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a piece of cake on a white lace plate next to a beige napkin
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5 from 2 votes

Mini Grapefruit Cake

Buttery mini grapefruit cake drizzled with a wonderful grapefruit glaze. Easy to prepare and the perfect amount for one or two people to enjoy.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Cooling Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: cake, grapefruit cake
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Joanie Zisk

Ingredients

For the cake batter

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter , softened (¼ cup). Plus ½ tablespoon more for greasing the baking dish
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon grapefruit juice
  • ½ teaspoon grapefruit zest
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup low fat milk

For the grapefruit glaze

  • 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons grapefruit juice

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350° F (177° C)
  • Grease a 5-inch baking dish with ½ tablespoon of butter. Place baking dish on top of a baking sheet.
  • Start by placing the butter and sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to cream them together at a moderate speed for 1 minute, achieving a smooth and well-combined texture.
  • Gradually incorporate the egg, fresh grapefruit juice, zest, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure a consistent batter.
  • In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Continue to mix at a low speed, ensuring the ingredients are well combined without overmixing. Gently fold in the milk to maintain the batter's lightness.
  • Pour the batter into a lightly buttered 5x5 or 4x6 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when the top turns a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    Cooling Tip: Remember to let the cake cool completely before drizzling over the grapefruit glaze. This ensures a perfect finish and texture.

Make the grapefruit glaze

  • In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and grapefruit juice together. Whisk them until you achieve a smooth and lump-free glaze.
  • Once your cake is baked and cooled, use a toothpick, the tip of a sharp knife, or a fork to gently poke holes across the entire surface of the cake. These holes allow the glaze to seep into the cake, enhancing the flavor.
  • Carefully pour the prepared grapefruit glaze over the cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly for a consistent sweet and tangy flavor in every bite.
  • After the glaze has settled, slice the cake into desired portions and enjoy your homemade grapefruit delight.

Notes

Use Real Butter: Always choose real butter instead of margarine for this recipe. Real butter contributes significantly to the cake's flavor and texture.
Soft Butter Is Key: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted. Test it by gently pressing your finger into the butter. If it indents easily while still holding its shape, it's at the ideal softness for baking.
Creaming Technique: For a velvety cake texture, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a smooth batter.
Measuring Flour Correctly: Avoid scooping flour directly with a measuring cup, as this can lead to using too much. Instead, first stir the flour to aerate it, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a flat-edged knife for accuracy.
Verify Oven Temperature: Ovens can often run hotter or cooler than the set temperature. To ensure baking accuracy, use an oven thermometer to check your oven's true temperature. Adjust as needed for consistent results.
Adjustable Glaze Consistency: Customize the glaze to your liking. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, incorporate more grapefruit juice. This allows you to tailor the glaze to your taste and desired texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 298IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

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