Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels light yet indulgent, the Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake is perfect for you! This cake has a unique blend of flavors that’s refreshing and bright, making it an excellent choice for everything from cozy family gatherings to a sweet treat on a busy weeknight. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make—no frosting needed! You can enjoy it as a lovely dessert or even as a healthy breakfast option. Trust me when I say, once you’ve tried this cake, it will quickly become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With just a few straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time!
• Bright flavor: The grapefruit adds a refreshing zing that wakes up your taste buds.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it plain, or sprinkle some powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Dairy-free and nut-free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions—everyone can enjoy a slice!
• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and store it for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delicious treat!

For the Cake

• 2 tbsp grapefruit zest
• 1 cup freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
• 1 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour – see notes)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 3/4 cup mild flavored olive oil

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake is its flexibility. You can easily mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

• Add another citrus: Mix in some orange or lemon zest for an extra citrusy punch.
• Incorporate herbs: A little rosemary or thyme can add an interesting depth of flavor.
• Try different oils: Use avocado oil or another mild-flavored oil if you want to experiment with different fats.
• Swap the sweetener: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup instead.

How to Make Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F. Greasing your pan well ensures the cake comes out perfectly every time. Using parchment paper at the bottom makes it even easier to remove once cooled.

Step 2: Prepare the Zest and Juice

Zest enough grapefruit to yield about 2 tablespoons. Be careful not to include too much of the bitter white pith. Then juice your grapefruits until you have one full cup of juice—this usually takes about one and a half grapefruits.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir in the grapefruit zest so that it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This step helps ensure that your cake rises perfectly!

Step 4: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is light and fluffy. This creates air pockets in your batter that will help make your cake delightfully airy.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly alternate adding in your dry flour mixture and grapefruit mixtures into the egg mixture while continuing to whisk gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to be tender!

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before inverting onto a serving platter. If you like, sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra special touch and serve with fresh grapefruit sections on the side.

Enjoy every bite of this Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake—it’s sure to put a smile on your face!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few pro tips, your grapefruit olive oil cake will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and zest add vibrant flavor that enhances the cake’s overall taste. Bottled juices often lack the brightness you want in this dessert.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures you have the right amount, leading to a better texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined when adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Test for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake around the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, indicating it’s ready.
• Cool completely before serving: Allowing the cake to cool fully helps set its structure, making it easier to slice without crumbling. Plus, it allows flavors to develop further!

How to Serve Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake

This cake is not only delicious but also versatile! You can serve it in various ways, whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance without overpowering the lovely citrus flavor.
• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint brings a refreshing pop of color and fragrance that complements grapefruit beautifully.
• Citrus segments: Adding fresh grapefruit sections on top or alongside provides an extra burst of tartness that pairs well with the cake’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Greek-style yogurt: A dollop of dairy-free yogurt can add creamy richness and balance the sweetness of the cake, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your table while complementing the citrus notes of the cake.
• Herbed quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs offers a savory contrast that helps round out a meal if you’re serving this cake as part of brunch.
• Chia seed pudding: This nutritious side dish can be prepared in advance and served alongside slices of cake for a wholesome breakfast treat that doesn’t overshadow your main star!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake will not only be delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply take a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a quick warm-up, microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake that might help you!

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of grapefruit in this cake?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; you can substitute grapefruit with oranges or lemons for a different flavor profile while still enjoying a moist cake.

How can I make this Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, simply replace the white whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Can I use regular olive oil instead of mild-flavored olive oil?

Yes! While mild-flavored olive oil results in a more subtle taste, you can use your favorite extra virgin olive oil if you prefer a richer flavor.

What is the best way to serve Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake?

You can serve it plain, or enhance its presentation by sprinkling powdered sugar on top and adding fresh grapefruit sections on the side for a refreshing touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Easy Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake! It’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy every slice and feel free to share this delightful recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!