What to make with grapefruit is here. Dessert like our simple 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.
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)
Grapefruit Juice Recipe
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.
Ingredients
- 2 c all purpose flour is the base of the dry ingredients
- Baking soda allows it to rise to fluffy
- Butter 2 sticks, unsalted, room temp., or plant based alternative sticks softened
- 1 2/3 c sugar makes it sweet of course
- 3 eggs added at room temperature is best
- Sour cream or dairy free alternative such as dairy free yogurt or DF sour cream
- 2 tbsp grapefruit zest is optional
- 1/4 c grapefruit juice instead of water makes it tarter
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds are optional
Simple Glaze
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.
Equipment Needed
We are going to use a 9ร5โณ 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.
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.
Dairy Free
I have had to alter recipes lately for my husband. Most of the time, like with our applesauce spice cake you canโt tell the difference. That one doesnโt 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.
How to Make Grapefruit Cake
- Preheat the oven and then prepare a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sift together dry ingredients.
- In another bowl use a hand or stand mixer to beat together butter and sugar
- Add the eggs.
- Stir in other ingredients until blended, combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (mostly) with crumbs attached.
- Allow to cool in the pan before flipping over and cooling completely.
- 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.
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.
FAQ
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.
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 youโre ready to serve, warm in microwave and drizzle on top.
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 9โณ cake pan if you wanted to make it into a different shape if you wanted too.
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 Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9ร5 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 9ร5 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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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 donโt 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.
