Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake

Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake

Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a colorful, vibrant experience that delights the senses. With its brilliant hues and luscious flavors, this cake is an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion, from birthdays to tea parties. Imagine slicing into layers of delicate cake, each infused with the tropical sweetness of dragon fruit, and topped with a creamy pink frosting that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Preparing this cake is straightforward, making it an easy choice for bakers of all skill levels. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a striking and tasty cake that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is a compelling choice for many reasons. First and foremost, its preparation is incredibly simple, with minimal ingredients that are easily accessible. The vibrant color and unique flavor from the pink dragon fruit make it a showstopping dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. Its light texture and sweetness are pleasing to the palate, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Moreover, the cake can be made ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free serving on the day of your event.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for this delightful cake, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: This will help the cake rise to perfection.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich creaminess to the batter.
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar: Sweetness to brighten the flavors.
• 1/2 cup milk: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• 4 eggs: Acts as a binding agent for all ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For an aromatic touch.
• 2 tablespoons pink dragon fruit puree: This unique ingredient imparts a beautiful color and flavor.

For the frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a smooth and creamy frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetness and structure for the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: For a velvety texture.
• 3 tablespoons pink dragon fruit puree (for frosting): Adds continuity of flavor and color to the cake.
• Pink food coloring (optional): A little extra boost for that stunning pink hue.
• Edible flowers for decoration (optional): Perfect for a beautiful finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, ensuring an easy release after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture forms the dry base of your cake.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and pink dragon fruit puree.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Prepare the Cake Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops, ensuring an even bake.

7. Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition.

10. Add Cream and Fruit Puree: Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and pink dragon fruit puree until combined. If you’d like, add a few drops of pink food coloring to enhance the frosting’s color.

11. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frosting the entire cake.

12. Decorate: If desired, decorate the cake with edible flowers for an exquisite finish. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting for a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid a tough cake.
• Use Fresh Dragon Fruit: For the best flavor, use fresh dragon fruit for the puree.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Chill before Serving: Allow the frosted cake to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing; this helps the frosting set.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Enjoy your Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake on its own, or pair it with a nice cup of herbal tea or a refreshing fruit-infused beverage. The lightness of the cake makes it a stunning choice for summer gatherings or festive occasions. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of coconut sorbet or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake contains approximately 300 calories, depending on the size of the slice. Along with calories, you’ll gain some protein from the eggs and butter, along with a bit of calcium from the milk. While it’s important to enjoy desserts like this in moderation, this cake can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. You can also freeze the undecorated cake layers for up to three months; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. If you prefer, you can replace the pink dragon fruit with other purees such as raspberry or strawberry for variations in flavor and color. Moreover, consider adding coconut flakes or nuts for added texture.

Conclusion

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and create this stunning Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake! Whether for a celebration or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake will impress with its flavor and appearance. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family—they’ll surely want to take a slice of your beautiful creation!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh dragon fruit instead of puree?
   Yes! You can blend fresh dragon fruit to make your own puree, ensuring it’s smooth and ready for use in both the cake batter and frosting.

2. Is this cake suitable for kids?
   Absolutely! This cake is family-friendly, colorful, and delicious, making it a great choice for children’s parties or any family occasion.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the layers in advance and freeze them. Frost the cake when you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

4. What can I use instead of eggs?
   You can substitute the eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a vegan option.

5. Can I change the frosting flavor?
   Certainly! You can use other fruit purees or even flavored extracts to create a variety of frostings that suit your taste.

Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake

This vibrant Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious treat, perfect for any celebration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: Fusion, Tropical

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder Helps the cake rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds creaminess.
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar Provides sweetness.
• 1/2 cup milk Keeps the cake moist.
• 4 large eggs Acts as a binding agent.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For aromatic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons pink dragon fruit puree For unique color and flavor.

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides a smooth texture.
• 4 cups powdered sugar Adds sweetness and structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor enhancement.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream For a velvety texture.
• 3 tablespoons pink dragon fruit puree For frosting color and flavor.
• 1 few drops pink food coloring (optional) Enhances the frosting's color.
• to taste edible flowers for decoration For a beautiful finish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and pink dragon fruit puree.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting and Assembly

1. Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
2. Stir in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and pink dragon fruit puree. Adjust color with pink food coloring if desired.
3. Once cakes are cooled, spread frosting on top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.
4. Decorate with edible flowers if desired and serve.

Notes

Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough cake. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to help frosting set.