Turn your dessert table into a tropical dream with this stunning Dragon Fruit Layer Cake! Made with fresh pink dragon fruit, this vibrant fruit layer cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. The soft, tender layers are infused with a subtle tropical flavor and frosted with creamy perfection—making it the ultimate dragon fruit dessert for birthdays, brunches, or any festive occasion. Whether you’re looking to wow your guests or just add a splash of color to your baking, this cake is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Dragon Fruit Layer Cake
This isn’t your average layer cake. The Dragon Fruit Layer Cake brings a touch of the tropics to your kitchen with its delicate sweetness, light texture, and jaw-dropping color—thanks to fresh pink dragon fruit. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and even more delightful to eat.
- 🌸 Naturally vibrant: The pink dragon fruit adds a gorgeous natural color.
- 🎂 Tender and moist: Buttermilk and butter make every bite soft and rich.
- 🥄 Balanced flavor: Not too sweet, with a subtle tropical twist.
- 🎉 Celebration-ready: Perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Dragon Fruit Layer Cake
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for a smooth texture.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder – Ensures the cake rises evenly.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Balances acidity for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature for better mixing.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the natural fruit flavor.
- ¾ cup pink dragon fruit purée – The tropical star of the show.
- ½ cup milk – Keeps the batter smooth and the cake tender.
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creamy and rich base.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – For that classic sweet, smooth texture.
- 2 tbsp dragon fruit purée – Adds both flavor and that signature pink hue.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – A touch of warmth.
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (optional) – For a perfectly spreadable consistency.
For Decoration:
- Fresh dragon fruit slices
- Strawberries or raspberries
- Edible flowers
- Sprinkle of dragon fruit seeds (optional)
How to Make a Dragon Fruit Layer Cake
1. Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the Dragon Fruit and Milk
Mix in the dragon fruit purée. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mix.
6. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Make the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then dragon fruit purée, vanilla, and cream (if needed) until light and fluffy.
8. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, then top with the second cake. Frost the top and sides evenly.
9. Decorate!
Top with fresh fruit, edible flowers, and dragon fruit seeds for a beautiful finish.
Tips for the Perfect Dragon Fruit Layer Cake
- Go fresh: Use fresh dragon fruit for the brightest color and cleanest flavor.
- Color boost? A tiny drop of natural pink food coloring can enhance paleness.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light.
- Cool completely: Always frost cakes when fully cooled to avoid a melty mess.
- Make it your own: Try pairing with a coconut or lime frosting for extra island vibes.
How to Serve
This Dragon Fruit Layer Cake makes the perfect tropical dessert for birthdays, brunches, bridal showers, or even just because. Slice and serve with a chilled drink like sparkling lemonade, coconut water, or a fruity cocktail for a refreshing pairing.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Storing Leftovers:
Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. - Freezing Cake Layers:
Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. - Reheating (Optional):
Want your slice slightly warm? Pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, just-baked feel.
FAQs About Dragon Fruit Layer Cake
Can I use frozen dragon fruit?
Yes—just thaw and pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results.
Do I need food coloring?
Not necessarily. If your dragon fruit isn’t vibrant enough, a small drop of pink food coloring is optional.
Can I bake this in one pan?
You can. Bake for 40–45 minutes, then test with a toothpick for doneness.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Definitely. The steps are straightforward, and the natural colors make any imperfections look intentional!
More Delicious Dessert Cake Recipes to Try
- Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
- Easy & Delicious Pineapple Cake
- Carrot Desserts with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Italian Lemon Cream Cake
Conclusion
This Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is a feast for the eyes and a celebration for the palate. With its light, moist texture and sweet tropical flavor, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something delicious and fun, this recipe will deliver beauty and flavor in every bite.
Dragon Fruit Layer Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for a smooth texture.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder – Ensures the cake rises evenly.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Balances acidity for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature for better mixing.
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the natural fruit flavor.
- ¾ cup pink dragon fruit purée – The tropical star of the show.
- ½ cup milk – Keeps the batter smooth and the cake tender.
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened – Creamy and rich base.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – For that classic sweet smooth texture.
- 2 tbsp dragon fruit purée – Adds both flavor and that signature pink hue.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – A touch of warmth.
- 1 –2 tbsp heavy cream optional – For a perfectly spreadable consistency.
For Decoration:
- Fresh dragon fruit slices
- Strawberries or raspberries
- Edible flowers
- Sprinkle of dragon fruit seeds optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the Dragon Fruit and Milk: Mix in the dragon fruit purée. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mix.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then dragon fruit purée, vanilla, and cream (if needed) until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, then top with the second cake. Frost the top and sides evenly.
- Decorate: Top with fresh fruit, edible flowers, and dragon fruit seeds for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Go fresh: Use fresh dragon fruit for the brightest color and cleanest flavor.
- Color boost? A tiny drop of natural pink food coloring can enhance paleness.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light.
- Cool completely: Always frost cakes when fully cooled to avoid a melty mess.
- Make it your own: Try pairing with a coconut or lime frosting for extra island vibes.
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