This vibrant Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also for your taste buds. The natural pink hue of the dragon fruit pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut frosting, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a tropical treat, this cake will transport you to a sunny beach paradise with every bite. The light, fluffy layers of cake combined with the smooth coconut cream frosting are sure to make this a new favorite dessert for all occasions.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups dragon fruit puree (pink variety)
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup coconut oil (melted)
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¾ cup coconut sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup unsweetened almond milk
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 cup coconut cream (for frosting)
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for frosting)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and whisk after each addition.
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Mix in the dragon fruit puree, vanilla extract, almond milk, and lemon juice. Stir until fully combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
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For the frosting, beat the coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake.
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Decorate with additional dragon fruit slices or edible flowers if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Why Pink Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit that is not only visually stunning with its bright pink skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds, but also packed with nutrients. It’s a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any dish. The slightly sweet and mildly tangy taste of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the richness of coconut, giving this cake a delightful tropical flavor. Using pink dragon fruit in your cake gives it a beautiful hue, creating a striking contrast when paired with the white, fluffy coconut frosting.
In addition to the taste and color, dragon fruit is a versatile ingredient that can be used in smoothies, salads, and even cakes like this one. When pureed, the dragon fruit takes on a smooth, almost jelly-like texture that’s perfect for incorporating into batters, helping to create a soft, moist cake.
A Cake for Every Occasion
The Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake isn’t just for tropical-themed parties or summer events; it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a unique dessert. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, or a casual get-together, this cake will definitely steal the spotlight. Its vibrant color will brighten up any table, making it the ideal showstopper for your next celebration.
Moreover, the cake is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different flavors or decorating it with a variety of fruits and flowers. For example, you can top it with sliced dragon fruit or garnish it with edible flowers to further enhance its visual appeal. The beauty of this cake lies in its flexibility—it can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
The Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit and Coconut
What makes the Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake even more appealing is the combination of two healthful ingredients: dragon fruit and coconut. Both of these ingredients are known for their numerous health benefits, making this dessert not only a treat for your taste buds but also a more health-conscious option when compared to traditional cakes laden with processed sugars and artificial colors.
Dragon fruit is a low-calorie fruit that helps to boost your immune system due to its high vitamin C content. It’s also packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. The fiber content in dragon fruit supports digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
Coconut, in both its oil and cream forms, is known for its healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health and weight management. It’s also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and iron, all of which contribute to maintaining a healthy body. The coconut cream frosting adds a smooth, luxurious texture to the cake, balancing the light and fruity flavor of the dragon fruit.
Creating the Perfect Layers
One of the most important elements of a successful Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is ensuring that the layers are light, fluffy, and perfectly baked. The addition of dragon fruit puree to the batter not only adds a wonderful tropical flavor but also contributes to the cake’s moist texture. It’s essential to get the texture right, as it plays a crucial role in the overall experience of the cake. When properly baked, the cake layers should be soft and slightly spongy, allowing the creamy coconut frosting to be the perfect complement.
Coconut Frosting: The Creamy Touch
The frosting on this cake is just as important as the cake itself. A coconut cream frosting gives the cake a rich and smooth finish. Unlike traditional buttercream frosting, which can be heavy and overly sweet, coconut cream frosting is light and slightly sweet, making it the perfect accompaniment to the tropical flavor of the cake. It’s also a great option for those who are dairy-free or vegan, as it’s made from coconut cream rather than dairy-based ingredients.
Making the frosting is simple, and it can be whipped up in just a few minutes. Once the cake layers have cooled completely, spread the frosting generously between the layers and over the top of the cake. The creamy texture of the frosting perfectly contrasts the soft and slightly crumbly texture of the cake.
Decorating Your Cake
One of the best parts of making a Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is decorating it. While the cake is beautiful on its own, there are plenty of ways to enhance its visual appeal. For a simple but elegant decoration, you can sprinkle some edible flowers around the edges or top the cake with thin slices of fresh dragon fruit.
If you want to add even more tropical flair, you can decorate the cake with fresh tropical fruits like mango slices, passionfruit, or kiwi. These fruits not only add a burst of color but also a variety of textures and flavors that complement the dragon fruit and coconut. Another fun idea is to use coconut flakes as a garnish to give the cake a beachy, tropical vibe.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cake
While this Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A chilled glass of coconut water or a tropical fruit smoothie would make the perfect complement to the flavors in the cake. If you’re hosting a more formal event, serve the cake with a light, refreshing white wine or a crisp champagne for an added touch of sophistication.
For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving the cake with a sparkling lemonade or iced green tea. These beverages will enhance the lightness of the cake and provide a refreshing balance to its sweetness.
Conclusion: A Showstopper for Any Occasion
The Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who wants to add a touch of tropical beauty and flavor to their special occasion. With its vibrant pink color, delicate layers, and creamy coconut frosting, this cake is a visual and culinary masterpiece. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also a healthier dessert option that’s full of beneficial nutrients.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to make a lasting impression. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves tropical flavors. So, go ahead and try this Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake at your next gathering—your guests will be talking about it long after the last bite!