This delightful grapefruit greek yogurt cake is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. The moist texture and citrus aroma of the cake are enhanced by the luscious grapefruit glaze drizzled on top.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to grab a fresh grapefruit and greek yogurt from the supermarket. Ensure you have pure vanilla extract and a real vanilla bean on hand to achieve the best flavor.
Ingredients For The Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
all purpose flour: The base of the cake, contributing to the structure and texture.
baking powder: Helps the cake rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the cake.
greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and extra moisture, keeping the cake tender.
light brown sugar: Sweetens the cake while adding a hint of molasses flavor.
vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
grapefruit juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to the cake.
grapefruit zest: Intensifies the grapefruit flavor and adds aroma.
pure vanilla extract: Adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the citrus.
vanilla bean: Adds a deep, pure vanilla flavor.
confectioner's sugar: Used to make the sweet, smooth glaze.
grapefruit juice: Combined with confectioner's sugar to create the glaze.
pure vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness to the glaze.
One reader, Berenice Neff says:
This grapefruit Greek yogurt cake is a delightful treat! The tangy grapefruit pairs perfectly with the creamy yogurt, creating a moist and flavorful cake. The glaze adds a sweet finish that makes it irresistible. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Techniques Required for Making Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
How to zest a grapefruit: Use a microplane or a fine grater to remove the outermost layer of the grapefruit peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
How to extract vanilla seeds: Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife, then use the back of the knife to scrape out the seeds from each half.
How to make a glaze: Combine confectioner's sugar, grapefruit juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl and whisk until smooth and pourable.
How to test cake doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cake is done.
How To Make Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
This soft and moist yogurt cake is baked with fresh grapefruit juice and zest, then topped with sugar glaze. Prep it in 20 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled
- 1½tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 3largeeggs
- ¾cupgreek yogurt
- 1cuplight brown sugar,packed
- ½cupvegetable,or canola oil, or melted & slightly cooled coconut oil
- ¼cupgrapefruit juice,freshly squeezed, strained
- 1½tbspgrapefruit zest
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ½vanilla bean,seeds scraped
For Grapefruit Glaze:
- 1cupconfectioner’s sugar,sifted
- 2tbspgrapefruit juice,freshly squeezed, strained
- ¼tsppure vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Once combined, whisk in the yogurt, brown sugar, oil, grapefruit juice, zest, vanilla extract, and seeds.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Avoid overmixing.
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Spread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
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The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
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Remove the cake from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Allow to cool before drizzling with glaze.
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For the glaze, simply whisk the ingredients together and drizzle over the cake. Slice and serve.
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Cover and store leftover cake at room temperature for up to 5 days. Or store it in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Calories: 315.17kcal
- Fat: 3.99g
- Saturated Fat: 1.74g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.81g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.54g
- Carbohydrates: 61.83g
- Fiber: 1.13g
- Sugar: 39.38g
- Protein: 8.04g
- Cholesterol: 83.82mg
- Sodium: 298.74mg
- Calcium: 131.65mg
- Potassium: 125.79mg
- Iron: 1.99mg
- Vitamin A: 51.20µg
- Vitamin C: 7.45mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe
When zesting the grapefruit, make sure to only remove the outermost layer of the peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can add a bitter taste to your cake. Use a microplane or fine grater for best results.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients beforehand to streamline the baking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine wet ingredients and dry ingredients efficiently.
Room temperature items: Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Prepare the pan: Grease the loaf pan and set it aside before starting to mix the batter.
Make glaze ahead: Prepare the grapefruit glaze while the cake is baking to save time later.
Substitute Ingredients For Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cake denser.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for each tsp of baking powder needed.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different flavor profile and is less processed.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.
greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream has a similar consistency and tanginess, making it a good substitute.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.
grapefruit juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice provides a similar citrus flavor but is sweeter.
grapefruit zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest offers a similar citrus aroma and flavor.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor.
vanilla bean - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste offers a similar rich vanilla flavor and is easier to use.
confectioner’s sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar blended into powder: Blend granulated sugar until it reaches a powdery consistency.
grapefruit juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar tartness for the glaze.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a different but complementary sweetness and flavor.
Presentation Tips for Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the grapefruit Greek yogurt cake into elegant, thin slices to create a refined presentation. This allows the intricate flavors to be savored in smaller, more delicate bites.
Use decoration: Garnish each slice with a thin twist of grapefruit zest and a small dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. This adds a visual appeal and a hint of the cake's key ingredients.
Add a touch of color: Place a few fresh grapefruit segments on the plate. Their vibrant color will contrast beautifully with the cake and enhance the overall presentation.
Drizzle with glaze: Artfully drizzle the grapefruit glaze over the cake slices just before serving. This not only adds a glossy finish but also intensifies the citrus flavor.
Use a stylish plate: Serve the cake on a sleek, white porcelain plate. The simplicity of the plate will highlight the cake's elegance and make the colors pop.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle a few crushed pistachios or almond slivers around the plate. This adds a crunchy texture that complements the soft, moist cake.
Add a hint of freshness: Place a small sprig of mint next to the cake slice. The green color adds freshness and a subtle aromatic note.
Create height: Stack two thin slices of the cake slightly offset from each other. This creates visual interest and adds a sense of height to the presentation.
Use a sauce brush: Lightly brush a streak of grapefruit juice reduction across the plate before placing the cake slice. This adds a professional touch and a burst of flavor.
Finish with a dusting: Lightly dust the plate with a touch of confectioner’s sugar. This adds a delicate sweetness and a polished look to the final presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
Oven: Used to bake the cake at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
9×5-inch loaf pan: The baking vessel where the cake batter will be poured and baked.
Whisk: Essential for combining dry ingredients and for whisking eggs and other wet ingredients.
Large bowl: Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
Medium bowl: Used to whisk and combine the wet ingredients.
Large wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing the wet and dry ingredients together without overmixing.
Rubber spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center of the cake.
Wire rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking.
Aluminum foil: Can be used to cover the cake if it starts browning too quickly in the oven.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, yogurt, sugar, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
Zester: Used to obtain the grapefruit zest needed for the recipe.
Juicer: Helps in extracting the grapefruit juice required for both the cake and the glaze.
Confectioner’s sugar sifter: Ensures the confectioner's sugar is lump-free for a smooth glaze.
Small bowl: Used to mix the ingredients for the grapefruit glaze.
Whisk (for glaze): Used to combine the confectioner’s sugar, grapefruit juice, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
Storing and Freezing Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
- Allow the grapefruit greek yogurt cake to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture from forming and making the cake soggy.
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Store the wrapped cake at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Alternatively, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the grapefruit greek yogurt cake for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- Once thawed, unwrap the cake and let it come to room temperature before serving.
- If desired, you can refresh the glaze by whisking together a small batch of the grapefruit glaze ingredients and drizzling it over the thawed cake before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
To reheat leftover grapefruit greek yogurt cake, first let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating. This will ensure even heating throughout the cake.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the cake loosely in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during the reheating process.
Place the wrapped cake on a baking sheet and heat it in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through. The exact time will depend on the size of your cake slice.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time, until it's warm to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cake tough and rubbery.
For a fresher taste, you can also lightly brush the cake with a mixture of grapefruit juice and simple syrup before reheating. This will add moisture and enhance the grapefruit flavor.
If you want to crisp up the edges of the cake slightly, you can also reheat it in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a minute or two after warming it in the oven or microwave. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Lastly, if you have any leftover grapefruit glaze, drizzle it over the warm cake for an extra burst of flavor and moisture. Serve the reheated cake warm, and enjoy!
Interesting Fact About Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
A random fact about this recipe is that the grapefruit zest and juice not only add a refreshing citrus flavor but also provide a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system.
Is Making Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This grapefruit greek yogurt cake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, greek yogurt, and vegetable oil are pantry staples and relatively inexpensive. Specialty items like grapefruit and vanilla bean might add a bit to the cost, but they are used in small quantities. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe Healthy?
This grapefruit Greek yogurt cake recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it incorporates Greek yogurt, which is a good source of protein and calcium. Grapefruit provides vitamin C and antioxidants, while the vanilla bean adds natural flavor without excess sugar. However, the recipe also includes a significant amount of sugar, refined flour, and vegetable oil, which can contribute to high calorie content and lack of nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of sugar and consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
- Swap the vegetable oil for a healthier option like coconut oil or olive oil
- Increase the amount of Greek yogurt and reduce the number of eggs to lower the cholesterol content
- Add more grapefruit zest for extra flavor without increasing calorie count
- Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients like chia seeds, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and nutritional benefits
Editor's Opinion on This Grapefruit Cake Recipe
This grapefruit Greek yogurt cake recipe is a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors, perfect for a refreshing dessert. The use of Greek yogurt adds a rich, moist texture, while the grapefruit zest and juice provide a vibrant citrus note. The light brown sugar complements the tartness with a subtle caramel undertone. The simple grapefruit glaze enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it. This cake is easy to prepare and versatile, making it suitable for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Storing it at room temperature or in the refrigerator ensures it remains fresh and delicious for days.
Enhance Your Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe:
This grapefruit Greek yogurt cake recipe is a delightful blend of tangy grapefruit and creamy Greek yogurt, creating a moist and flavorful treat. The use of light brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, while the grapefruit zest and juice provide a refreshing citrus kick. The simple grapefruit glaze enhances the cake's flavor, making it irresistible. Trust this recipe for its balanced ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a perfect bake every time.
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