Dessert

Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Citrus Delight Recipe

ByHarper Ellington November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Introduction

Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake is a refreshing citrus delight that tantalizes your taste buds and uplifts your spirit. This unique dessert balances sweetness with zing, showcasing the bright flavor of grapefruit alongside the delightful crunch of poppy seeds. Whether for a tea party, brunch, or light dessert, this cake promises a vibrant and unforgettable treat.

A close-up view of a slice of grapefruit poppy seed cake shows four layers stacked neatly. From the bottom, there is a light grey poppy seed cake layer with tiny black seeds, followed by a soft pink grapefruit-flavored layer. Above this is another poppy seed cake layer dotted with black seeds, and on top is a thick white frosting layer sprinkled with small black poppy seeds. The cake slice sits on a white plate, with a white marbled background and a pink grapefruit slice partially visible on the side. The top of the cake is decorated with two fresh blueberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Add the grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Optional: Frost the cooled cake with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and grapefruit juice, or serve it plain for a lighter treat.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh grapefruit juice and zest for the best citrus flavor and aroma.
Measure flour and sugar accurately to ensure the perfect cake texture.
Try different glazes like lemon or orange for a new flavor twist.
Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty enhancement.
Bake as muffins by reducing baking time to 18-20 minutes.
Swirl in lemon curd before baking for an extra layer of tangy flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently if desired, but the cake is best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a tall round cake with a smooth frosting layer that fades from light pink at the bottom to white at the top, sitting on a pale blue cake stand. In front, there are two white plates each holding a slice of the cake, revealing three layers of white cake with small dark specks, separated by light pink cream filling. A woman's hand holds a silver fork near one slice. In the background, there is a glass jar filled with pink sauce or juice and a couple of peaches on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute other citrus fruits for grapefruit?

Absolutely! Oranges or lemons can be used as substitutes. Just adjust the juice and zest quantities to suit your taste preferences.

What can I do if the cake is too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Is this cake appropriate for gluten-free diets?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I add more poppy seeds?

Yes, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of poppy seeds if you prefer a crunchier texture.

Harper Ellington