What to make with grapefruit is here. Dessert like our grapefruit cake in a loaf pan that comes out so moist like pound cake, breakfast ideas and other recipes with juice and fruit are here.

A loaf of poppy seed bread with a glaze sits on a white plate. A slice has been cut from the loaf and is placed next to it, resembling a grapefruit cake. In the background, there are two halves of a grapefruit. The scene is set on a textured beige surface.
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This grapefruit loaf cake is really tasty! Sweetened inside with a quick glaze on top you can bake this in a bundt pan too if you prefer. Perfect for gifting during the holidays too it is a unique cake recipe with fresh fruit you have got to try. (affiliate links present)

What to do with a bag of grapefruit

Often eaten on its own as a breakfast fruit with salt or sugar on top, can be added to our fruit salad with Cool Whip, juices, or cocktails. Some say it aids in weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease. AND we will show you here how to bake with grapefruit to make a sweet treat your whole family will love.

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit known for its sour and slightly bitter taste. It is a hybrid that is a cross between a sweet orange and a pomelo. They actually come in different varieties and can be classified into two main types: white fleshed and red. It is low in calories and is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

What Fruits Can be Used in a Cake

Dessert with Grapefruit

This one uses a loaf pan, because it is easier to me to slice. There are two sizes in my house, both really bake in the same amount of time. One is a bit thinner, linked in the recipe card below. A standard size is 9×5 inch and would work well too. A sort of pound cake like texture this tart fruit juice gives it a pop of flavor we love.

We talk about other shapes and sizes of pans in our how long does it take to bake a cake post. If you want to use another go ahead. Note that this is a cross between a bread and a cake so it is denser and may take a bit longer than posted there.

We are going to use a 9×5″ loaf pan for this one. I like a glass or non stick but you could line the inside with a piece of parchment paper to slide it out when done too.

What to Make with Grapefruit Peel

We do use the zest in the batter for this cake and some on top over the glaze. Beyond that if you want to use all of it you could definitely dehydrate it like we did our dried lemon peel recipe here. That can become a snack or dice it up and use as a garnish on other treats.

Grapefruit Cake Ingredients

  • 2 c all purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Butter 2 sticks, unsalted, room temp., or plant based alternative sticks softened
  • 1 2/3 c sugar
  • eggs
  • Sour cream or dairy free alternative such as dairy free yogurt or DF sour cream
  • 2 tbsp grapefruit zest
  • Vanilla
  • 1/4 c grapefruit juice
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds optional

You can make a simple glaze with 1 c powdered sugar + 2 tbsp grapefruit juice and zest is nice for more intense flavors, but the latter is optional.

Grapefruit Bread

How to Make Dairy Free Grapefruit Cake

I have had to alter recipes lately for my husband. Most of the time, like with our applesauce spice cake you can’t tell the difference. That one doesn’t have as much butter in it, this one does. With that said it is possible to do the same with a vegan plant based product that comes in sticks but there is a flavor and texture difference.

Grapefruit Juice Cake Recipe

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then in another large bowl;
  • Using a hand or stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
  • To the butter mixture, add the eggs one at a time, beating between additions.
  • Stir in the sour cream, poppy seeds, grapefruit zest, vanilla extract, and grapefruit juice until blended.
  • Add the dry ingredient flour mixture slowly and beat just until mixed, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan.
  • Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (mostly) with crumbs attached.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes prior to flipping over and cooling completely on a wire rack.
  • In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and grapefruit juice until smooth. Drizzle over the bread and allow it to harden, then slice and serve.
Grapefruit Juice Recipes

What Fruits Can be Used in a Cake?

Well in the past we have used a sweeter one to make our maraschino cherry bread which is pretty with a few bursts of sweetness in there. You could use a round 9″ cake pan if you wanted to make it into a different shape if you wanted too.

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of grapefruit for grapefruit cake?

Yes, you can certainly experiment with other citrus fruits if you prefer. You can substitute lemon, lime, or orange juice to create a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste and intensity of the citrus flavor may vary.

Can I make the Grapefruit Cake ahead of time?

Yes! Fresh is best but if you bake the day before, let cool completely, and store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 days on your countertop.
Prepare frosting ahead of time too and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, warm in microwave and drizzle on top.

This last part works well if you have leftovers as well. Your best bet for keeping it as moist as possible is to keep on the counter. Cold air will dry it out. For best results only slice what you will eat then and there. Leave the rest of the loaf whole and wrap in plastic wrap or foil, then slide into a freezer bag and suck all the air out. It will keep up to 3 days this way, but will dry out slightly daily so enjoy asap.

Grapefruit Pound Cake

How to Reheat Quick Breads

Slice a piece of your leftover loaf and set on a plate. If you have some glaze left over, drizzle some of that on top as well. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds or so to warm again to enjoy. If you don’t have a bit of frosting to use I suggest putting a small pat of butter on top or a drizzle of honey to moisten it back up for the ultimate texture.

Grapefruit Cake recipe
5 from 1 vote

What to Make with Grapefruit

By The Typical Mom
What to make with grapefruit juice and peel like this pound cake in a loaf pan. So moist, with fresh grapefruit juice for breakfast or dessert.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Servings: 10
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Equipment

  • 1 9×5 loaf pan
  • 2 bowls

Ingredients 

  • 2 c all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 c butter, 2 sticks, unsalted, room temp., or plant based alternative sticks softened
  • 1 2/3 c sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 c sour cream, or dairy free alternative such as dairy free yogurt or DF sour cream
  • 2 tbsp grapefruit zest
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 c grapefruit juice
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds, optional
  • Glaze
  • 1 c powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp grapefruit juice

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
  • To the butter mixture, add the eggs one at a time, beating between additions. Stir in the sour cream, poppy seeds, grapefruit zest, vanilla extract, and grapefruit juice until blended.
  • Add the flour mixture slowly and beat just until mixed, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan.
  • Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center returns mostly clean with crumbs attached. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes prior to flipping over and cooling completely on a wire rack.
  • In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and grapefruit juice until smooth. Drizzle over the bread and allow it to harden, then slice and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz, Calories: 498kcal, Carbohydrates: 67g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 108mg, Sodium: 343mg, Potassium: 103mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 47g, Vitamin A: 747IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 63mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!

About The Typical Mom

Justine is the creative mind behind The Typical Mom and The Typical Family on YouTube. She began blogging about easy recipes, budget friendly activities for kids, and fun family travel destinations in September 2012.

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