Grapefruit Cake Recipe: A Nostalgic Delight with a Zesty Twist
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Recipe Yield: 1 loaf
Recipe Servings: Serves 8-10
Calories per Serving: 373.6
This delightful Grapefruit Cake is a recipe passed down from my wife’s childhood, although it’s a bit of a mystery in her family. Her mother doesn’t remember ever making it, and neither do her siblings recall eating it. There must be some family history lost in translation! Despite the confusion, this cake is undeniably delicious with a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tartness. It’s the kind of recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia and a burst of refreshing flavor. If you’re looking for something quick, light, and full of citrus flavor, this grapefruit cake is the perfect treat!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Canola oil | 1/4 cup |
| Grapefruit zest | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Fresh grapefruit juice | 1/3 cup |
| Cream of tartar | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Additional grapefruit zest | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Additional grapefruit juice | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 373.6 kcal |
| Fat | 11.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 94.4 mg |
| Sodium | 228.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugars | 46.2 g |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
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Create a Well: Form a well in the center of your dry ingredients. This is where you’ll add your wet ingredients to ensure even mixing.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Into the well, pour the canola oil, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, and egg yolks. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until smooth and fully combined.
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Clean the Beatters: Wash the beaters thoroughly with soap and hot water to remove all traces of oil from the previous step.
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Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate large bowl, use clean beaters to whip the egg whites. Beat them until they become frothy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This will provide the structure for the cake.
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Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the whipped egg whites. Do this gently to maintain the airiness of the egg whites.
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Prepare the Pan: Pour the batter into an ungreased 9″x5″x3″ loaf pan. The batter will rise slightly during baking, so be sure not to overfill the pan.
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Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This is a key step in ensuring your cake is baked to perfection.
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Cool: Once done, immediately invert the pan over a wire rack to cool. Let the cake rest in the pan as it cools, which helps to preserve its moisture.
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Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, combine the powdered sugar, remaining grapefruit zest, and juice, along with the vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the frosting over the top of the loaf, letting it drip down the sides slightly for a beautiful finish. The creamy, citrusy topping complements the fluffy texture of the cake perfectly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into generous portions and enjoy the refreshing combination of sweet, tangy, and light flavors that are simply irresistible.
Pro Tips:
- For an extra zesty kick, feel free to increase the amount of grapefruit zest. You can even add a bit more fresh juice if you like your cake more citrus-forward.
- This cake is best enjoyed the same day it’s made, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days if needed.
- To give the cake an even more vibrant look, garnish with additional zest or a few slices of fresh grapefruit.
This Grapefruit Cake is a sweet and light dessert with a unique citrus twist. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a party, or just as a weekday treat. With its refreshing grapefruit flavor and fluffy texture, it’s sure to be a hit!
