How to Make the Perfect Pitaya Cake from Scratch

Get ready to embark on a tantalizing journey of flavors with this Pitaya Cake recipe. This delightful creation combines the exotic essence of pitayas, also known as dragon fruits, with a velvety cream and zesty lime jelly. Brace yourself for a Mexican-inspired extravaganza that will dazzle your taste buds and impress your guests. Let's dive into the details and bring this culinary masterpiece to life.

Base

To kick off this splendid creation, we need to start with the base. Picture this: a buttery, crumbly foundation that provides the perfect balance to the luscious cream and tangy jelly. To achieve this, gather 50 grams of powdered sugar, 200 grams of flour, a pinch of salt, 125 grams of butter (cut into cubes), and 1 egg yolk.

Now, let's get our hands dirty. Begin by mixing the sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl. Take the cubed butter and work it into the mixture using your fingertips until a sandy texture forms. This step may remind you of building sandcastles on a sunny Mexican beach.

Next, it's time to integrate the egg yolk into the dough and give it a good mix until it becomes delightfully homogeneous. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes, as patience is indeed a virtue in the culinary arts. After the waiting period, roll out the dough with a rolling pin and gracefully arrange it in a pre-greased cake pan.

Now, my dear readers, it's baking time! Pop your creation into the oven and let it work its magic for approximately 12 minutes. As the aroma of freshly baked goodness fills your kitchen, take a moment to revel in the anticipation of the treat to come.

Cream

While the base cools down, let's turn our attention to the cream that will envelop it with its silky embrace. Gather 6 grams of gelatin, 50 milliliters of water, 350 milliliters of whipping cream, 80 grams of sugar, and 2 crushed red pitayas.

First, we need to hydrate the gelatin. Mix it with a little cold water and let it soak up the moisture, becoming a plump and gelatinous wonder. Meanwhile, heat 50 milliliters of the whipping cream in a saucepan along with the sugar. Allow the sugar to dissolve completely, and then introduce the crushed pitayas and the hydrated gelatin into the mix. Stir it all together until the gelatin dissolves beautifully, then turn off the heat.

Now comes the moment of grandeur. Whip the remaining cream to perfection, incorporating air bubbles that will lend a delightful lightness to the final creation. Fold the whipped cream into the pitaya-infused mixture with gentle care, ensuring a harmonious union of flavors and textures. Once blended to perfection, pour this velvety mixture over the cooled tart base.

Patience, my dear friends, is still the name of the game. Allow this divine creation to rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until it achieves a firm and satisfying texture. Trust me, the anticipation will make each bite even more delightful.

Jelly

Last but certainly not least, it's time to crown our pitaya cake with a tangy and refreshing jelly. For this enchanting element, gather 1 lime (for its invigorating juice) and 2 more crushed red pitayas.

We begin by heating sugar and water over low heat, patiently waiting for them to transform into delightful syrup. Once the syrup has formed, introduce the crushed pitayas and the lively lime juice into the mix. The vibrant colors of the pitaya will infuse the syrup, creating a visually stunning spectacle.

Now, my dear readers, it's time to cool things down. Turn off the heat and let the syrupy concoction cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and the jelly to set. Once it has reached the perfect temperature, gently pour this zesty elixir over the chilled cream-covered tart, creating a crown fit for a culinary king or queen.

Finale

After all the careful preparation, the moment of truth has arrived. Take a deep breath, embrace the anticipation, and slice into this exquisite pitaya cake. Watch as the layers reveal themselves, showcasing the golden crust, the velvety cream, and the glistening jelly.

Each forkful is a delightful dance of textures and flavors. The buttery base crumbles delicately, providing a satisfying contrast to the smooth and creamy filling. The cream, infused with the tropical essence of pitayas, melts on the tongue, leaving a hint of exotic sweetness behind. And the zesty jelly, with its tangy notes and vibrant colors, adds a refreshing burst that lingers long after each bite.

Imagine savoring this masterpiece on a sunny afternoon, accompanied by a cup of Mexican coffee or a refreshing hibiscus tea. The flavors transport you to the lively streets of Mexico, where the vibrant culture and culinary heritage come alive.

So, my fellow food enthusiasts, I implore you to embark on this pitaya cake adventure. Let the colors, flavors, and textures whisk you away to a Mexican fiesta of the senses. Leap into the realm of culinary delight and indulge in this creation that brings together tradition, and creativity. ¡Buen provecho!