Name: Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup vegetable oil (canola oil recommended); 1 cup plus 1 TBSP granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 1/2 TBSP grapefruit zest; 4 TBSP grapefruit juice; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla; 1 1/2 cups plus 2 TBSP all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 TBSP poppyseeds; 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt, room temperature; 1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted; 3–4 TBSP whole milk; 4 TBSP grapefruit or blood orange juice; 1 TBSP unsalted butter, melted; pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

If you love citrusy desserts that balance brightness with just the right touch of sweetness, you’re going to absolutely adore this Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake. This loaf is bursting with sunny grapefruit flavor, dotted with charming poppy seeds, and finished with a lovely citrus glaze that makes each bite irresistible. With its moist, delicate crumb and understated elegance, the Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake is the ultimate teatime treat or brunch showstopper. You’ll want to make it again and again for friends, family, or just because you deserve something delightfully special.

Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how each ingredient brings something essential to the table—from vivid citrus notes to plush moistness and that signature poppyseed crunch. Let’s take a closer peek at what you’ll need for the best Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake:

Vegetable oil: Provides a light, tender crumb and keeps the cake moist for days.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf while allowing the grapefruit’s zing to shine through.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and create structure with a delicate texture.
Grapefruit zest: Infuses the batter with bright, aromatic citrus flavor.
Grapefruit juice: Adds tartness and keeps the cake extra moist and flavorful.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the citrus notes.
All purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure—be sure to measure carefully for best results.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to help the loaf rise beautifully and give a light, cheerful crumb.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and sharp citrus.
Poppyseeds: Classic and fun, they add lovely crunch and visual flair to every slice.
Plain full fat Greek yogurt: Adds tang, richness, and excellent moisture (use room temperature for optimal blending).
Confectioner’s sugar (for glaze): Makes a silky, sweet drizzle that finishes the cake perfectly.
Whole milk (for glaze): Adjusts the texture of the glaze to just the right consistency.
Grapefruit or blood orange juice (for glaze): Trust me, the fresh zest of citrus in the glaze takes it over the top!
Unsalted butter (melted, for glaze): Adds a rich silkiness to the citrus glaze.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Enhances every sweet-tart flavor in your glaze.

How to Make Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. While that’s warming up, grab a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, spray it generously with non-stick baking spray, and line it with parchment paper. Leave a couple of inches of parchment overhanging the short sides—this handy trick makes it incredibly easy to lift your gorgeous Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake out of the pan later!

Step 2: Combine Oil and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the vegetable oil and granulated sugar. Mix them together on medium-low speed until they’re well combined and look a bit creamy, which usually takes about two minutes. This step is simple, but it’s key for a tender cake—taking time here means every bite is velvety.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Citrus, and Vanilla

Next, beat in your eggs one by one, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next. Add the grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly—your kitchen is going to fill with the most amazing fresh scent, a sure sign the magic is starting!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick toss ensures your leaveners are distributed evenly and prevents any surprise pockets of salt in your bite of Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake.

Step 5: Combine and Alternate with Yogurt

Now comes the part where everything comes together. Alternately add the flour mixture and the Greek yogurt to your wet ingredients in three parts—starting and ending with flour. Stir only until the batter mostly comes together with just a few streaks of flour; this gentle approach prevents overmixing and keeps your cake incredibly soft.

Step 6: Fold in the Poppyseeds

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold in those cheerful poppyseeds. Be careful not to overmix; just a few loving turns of the spoon does the job and ensures your loaf stays light as air!

Step 7: Bake

Pour your batter into the ready pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. While it bakes, the anticipation is half the fun! Let the finished cake cool completely on a wire rack before glazing—patience pays off.

Step 8: Make the Citrus Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, whole milk, your choice of grapefruit or blood orange juice, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the thickness so it’s gorgeously pourable but not runny; a few extra spoonfuls of sugar or milk will do the trick. Once your cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top and watch it beautifully cascade down the sides.

How to Serve Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake

Garnishes

A final flourish goes a long way. I love to scatter a sprinkle of extra grapefruit zest or a handful of poppyseeds over the glaze while it’s still tacky. Long, thin slices of fresh grapefruit can add a pop of color and a little glitz to your Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake presentation. For a delicate touch, edible flowers or even a few thyme springs look so pretty too.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own with tea or coffee, but for an elegant spread, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or tangy crème fraîche. Fresh berries or thinly sliced citrus fruits complement the flavors perfectly. For brunch, consider pairing with a citrus fruit salad or Greek yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

For something truly eye-catching, try slicing Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake into petite rectangles and layering them with extra glaze or cream cheese frosting for tea sandwiches. You can also toast leftover slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert. For parties, cut into mini squares and arrange artfully on a platter with citrus zest and flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake fresh, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze helps seal in moisture, and the flavors stay vibrant.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this loaf! Wrap slices individually or the whole cake before glazing in a couple of layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding fresh glaze—so every slice tastes as good as new.

Reheating

If you like your cake warm (who doesn’t?), pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, just until slightly warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first, then heat gently so it stays moist and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I substitute another citrus fruit for the grapefruit?

Absolutely! Blood orange works beautifully in place of grapefruit, and even lemon or lime can add their own delicious twist to your Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake—just adjust the zest and juice quantities to taste.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt, or can I use regular yogurt?

Greek yogurt is great for richness and moisture, but plain, full-fat regular yogurt will still give very good results. Try to keep the yogurt at room temperature for best mixing.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Spraying the pan thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper—leaving a bit over the sides to lift the cake—is your best bet. This makes unmolding the Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake a breeze with no cracks or crumbles!

My glaze is too thin or thick—how do I fix it?

If the glaze is too thin, whisk in a little more confectioner’s sugar. If it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. You want a pourable but opaque consistency that sets softly on top.

Can I make this Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Keep an eye on the texture—some blends may soak up more moisture, so you may need an extra tablespoon of yogurt or citrus juice.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake—it’s cheerful, uplifting, and filled with a burst of sunny flavor in every bite. Whether you savor a slice with your morning coffee or share it at your next gathering, I know it’ll be a new favorite. Happy baking!

Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of grapefruit and poppy seeds with this moist and tangy Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake. A perfect balance of citrus and sweetness that’s sure to impress!

Instructions

For Cake – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with non-stick baking spray and line with parchment paper. Leave 1-2 inches of parchment hanging off the short sides of the pan for easy removal of the loaf. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine oil and sugar on medium-low speed until well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time until combined. Add grapefruit zest, juice, and vanilla. Mix well. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the egg and sugar mixture, alternating with the yogurt in three batches. Begin and end with the flour. Mix only until a few streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the poppy seeds. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
For Glaze – Combine confectioner’s sugar, milk, melted butter, citrus juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir until well combined. Pour over the cooled cake and allow the glaze to set before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American