Grapefruit Poppyseed Wedding Cake: A Citrusy Celebration of Love

Grapefruit Poppyseed Wedding Cake: A Citrusy Celebration of Love

Key Info

• Prep time: 1.5 hours
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 3 hours
• Servings: 16-24
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan Option Available

Equipment Needed

• Cake pans
• Electric mixer
• Offset spatula
• Wire cooling racks

Ingredients

Cake Layers:

• 2¾ cups cake flour
• 1½ Tbsp poppyseeds
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
• 5 large egg whites
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1¼ cups fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 Tbsp grapefruit zest
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Grapefruit Curd:

• ½ cup nondairy milk
• ¼ cup water
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 6 Tbsp sugar
• 6 Tbsp grapefruit juice
• Zest of ½ grapefruit
• ⅓ cup vegan butter
• Pinch salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp grapefruit juice
• 1 Tbsp grapefruit zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Prepare Grapefruit Curd:
   • Whisk nondairy milk, water, cornstarch
   • Add juice, zest, sugar, butter
   • Cook, whisking constantly until thickened
   • Cool completely
2. Bake Cake Layers:
   • Cream butter and sugar
   • Add egg whites
   • Mix dry ingredients
   • Alternate wet and dry ingredients
   • Fold in poppyseeds
   • Divide into prepared pans
   • Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes
   • Cool completely
3. Make Frosting:
   • Cream butter and cream cheese
   • Add powdered sugar
   • Mix in grapefruit juice and zest
   • Beat until smooth and fluffy
4. Assemble Cake:
   • Layer cake with frosting border
   • Fill with grapefruit curd
   • Crumb coat
   • Chill
   • Final frosting layer

Crucial Tips

• Massage zest into sugar for maximum flavor
• Don’t overmix cake batter
• Chill curd thoroughly before using
• Room temperature ingredients are key

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze unfrosted layers for 1 month
• Bring to room temperature before serving

Variations

• Vegan version: Use plant-based substitutes
• Gluten-free: Use 1:1 GF flour mix
• Substitute other citrus fruits

Pro Wedding Tips

• Customize frosting color
• Garnish with edible flowers
• Consider guest dietary restrictions

Why This Cake Rocks

Bright, tangy, and absolutely gorgeous – this isn’t just a cake, it’s a statement. The grapefruit brings unexpected zest, while poppyseeds add textural magic. Perfect for couples who want something beyond traditional wedding desserts.