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Today, let me introduce you to a slice of French baking tradition. I’m talking about the Grapefruit Yogurt Cake, a twist on the classic French yogurt cake that oozes simple elegance and zesty charm.
Infused with the refreshing tang of grapefruit and the exotic aroma of Fiori di Sicilia, this moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s a testament to the joy of simple ingredients transforming into a magical dessert or snack.
The French Connection: A Yogurt Cake Legacy
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to appreciate the humble origins of the yogurt cake. In France, this cake is as ubiquitous as croissants in a Parisian café. Why, you ask? Because it’s the epitome of easy baking. Traditionally made with ingredients measured in yogurt jars, it’s a cake that French children learn to make almost before they can say “voilà!” While most French desserts at home are purchased from the bakeries on *literally* every corn, this is a cake French women can throw together at a moment’s notice for dessert because it’s so easy and the ingredients are pantry and fridge staples. The French have a fun little afternoon tradition called “le goûter,” the little snack mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner—which is a commonly something sweet. Yogurt cakes a prime candidates for le goûter in France.
Its simplicity is its charm, making it the perfect canvas for various flavors and twists—like our zesty friend, the grapefruit.
A huge shoutout to Smitten Kitchen for sharing this gem with the world; here’s Deb’s original version.
Here’s How to Make This Grapefruit Yogurt Cake:
Grapefruit: Not Just for Breakfast Anymore
Grapefruit, often relegated to breakfast or the occasional salad, is the star of this show. Its slightly bitter, tangy flavor brings a refreshing complexity to the cake that’s unlike any other. Combined with the richness of whole-milk yogurt, it creates a moist, flavorful cake that dances on the palate. Plus, the grapefruit syrup and glaze add layers of zingy sweetness, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Fiori di Sicilia: My Secret Weapon
Now, let’s talk about a mysterious ingredient that might not be familiar to you: Fiori di Sicilia. This exotic-sounding extract, optional in this recipe, is my favorite little addition to any citrus-based dessert. It translates to “flowers of Sicily,” and it’s a blend of citrus and vanilla aromas, reminiscent of the first breath of spring in the Mediterranean. A little goes a long way, and it adds an indescribable ‘oomph’ to the cake. You can purchase this extract on Amazon here or via King Arthur Baking.
This Grapefruit Yogurt Cake recipe is a testament to the joy of baking. It marries the tanginess of grapefruit with the creaminess of yogurt, the sweetness of sugar, and the richness of eggs and oil to create a cake that’s decadent yet refreshing. The process is straightforward, the ingredients humble, but the outcome? Absolutely divine. From whisking the dry ingredients to folding in the vegetable oil, each step in this recipe is simple. The grapefruit syrup, brushed over the warm cake, seeps into to keep it moist for days while infusing it with citrusy sweetness. And the glaze? It’s the crowning glory that drapes the cake in a glossy, tangy veil.
Let Them Eat (Yogurt) Cake!
So, there you have it—an ooh-la-la cake that’s easy to make and delightful to eat. Who knew you could learn about French baking traditions, Sicilian extracts, and the versatility of grapefruit all while whipping up a dessert? This Grapefruit Yogurt Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey through the simple joy of baking.
Happy baking, everyone!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on any Amazon links on my website and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a great way to support my blog, so I can keep sharing delicious recipes with you!
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Grapefruit Yogurt Cake
- Yield: one 9 x 5-inch loaf 1x
Description
Discover the delight of baking with this Grapefruit Yogurt Cake recipe, a zesty twist on the classic French yogurt cake. Infused with the refreshing tang of grapefruit and the exotic aroma of Fiori di Sicilia, this moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s a testament to the joy of simple ingredients transforming into something magical.
Ingredients
CAKE:
- 1–1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (230 grams) plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1 cup (200 grams) plus 1 tablespoon (13 grams) granulated sugar, divided
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 large grapefruit
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Fiori di Sicilia, optional
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
GRAPEFRUIT SYRUP:
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 tablespoon (13 grams) granulated sugar
GLAZE:
- 1 cup (114 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- Grapefruit segments, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and grease again.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In another mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt, 1 cup granulated sugar, eggs, grapefruit zest, and vanilla and Fiori di Sicilia extracts together until fully combined. Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter until completely incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, combine the 1/3 cup grapefruit juice and reserved 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside to cool.
- When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then pour the grapefruit syrup slowly over the warm cake. Let the syrup soak in for 5 additional minutes. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Allow to cool completely.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and grapefruit juice and whisk to completely combine. The glaze should be thick yet pourable (add more juice or sugar to achieve this consistency, if necessary). Pour over the cooled cake. Serve with grapefruit segments, if desired.
Notes
Inspiration: Grapefruit Yogurt Cake on smittenkitchen.com
- Category: Cakes