Amazing Zesty Moist Vegan Grapefruit Loaf Cake
Amazing Zesty Moist Vegan Grapefruit Loaf Cake
Introduction
Prepare to be utterly charmed by our Amazing Zesty Moist Vegan Grapefruit Loaf Cake! This delightful recipe brings a burst of bright, tangy grapefruit flavor to a wonderfully tender and incredibly moist loaf, all without any animal products. Perfect for breakfast, a refreshing afternoon treat, or a light dessert, every slice is like a ray of sunshine. It's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) neutral vegetable oil (canola, grapeseed, or sunflower)
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit zest (from 1 large grapefruit)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy lifting.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the plant milk, vegetable oil, ¼ cup grapefruit juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are fine. Fold in the grapefruit zest.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the loaf cake is completely cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of grapefruit juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more grapefruit juice, ½ teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pourable but still thick consistency.
- Drizzle the grapefruit glaze evenly over the cooled loaf cake. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough, dense loaf. Mix until just combined for a wonderfully tender crumb.
- Zest Wisely: When zesting your grapefruit, only remove the bright pink or yellow outer layer. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can be bitter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using plant milk and grapefruit juice at room temperature can help them emulsify better with the oil, leading to a smoother batter.
- Storage: Store any leftover loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Add Poppy Seeds: For a classic combination, fold in 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds along with the grapefruit zest into the batter.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use another type of citrus? A: Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with lemon or orange. Just swap the grapefruit zest and juice for the equivalent amount of your chosen citrus. You might want to slightly reduce the sugar if using oranges, as they are naturally sweeter.
- Q: How long does this loaf cake keep? A: Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for 3-4 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week.
- Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes, you can. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still be delicious!
- Q: Why is my loaf cake dense? A: A dense loaf cake is usually a sign of overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough texture. It could also be due to expired baking powder or soda, so always check their freshness!