Elegant three-tiered wedding cake with white cream cheese frosting and pink grapefruit curd, accented with black poppyseeds, fresh grapefruit segments, and edible flowers, beautifully styled against a soft grey marble backdrop in natural light.

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
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

Close-up of a copper saucepan with golden-pink grapefruit curd being whisked, sunlight streaming through a window, with fresh grapefruit halves and zest on a marble countertop.

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.

A three-tiered white wedding cake being assembled on a silver stand, featuring cream cheese frosting, pink grapefruit curd between layers, scattered poppyseeds, and crystalline sugar particles, all under soft studio lighting.

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