Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake is a bright and refreshing dessert with a delightful crunch from poppy seeds. Perfect for spring or summer, it balances citrusy tang with sweet, tender cake for an enjoyable treat.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and poppy seeds. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and grapefruit juice until smooth.
- Step 2: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Variations
- For extra citrus flavor, add grated grapefruit zest to the batter.
- Substitute part of the grapefruit juice with orange juice for a sweeter variation.
- Try topping the cake with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and grapefruit juice.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled grapefruit juice works fine, but fresh juice will provide a brighter, fresher flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s one that’s suitable for baking to maintain texture.
PrintGrapefruit Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
This Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake is a delightful citrus-infused dessert featuring the bright, tangy flavor of grapefruit paired with crunchy poppy seeds for texture. The cake is moist and tender, baked to a golden perfection, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, especially spring and summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and poppy seeds. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh grapefruit juice until well blended. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined to form a smooth batter.
- Bake the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your grapefruit poppy seed cake as a refreshing dessert or snack.
Notes
- Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
- You can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and grapefruit juice for extra sweetness and tang.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a denser cake, reduce the grapefruit juice slightly.
Keywords: grapefruit cake, poppy seed cake, citrus cake, homemade cake, baking dessert

