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Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake

A stunning layer cake with alternating pink grapefruit and classic poppy seed layers, enveloped in a tangy cream cheese frosting and topped with fresh berries.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated white sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
Flavorings
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 0.25 cup fresh grapefruit juice Ruby Red preferred
  • 1 tbsp fresh grapefruit zest
  • 1 drop pink gel food coloring optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup fresh blueberries for garnish

Equipment

  • Four 8-inch cake pans
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire cooling racks

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease, flour, and line four 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, rub the grapefruit zest into the granulated sugar until fragrant. Add the butter and oil, and beat until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, mixing on low speed just until combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly in half. Fold poppy seeds into one half. Fold grapefruit juice and pink food coloring into the other half.
  7. Pour the batters into the prepared pans (two pink layers, two poppy seed layers). Bake for 22-26 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
  10. Assemble the cake by alternating the pink grapefruit and yellow poppy seed layers, spreading frosting between each layer. Frost the outside and garnish with berries and extra poppy seeds.

Notes

Ensure all refrigerated ingredients (eggs, butter, buttermilk, cream cheese) are at room temperature before starting to guarantee a smooth batter and frosting.