| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 50 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 17g | 10g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 1g | 4g | 0.3g |
Eager to liven up your dessert repertoire? In Miami’s warm and vibrant climate, I constantly crave refreshing treats that can offer a little zing. Enter the delightful Grapefruit Pound Cake. From my Cuban and Spanish heritage, I’ve inherited a love for citrus, an ingredient that effortlessly dances between Caribbean vibrancy and Mediterranean sophistication. The marriage of moist pound cake and the zesty tartness of grapefruit creates a harmonious explosion of flavors.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. The tangy sweetness of the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and the aromatic grapefruit zest elevate the humble pound cake to a new level. Unlike traditional lemon-based desserts, grapefruit offers a unique balance of bitterness and sweetness that intrigues the palate without overpowering it. What’s more, the smooth, creamy texture contributed by the sour cream ensures every bite melts perfectly in your mouth.
Health Benefits
Now, let’s not forget about the health benefits. Grapefruit is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. According to Healthline, consuming grapefruit regularly can boost your immune system and improve heart health. This means every slice of this delicious Grapefruit Pound Cake is not only a tribute to delightful culinary traditions but also a step towards a healthier you.
For someone like me, who values both taste and health, this dessert checks all the boxes. While it’s a treat in itself, the grapefruit pound cake pairs wonderfully with a light, leafy salad or grilled shrimp – dishes that reflect the sun-soaked essence of Miami. Additionally, this cake is somewhat similar to an old-fashioned lemon pound cake, but with that unexpected twist of bitterness from the grapefruit.
For those who, like me, enjoy a touch of tropical flair within their classic recipes, this pound cake is a must-try. Whether you’re serving it at a summer get-together or enjoying a quiet slice with your afternoon tea, the grapefruit pound cake will not disappoint.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (for glaze)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step Three
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step Four
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the sugar and butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, and vanilla extract.
Step Five
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step Six
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Seven
Let the pound cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Eight
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice until smooth and well combined.
Step Nine
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pound cake and allow it to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Grapefruit Pound Cake!
