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Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake

A vibrant and fruity layer cake that's moist and perfect for celebrations, featuring dragon fruit for color and flavor.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Keeps the crumb sturdy but tender.
  • 1 cup Pink pitaya puree or powder For color and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Oil For moisture.
  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened Adds flavor.
  • 3 Eggs at room temperature For better rise and fluffy texture.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Adds tang and softness; can substitute with milk and lemon.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Helps set the pink hue.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Rounds out the fruitiness.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened Should be cold for better texture.
  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened Room temperature for easy spreading.
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar Add more for desired sweetness.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dragon fruit powder For tinting the frosting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line your cake pans with parchment.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered dragon fruit, and lemon juice.
  4. In another bowl, whisk oil and softened butter until smooth, add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla, and mix well.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool the layers completely before frosting.
Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
  2. Whisk in a teaspoon of dragon fruit powder for a soft blush tint.
  3. Chill the frosting if your kitchen is warm.
Assembly
  1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and pipe a frosting dam around the edges.
  2. Fill the center with frosting and press the next layer on top.
  3. Repeat this process until all layers are frosted.
  4. Crumb-coat the cake and chill for 20 minutes, then finish with a final layer of frosting.

Notes

For an ombre effect, divide the batter and mix varying amounts of dragon fruit powder. For variations, add strawberries for extra fruity flavor or use a thin layer of strawberry jam between layers. Store leftovers in the fridge.