Healthy Passionfruit Cake
Indulge in this healthy, tropical-inspired Passionfruit Cake, featuring layers of nutrient-rich passionfruit sponge cake, naturally sweetened passionfruit curd, and light Swiss meringue buttercream. Topped with antioxidant-packed passionfruit syrup, this vibrant dessert offers both flavor and health benefits, making it the perfect guilt-free treat!
Ingredients
Passionfruit Cake Layers:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour (382 grams)
– 2½ teaspoons baking powder (for healthy, balanced leavening)
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 grams)
– ½ cup heart-healthy vegetable oil (120 ml)
– 1½ cups unrefined sugar (300 grams)
– 3 large eggs, room temperature (protein-packed)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure)
– ⅓ cup fresh passionfruit pulp (antioxidants and vitamins)
– 1 cup low-fat buttermilk (supports digestion)
Passionfruit Curd:
– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (113 grams)
– ½ cup unrefined sugar (100 grams)
– Pinch of salt
– 6 large egg yolks (rich in nutrients)
– ¾ cup fresh passionfruit pulp (180 ml)
Passionfruit Syrup:
– ½ cup fresh passionfruit pulp (120 ml)
– 100 grams unrefined sugar
Swiss Meringue Buttercream:
– 8 egg whites (about 270 grams)
– 2½ cups unrefined sugar (500 grams)
– 678 grams unsalted butter (6 sticks, at 72ºF)
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Decoration:
– Passionfruit seeds with pulp (packed with fiber and antioxidants)
Instructions
1. Make the Passionfruit Cake Layers:
– Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
– Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for a wholesome, balanced base.
– Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter, heart-healthy vegetable oil, and unrefined sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy and well combined.
– Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Eggs are a great source of healthy protein.
– Flavors: Mix in vanilla extract and passionfruit pulp, both rich in antioxidants, until combined.
– Combine: Alternate adding the flour mixture and low-fat buttermilk for a balance of fiber and probiotics, aiding in digestion. Stir until just combined.
– Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
2. Make the Passionfruit Curd:
– Cook Curd: Beat butter, unrefined sugar, and salt, then add egg yolks (rich in healthy fats). Stir in passionfruit pulp, loaded with vitamin C, to enhance immune function.
– Cook: Cook over low heat until thickened, reaching 170ºF (77ºC). Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
3. Make the Passionfruit Syrup:
– Prepare Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine passionfruit pulp and unrefined sugar. Simmer until sugar dissolves, creating a nutrient-rich syrup.
4. Make the Swiss Meringue Buttercream:
– Prepare Meringue: Whisk egg whites and unrefined sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
– Whip Meringue: Transfer to a stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form. Gradually add softened butter and vanilla extract.
5. Assemble the Cake:
– Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a plate and brush with passionfruit syrup to boost moisture and flavor. Add buttercream, then a ring of buttercream around the edges, filling the center with passionfruit curd. Repeat the process for each layer.
– Final Frosting: Apply the final layer of buttercream, and garnish with passionfruit seeds, which are packed with fiber and essential nutrients.
Enjoy this delicious and healthier version of a vibrant Passionfruit Cake, loaded with natural ingredients that promote wellness!
This cake is not only indulgent but also packed with ingredients beneficial for your overall health. Perfect for a special occasion or when you want to treat yourself without the guilt!
