Easy Gum Gum Fruit Cake Recipe

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Imagine a dessert that not only captivates with its striking resemblance to the mythical Gum-Gum Fruit but also delights the palate with layers of melon, cream, and fresh strawberries. Originally introduced by Japan’s Cake.jp, this masterpiece was priced at a treasure-worthy ¥13,000 (about $100) but fear not! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a more accessible voyage into creating your version of the Gum Gum Fruit Cake.

How to make Gum Gum Fruit Cake

The Gum Gum Fruit Cake is a unique confectionery inspired by the Gum-Gum Fruit from the popular manga and anime series “One Piece.” Japanese confectionery Cake.jp released this special cake to celebrate the birthday of “One Piece” protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, on May 5, 2022.

Ingredients:

For the Melon Cake:

• 1 whole muskmelon (choose one that’s not too ripe for easy carving)
• 3 cups of whipped cream
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup of sliced strawberries (plus more for decoration)
• Mint leaves (for decoration)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine eggs and sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely, then cut horizontally into 3 even layers.

Prepare the Muskmelon:

1. Cut the muskmelon in half horizontally. Hollow out both halves by removing the seeds and scooping out the flesh, leaving about an inch of melon on the sides. Save the melon balls for filling or other uses.
2. Carve any excess melon to create a more accurate Gum-Gum Fruit shape if desired.

Whip the Cream:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until the cream forms stiff peaks. Keep some cream aside for the outer decoration.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Place the first layer of sponge cake into one hollowed-out melon half.
2. Add a layer of whipped cream over the sponge cake, then place sliced strawberries on top.
3. Repeat layering with cake, whipped cream, and strawberries until the melon half is filled. Cap it off with the final layer of sponge cake. Do the same with the other melon half.
4. Carefully join both halves together. It’s okay if it’s slightly messy—this will be covered!

Decorate:

1. Use the reserved whipped cream to cover the melon cake. This will make it look like the Gum-Gum Fruit.
2. If you like, create spiral patterns to mimic the fruit’s appearance.
3. Decorate with sliced strawberries and mint leaves to add color and character to your creation.

Tips:

• Melon Choice: Ensure the muskmelon isn’t too ripe; a firmer melon will hold the shape better and be easier to carve.
• Sponge Cake: The cake should be moist but sturdy enough to support the layers of cream and strawberries.
• Serving: Chill the cake for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the cake easier to cut.

What to serve with

The Gum Gum Fruit Cake is a showstopper dessert on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can enhance the eating experience and make your themed party or gathering even more special.

1. Beverages:

• Melon Ball Punch: Complement the melon theme by serving a refreshing melon ball punch. Use a mixture of melon balls, chilled melon juice, sparkling water, and a splash of lemon or lime for a refreshing drink. For an adult version, a splash of vodka or gin can make this a spirited punch.
• Green Tea: A light and refreshing green tea can cleanse the palate and contrast the sweetness of the cake beautifully, which is very much in line with Japanese dining traditions.
• Coffee or Espresso: For those who prefer a warm beverage, a strong coffee or a shot of espresso can balance the sweetness of the desserts, offering a nice after-dinner pick-me-up.

2. Fruit Accompaniments:

• Fresh Fruit Platter: Complement the cake with a platter of fresh fruits. Include varieties that contrast and enhance the flavors in the cake such as kiwi, dragon fruit, and different types of berries. This not only adds color but also varies the texture and flavor profiles.
• Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet can cleanse the palate between bites of cake, providing a refreshingly tart contrast to the sweet and creamy flavors of the cake.

3. Cream and Custards:

• Vanilla or Coconut Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream alongside the cake. The cold, creamy texture makes a nice contrast to the fruit and sponge texture.
• Mango Sticky Rice: This traditional Thai dessert made from rice, mango slices, and coconut milk offers a unique, international twist that complements the tropical theme.

4. Sweet Sauces:

• Berry Coulis: A coulis made from raspberries or strawberries can add a vibrant zest to the cake, enhancing the existing strawberry elements and adding a bit of tartness.
• Caramel or Melon Sauce: A light drizzling of caramel sauce or a melon puree can accentuate the melon flavors in your Gum Gum Fruit Cake.

5. Snacks and Bites:

• Cheese and Crackers: Offering a savory contrast, a small cheese board with mild cheeses and assorted crackers can balance the sweet aspects of your dessert-centric gathering.
• Japanese Mochi: Small bites of mochi, particularly fruit-flavoured ones, can complement the texture and sweetness of the cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating the Gum Gum Fruit Cake offers flexibility with ingredients, allowing for substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences and availability or simply tweaking the taste according to personal preference.

Muskmelon Substitutes:

• Cantaloupe or Honeydew: If muskmelon isn’t available, you can use cantaloupe or honeydew to achieve a similar visual effect and sweet, mild flavor. These melons are also easier to carve and can hold the shape well.
• Watermelon: While the flavor profile differs, using watermelon gives a juicier and different taste experience, and its large size is perfect for creative carvings.

Sponge Cake Ingredients Substitutes:

• Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Make sure to check that it includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of traditional flour.
• Sugar: If you prefer a cake that’s less refined, use coconut sugar or even a reduced amount of honey or maple syrup to cut back on processed sugar.
• Eggs: To make the cake vegan, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 15 minutes).

Whipped Cream Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Cream: For a lactose-free or vegan version, use coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream available in most supermarkets.
• Flavoring: Instead of vanilla extract, try almond extract, or for a citrusy note, add a little bit of lemon zest to the whipped cream.

Strawberry Substitutes:

• Other Berries: If strawberries aren’t your favorite or you just want to change it up, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can offer a delicious alternative.
• Mixed Fruits: A tropical mix of finely chopped mango, pineapple, and kiwi can provide a vibrant, flavorful contrast to the melon and cake.

Sugar Substitutes in Whipped Cream:

• Powdered Sugar Alternative: For a refined sugar-free option, you can use powdered erythritol or a stevia-based powdered sweetener. Adjust the quantity based on sweetness preference since some substitutes are sweeter than conventional sugar.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You’ve now created a one-of-a-kind Gum Gum Fruit Cake, bringing a taste of “One Piece” into the real world. Share this delightful creation with friends and family, and watch as their faces light up with joy and wonder, much like discovering a hidden treasure on the Grand Line.

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• Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
• Rhubarb Dump Cake (With Jello)
• Starbucks Pineapple Cloud Cake
• Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries