Description
A vibrant and elegant Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake featuring moist layers infused with pink dragon fruit puree, topped with a light and creamy dragon fruit frosting, decorated with fresh fruit slices, edible flowers, and black sesame seeds – perfect for festive occasions and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup dragon fruit puree (pink variety)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup dragon fruit puree (for the frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Fresh dragon fruit slices
- Edible flowers (optional)
- Black sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3–5 minutes using a mixer. This step helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk and dragon fruit puree. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain cake tenderness.
- Divide and bake: Divide the batter evenly across the three prepared pans. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are done.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.
- Prepare frosting: Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the dragon fruit puree and vanilla extract, blending carefully to retain lightness and achieve a vibrant pink color.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides evenly with the remaining cream mixture.
- Decorate and chill: Garnish with fresh dragon fruit slices, optionally add edible flowers for a decorative touch, and sprinkle black sesame seeds for contrast. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set perfectly.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh pink dragon fruit or high-quality puree for vibrant color and flavor.
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chill the cake longer if you prefer a firmer frosting texture.
- The black sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and striking visual contrast; they can be omitted if desired.
- This cake can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: dragon fruit cake, pink dragon fruit, layered cake, frosting, summer dessert, vibrant cake, festive cake, fruit flavored cake
