Grapefruit Pound Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brightens up any occasion, this Grapefruit Pound Cake is just the ticket! The vibrant flavor of grapefruit paired with the buttery richness of pound cake makes for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply need a sweet pick-me-up during a busy week, this cake fits the bill beautifully. It’s light enough to enjoy after dinner but indulgent enough to feel like a special occasion.

What I love most about this recipe is how it balances tartness and sweetness perfectly. The glaze adds an extra touch of brightness that complements the cake beautifully. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: This cake is sure to please everyone around the table—kids and adults alike will love it.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The unique grapefruit flavor elevates this classic recipe to something truly special.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a brunch, dessert, or just because, this cake shines at every event.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This Grapefruit Pound Cake requires just a few key items you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local store.

For the Cake

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 grapefruit
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the joy of baking!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add a Fruit Twist: Try using oranges or lemons instead of grapefruit for a different citrus flavor.
• Incorporate Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for some crunch and nuttiness in each bite.
• Swap the Dairy: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.
• Flavor Boost: Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Grapefruit Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch loaf pans. This step ensures your cakes don’t stick and come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Scraping down the bowl halfway through helps incorporate all that lovely butter into the sugar.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grapefruits

Give your grapefruits a good wash before zesting them. Zesting captures those fragrant oils from the peel that add so much flavor. After zesting, juice them as well; you’ll need this tangy goodness later!

Step 4: Mix in Eggs

Once your sugar mixture is fluffy, add in the eggs one at a time. Beating well after each addition helps create that light texture we love in pound cakes.

Step 5: Avoid Aluminum Tools

If you’re using an aluminum paddle on your mixer, now’s the time to switch gears! Take off the bowl and mix by hand with a wooden spoon instead. This prevents any odd metallic taste from affecting your delicious cake.

Step 6: Combine Zest with Eggs

Gently stir in your grapefruit zest with those lovely egg mixtures using your wooden spoon. This will ensure that every slice has that fresh citrus kick!

Step 7: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In another smaller bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is crucial as it helps evenly distribute these leavening agents throughout your batter.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

In yet another bowl, mix buttermilk with about 1/4 cup of grapefruit juice. This combination adds moisture and tanginess to our pound cake.

Step 9: Mix It All Together

Now comes the fun part! Gradually add in alternating portions of flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to your main mixing bowl. Start and end with flour while stirring well after each addition for a smooth batter.

Step 10: Pour into Pans

Divide your batter evenly between both loaf pans. This ensures even baking and gives you two lovely loaves!

Step 11: Bake Away!

Place those pans in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean—so satisfying!

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked, let those beautiful loaves cool on a wire rack. Cooling is important as it allows moisture to escape without making them soggy.

Step 13: Whip Up That Glaze

When cooled, mix powdered sugar with just enough grapefruit juice (about 2-3 tablespoons) until you reach that perfect drizzling consistency—thin enough to pour but thick enough to cling!

Step 14: Drizzle & Set

Pour that delicious glaze over both loaves generously and allow it to set up before slicing.

Step 15: Slice & Serve!

Finally, slice into this gorgeous Grapefruit Pound Cake! Serve it up alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon treat or enjoy it as dessert after dinner. You’re going to love every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Grapefruit Pound Cake

Baking the perfect grapefruit pound cake is all about those little details that make a big difference. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out deliciously every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh grapefruits will provide more vibrant flavor and aroma than older ones. Always zest and juice right before using to capture the essence of the fruit.

• Room temperature eggs: Bringing your eggs to room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake. Simply take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start baking.

• Avoid aluminum tools: As mentioned earlier, aluminum can react with grapefruit juice, affecting the cake’s taste. Stick with stainless steel or glass utensils for mixing to keep flavors pure.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your pound cake at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached to ensure it’s perfectly baked.

• Let it cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing your loaves to cool entirely on a wire rack will prevent sogginess and help the glaze set beautifully without melting away.

How to Serve Grapefruit Pound Cake

Serving grapefruit pound cake is an experience in itself! This delightful dessert can be presented in various ways that elevate its gorgeous citrus flavor and appealing appearance.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast that complements the tangy grapefruit.
• Citrus zest: A sprinkle of additional grapefruit zest on top of the glaze enhances the visual appeal and amplifies the citrus notes.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a creamy touch that’s dairy-free, serve slices with whipped coconut cream for an indulgent yet light finish.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits pairs beautifully with grapefruit pound cake, adding freshness and balancing sweetness.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a tangy side that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake—perfect for brunch!

• Herbed salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the pound cake while providing a crisp texture that complements it well.

• Iced tea or lemonade: These refreshing beverages make wonderful companions for grapefruit pound cake, enhancing its fruity profile and making your dessert experience even more enjoyable.

Enjoy this delightful grapefruit pound cake as it takes center stage at your next gathering. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grapefruit Pound Cake is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it make a delightful dessert, but it’s also great for snacks throughout the week. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later.

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap the cooled pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can also refrigerate it for an extended shelf life of about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the pound cake and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• If you’d like to warm up a slice, preheat your oven to 350˚F.
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Grapefruit Pound Cake:

Can I use other citrus instead of grapefruit for this pound cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute with lemon or orange juice and zest for a different flavor profile while keeping the same moist texture.

How should I adjust the recipe if I want to make mini grapefruit pound cakes?

To make mini versions, pour the batter into smaller loaf pans and reduce the baking time to around 25-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on them with a toothpick test!

What makes this Grapefruit Pound Cake special?

The combination of fresh grapefruit juice and zest gives this pound cake a unique tangy flavor that perfectly balances sweetness, making it refreshing and delightful.

Can I add nuts or other toppings to my Grapefruit Pound Cake?

Yes! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add extra texture. Feel free to sprinkle some on top before baking or mix them into the batter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Grapefruit Pound Cake! Its bright citrus flavor is not just refreshing; it’s a comforting treat that brings warmth to any gathering or cozy afternoon. Enjoy every slice and feel free to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!