl
• Spatula
• Bamboo skewer
• Cooling rack
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Grease the baking pan with 2 tablespoons butter using the wax paper.

2. Place the sugar and butter in the large bowl and beat it on high for five minutes with the hand mixer, until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add the egg yolks into the butter and sugar mix and combine thoroughly using the hand mixer at medium-high speed.

4. Add the vanilla, almond extract and bourbon to the butter mixture.

5. Mix the flour and pecans into the butter mixture on low speed.

6. Chill the egg whites in the metal bowl, placed in the refrigerator, for 30 minutes.

7. Beat the egg whites on high in the metal bowl until soft peaks form.

8. Fold the batter slowly into the egg whites, using the spatula, until combined but not over-mixed.

9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. Pour the cake batter in to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula, and insert it into the oven.

11. Bake the cake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a bamboo skewer inserted in to the thickest part of the middle comes out clean.

12. Remove the cake and let it cool on the cooling rack completely.

13. Serve the cake dusted with powdered sugar on top and add fruit for flavor and garnish.

Tips & Warnings

• Other alcohols can be added instead of bourbon to give different flavors.

• Don't over-whip the egg whites as this can cause them to break down.

• Do not overcook the cake as it is meant to be eaten moist and overcoooking dries it out.

References

• Northwoods Kitchen: Louie's Derby Cake
• eTaste: Red Hat revelations
• Taste of Home: Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake