
Vibrant Dragon Fruit Layer Cake – A Tropical Delight
Introduction
Add a burst of color and flavor to your dessert menu with this Vibrant Dragon Fruit Layer Cake! With its stunning pink hues, creamy layers, and tropical flavors, this cake is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Perfect for special occasions, summer parties, or simply impressing your family and friends, this dragon fruit cake will steal the show. Let’s dive into this tropical creation!
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake Layers:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
For the Dragon Fruit Cream Filling:
- 2 cups (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (200g) red dragon fruit puree
- 1 tbsp gelatin powder dissolved in 3 tbsp warm water
For the Topping:
- Fresh dragon fruit slices
- Blackberries
- Whipped cream
- Optional: Chia seeds for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dragon Fruit Cream Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the dragon fruit puree and mix until fully combined.
- Dissolve the gelatin in warm water and stir it into the cream cheese mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the dragon fruit mixture. Chill the filling in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place one sponge cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the dragon fruit cream filling over the top.
- Place the second sponge cake layer on top and spread another layer of cream filling over the entire cake.
- Smooth the sides and top with an offset spatula for a polished look.
Step 4: Decorate with Fruits
- Arrange fresh dragon fruit slices, blackberries, and dollops of whipped cream on top of the cake for a stunning presentation.
- Sprinkle chia seeds around the base or on the plate for added texture and decoration.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe red dragon fruit for the best color and flavor.
- Chill the cake for 1–2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
- For a more vibrant color, add a few drops of natural pink food coloring to the cream filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cake chilled with a cup of tropical fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade.
- Pair with a scoop of coconut ice cream for an extra tropical touch.
- Garnish individual slices with extra dragon fruit and a drizzle of honey.
Conclusion
This Vibrant Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is a stunning tropical dessert that combines beautiful presentation with delightful flavors. Whether for a special event or just to brighten your day, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression. Try this recipe today and transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise!
Happy baking!