Stunning Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake Recipe – Tropical, Vibrant & Showstopping
Looking for a cake that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious? This Stunning Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is a tropical masterpiece bursting with color, flavor, and flair. With vibrant pink layers naturally tinted by red dragon fruit (pitaya) and stacked high with fluffy frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress.
Dragon fruit not only gives this cake its brilliant hue but also lends a light, mildly sweet, and refreshing flavor, making each bite feel like a tropical getaway. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend enthusiast, this eye-catching dessert is easy to love and even easier to make than it looks.
Ingredients
- For the Pink Dragon Fruit Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pureed red dragon fruit about 2 medium dragon fruits
- ½ cup whole milk
- Optional: 2–3 drops natural pink food coloring for a deeper color
- For the Dragon Fruit Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- ¼ cup dragon fruit puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: extra pink food coloring for a vibrant finish
- For Garnish Optional:
- Fresh dragon fruit slices or balls
- Edible flowers
- White chocolate curls
- Mint leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dragon Fruit
- Cut and scoop out the flesh of 2 red dragon fruits.
- Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Measure 1 cup for the cake, and ¼ cup for the frosting.
Step 2: Make the Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 6-inch or two 8-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine milk and dragon fruit puree in a separate bowl.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the dragon fruit/milk mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Dragon Fruit Buttercream
- In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
- Mix in dragon fruit puree, vanilla, and salt.
- Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Add more powdered sugar if needed for thickness.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Level the cake layers if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand. Add a generous layer of frosting.
- Repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost the outside with a thin crumb coat, then chill for 15 minutes.
- Add a final layer of frosting and smooth it out or add textured swirls.
Step 5: Decorate
- Top with dragon fruit balls, edible flowers, or white chocolate curls.
- Add a touch of edible glitter or gold leaf for an extra wow factor.
Notes
Variations1. Vegan Version
Use vegan butter, dairy-free milk, and egg replacer or aquafaba. 2. Lemon Twist
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the cake and a dash of lemon juice to the frosting. 3. Coconut Fusion
Replace half the milk with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut between layers. 4. Ombre Layers
Tint each layer with increasing amounts of dragon fruit puree or food coloring for a gradient effect.
Storage & ReheatingStorage:
Store the cake covered at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
10 Frequently Asked Questions1. Can I use white dragon fruit?
You can, but it won’t give the same vibrant pink hue. Red dragon fruit is best for color and flavor. 2. What does dragon fruit taste like?
It’s mildly sweet with a subtle tropical flavor—think kiwi-meets-pear. 3. Can I use canned or frozen dragon fruit?
Yes, just be sure it’s unsweetened and fully thawed before pureeing. 4. Is the food coloring necessary?
Not at all! The red dragon fruit adds natural color, but coloring enhances vibrancy if desired. 5. What kind of milk is best?
Whole milk gives richness, but almond or oat milk works too. 6. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Try cream cheese frosting or white chocolate buttercream. 7. Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. 8. Why is my frosting too soft?
Add more powdered sugar, or chill it briefly before using. 9. Can I pipe decorations with this frosting?
Yes! It’s perfect for simple piping, swirls, or borders. 10. How do I keep the layers even?
Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between pans, and smooth the tops before baking.
ConclusionThis Stunning Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a tropical-inspired treat with a light, fresh flavor and stunning natural color. It’s perfect for parties, birthdays, baby showers, or anytime you want to bring something extra special to the table. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can bake like a pro and impress your guests with this vibrant, unforgettable layer cake.
