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Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake

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Sunshine in a cake! This Grapefruit Poppy Seed treat balances zesty, bright citrus with a delicate crumb, achieved by expertly creaming butter and sugar. Detailed mixing and oven steps included.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or a standard loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  3. Step 3: Gradually alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the grapefruit juice to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in the poppy seeds and the zest of the grapefruit using a spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Step 5: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, optionally brush or drizzle a simple grapefruit glaze (made from powdered sugar and grapefruit juice) over the top. Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing.

Notes

  • To keep the cake exceptionally moist, store wrapped leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days, placing it in an airtight container if you applied the glaze.
  • If you desire a warm dessert experience, wrap individual slices in foil and refresh them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five minutes to prevent drying out.
  • For a balanced, elegant presentation, serve slices alongside a simple dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped Greek yogurt.
  • The secret to a tender crumb is strictly avoiding overmixing the batter once the flour is added; stop combining just as the last streaks of dry ingredients disappear.
  • Author: Kristin Romick
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American