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Elle Cresswell

The House Grapefruit & Poppy Seed Cake

House Grapefruit & Poppy Seed Cake is the kind of bake that instantly brightens both the table and the moment. Light, fragrant, and beautifully uplifting, it captures the vibrant character of fresh grapefruit in a cake that feels both elegant and effortlessly comforting. Balancing delicate sweetness with lively citrus notes, each slice offers a refreshing burst of flavour—sunny, refined, and just a little unexpected.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 190 g plain flour 1½ cups – for a soft, tender crumb
  • 200 g caster sugar 1 cup – for delicate sweetness
  • 115 g unsalted butter softened (½ cup) – rich, creamy, and essential for that buttery texture
  • 2 large range eggs for structure colour, and richness
  • 120 ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice ½ cup – bright, fragrant, and beautifully refreshing
  • 1 tbsp finely grated grapefruit zest where all that vibrant citrus character truly lives
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds adding subtle nuttiness and delicate crunch
  • 1 tsp baking powder for a lovely lift
  • 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda ensuring a light airy crumb
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt to balance and enhance every flavour
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract bringing warmth and softness to the citrus notes

Method
 

Prepare the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to **175°C (350°F)**. Lightly butter and flour an **8-inch (20cm) round cake tin**, or line the base with baking parchment for easy release.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, sea salt, and poppy seeds until evenly combined.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until pale, light, and beautifully fluffy.
Add the Eggs
  1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Infuse with Citrus
  1. Pour in the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and glossy.
Bring Everything Together
  1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the crumb soft and delicate.
Fill the Tin
  1. Pour the batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Bake Until Golden
  1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until lightly golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool with Patience
  1. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 15–20 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finish with a Little Flourish (Optional)
  1. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple citrus glaze made from icing sugar and fresh grapefruit juice, or serve just as it is for something beautifully understated.
  2. By now, your kitchen should smell of warm butter, fresh citrus, and something utterly irresistible.