Grapefruit Yogurt Cake with Citrus Glaze

I’ve always loved desserts that feel light, fresh, and just a little bit elegant, and this Grapefruit Yogurt Cake checks all those boxes.

The combination of tangy grapefruit and creamy yogurt creates a moist and tender crumb without being heavy, making it perfect for everything from casual afternoons to special gatherings.

This cake is inspired by simple European-style yogurt cakes, where the focus is on balance rather than sweetness overload.

The grapefruit adds a bright, slightly bitter citrus note that pairs beautifully with a delicate glaze, creating a dessert that feels grown-up, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.

Jump to Recipe

Recipe Highlights

This Grapefruit Yogurt Cake is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is wonderfully straightforward to make.

Using yogurt instead of butter gives the cake a soft, plush texture while keeping it lighter than traditional pound cake.

Grapefruit zest and juice provide a bold citrus flavor that feels fresh and vibrant in every bite.

The glaze ties everything together with just enough sweetness to balance the tart grapefruit.

Whether served plain, lightly glazed, or topped with fresh citrus slices, this cake feels versatile and timeless.

It’s equally at home on a brunch table or as a simple dessert with coffee.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Moist, tender crumb thanks to yogurt
  .
• Bright citrus flavor without being overly sweet
  .
• Simple ingredients you likely already have
  .
• Perfect for brunch, dessert, or afternoon coffee
  .
• Naturally elegant and Pinterest-friendly

Ingredient Notes

• Plain Yogurt: Yogurt is the heart of this cake, providing moisture and a subtle tang that complements the grapefruit beautifully.
  .
• Grapefruit Zest and Juice: The zest delivers concentrated citrus aroma, while the juice adds fresh acidity without overpowering the cake.
  .
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of the grapefruit and helps create a tender crumb.
  .
• Eggs: Eggs bind the batter and give the cake structure while keeping it soft.
  .
• All-Purpose Flour: A reliable base that allows the citrus flavors to shine without heaviness.
  .
• Neutral Oil: Oil keeps the cake moist for days and enhances the yogurt’s creamy texture.
  .
• Baking Powder: Provides lift and ensures the cake bakes evenly.
  .
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the citrus notes.

How to Make My Grapefruit Yogurt Cake

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
   Preheat your oven and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
   .
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, oil, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
   .
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
   .
4. Make the Batter
   Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   .
5. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   .
6. Glaze and Cool
   Once cooled slightly, drizzle with grapefruit glaze and allow the cake to set before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of coffee or tea
  .
• Pair with fresh berries or citrus segments
  .
• Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
  .
• Serve alongside a brunch spread
  .
• Enjoy as a simple dessert after dinner

Variations & Substitutions

If grapefruit isn’t your favorite citrus, this recipe adapts beautifully to lemon or orange with minimal adjustments.

Simply swap the zest and juice while keeping the measurements the same. Lemon will give a sharper, more classic citrus note, while orange creates a sweeter, softer flavor profile.

For a dairy-free version, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative such as coconut or almond yogurt.

Choose an unsweetened variety to maintain balance. You can also add texture by folding in poppy seeds or finely chopped pistachios, which complement citrus flavors without overpowering them.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this cake is an excellent make-ahead option and often tastes even better the next day.

Allowing it to rest gives the citrus flavors time to mellow and blend, resulting in a more balanced and cohesive taste.

You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature.

For longer storage, the unglazed cake freezes very well. Simply thaw overnight, then glaze shortly before serving for the freshest appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. This develops gluten and can make the cake dense instead of light and tender.

Gentle folding is all that’s needed for a soft crumb.

Another issue is using bottled grapefruit juice, which often lacks freshness and can taste overly acidic.

Fresh juice and zest provide a cleaner flavor and better aroma. Finally, skipping parchment paper can lead to sticking, especially once the glaze sets, making removal messy.

Tips for the Best Grapefruit Yogurt Cake

Fresh grapefruit zest makes a noticeable difference in this recipe, so be sure to zest the fruit before juicing it.

The zest contains essential oils that provide an intense citrus aroma without additional acidity.

Using room-temperature eggs and yogurt will also help the batter emulsify smoothly, leading to a more even bake.

Avoid overmixing once the flour is added, as this can lead to a dense or rubbery texture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

Letting the cake cool slightly before glazing allows the glaze to cling to the surface rather than soaking completely into the crumb, giving you that classic drizzled finish.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days
  .
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container
  .
• Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months
  .
• Glaze just before serving for the best texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well, but it will result in a slightly denser texture. If using Greek yogurt, you may add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen the batter.

Does this cake taste bitter?

No, the sugar and yogurt balance the grapefruit’s natural bitterness. Using pink or ruby red grapefruit also helps keep the flavor bright and mellow.

Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes, you can use a round cake pan or mini loaf pans. Just adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.