| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 7g | 3g | 41g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 2g | 6g | 0.25g |
An Ode to the Dragon Eye (Longan) Cake
Once you’ve taken a bite of this magical Dragon Eye (Longan) Cake, there’s no turning back. Born out of my love for sweet, exotic fruits and an inherited fascination for baking from my Irish grandparents, this cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of family, culture, and the joy of creating something delightful from simple ingredients. What I absolutely adore is the way this moist, fluffy cake with a hint of vanilla cradles the natural sweetness of the longan fruit, taking you on a tasty tropical journey with every bite!
A Slice of Health
One could argue that the true icing on the cake (pun intended), is the incredible health benefits found in this treat. The longan fruit, also known as the Dragon Eye fruit due to its appearance, is known for its vitamin C content which is an antioxidant that supports the immune system – helping Laura, myself, and our little boy stay healthy. This cake is truly a treat you can indulge in without regret, knowing it’s packed with nourishment.
Beyond the Recipe
This cake has an unrivalled summer vibe going for it. The tropical zing of the longan pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of green tea, making it perfect for a laid-back afternoon tea. It can also hold its own at any brunch spread, fitting right in next to classics like French toast and Eggs Benedict. Its distinct flavor yet subtlety makes it similar to a traditional Hawaiian Haupia Coconut Pudding. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch, a family get-together, or a dinner party – this cake has a place at every meal.
In essence, my love for this Dragon Eye (Longan) Cake recipe goes far beyond its delicious taste. It is the culmination of family legacy, a pinch of adventure, and a heartfelt love for exquisite home cooking. This cake, loaded with love, flavor, and health benefits, is the perfect example of why I do what I do. Bon appetit!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 can of longan fruit
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 7-inch cake pan or line it with baking paper.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until they’re well mixed.
Step Three
In another bowl, whisk together the two large eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure they are all well combined.
Step Four
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step Five
Drain the longan fruit from the can, reserving some of the syrup. Arrange the longan fruit on the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step Six
Gently pour the cake batter into the pan over the longan fruit. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Step Seven
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Step Eight
Run a knife along the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, then flip it onto a serving plate. Drizzle some of the reserved longan syrup over the top of the cake before serving.
