Name: Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; For the Passionfruit Curd: ½ cup passionfruit pulp (about 4 passionfruits); ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 large egg yolks; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed; For the Vanilla Buttercream: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Indulge your taste buds with this luscious Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake! Bursting with tropical flavor, this cake is a delightful treat perfect for any celebration. With layers of fluffy vanilla cake and a creamy passionfruit frosting, it’s an impressive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this stunning and delicious cake!

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Passionfruit Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup passionfruit puree (fresh or canned)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

Serving Size: 12 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Why You’ll Love Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake

This Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake is the epitome of tropical decadence! The combination of light, airy vanilla cake layers and the sweet-tart passionfruit frosting creates a delightful flavor experience that’s hard to resist. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any occasion where you want to impress, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Make Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring easy release after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential for ensuring your cake rises evenly.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes. This is the foundation of your cake’s sweetness!

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined. The aroma will make your kitchen smell heavenly!

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined — be careful not to overmix!

6. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Passionfruit Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated. Add the passionfruit puree and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

8. Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of passionfruit frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, then place the final layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.

9. Decorate and Serve

For a stunning finish, consider decorating the top with fresh passionfruit seeds, edible flowers, or coconut flakes. Slice your Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake and serve it with a smile!

Tips for the Best Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake

Passionfruit Puree: If you can’t find fresh passionfruit, canned passionfruit puree works just as well. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.

Final Thoughts

This Passionfruit Vanilla Layer Cake is a showstopper that combines beautiful flavors with stunning presentation. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and bring a slice of tropical paradise to your next gathering!