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Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

4.8 from 81 reviews

A refreshing and zesty Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake, combining citrusy grapefruit juice and zest with crunchy poppy seeds for a moist, flavorful dessert. Perfectly balanced with a light texture and optional citrus glaze, this cake is easy to make and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup grapefruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seeds.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
  4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
  5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, blending until well combined to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cake.
  7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
  8. Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
  10. Frost (Optional): Once the cake is fully cooled, optionally frost it with a light glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with grapefruit juice for an extra citrusy touch, or enjoy it plain for a lighter dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
  • The optional grapefruit glaze adds extra sweetness and citrus flavor but can be omitted for a lower sugar option.
  • Use fresh grapefruit juice and zest for best flavor intensity.
  • Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: grapefruit cake, poppy seed cake, citrus dessert, baked cake, easy cake recipe, grapefruit zest cake