This Florida Grapefruit Upside-Down Cake is a positively delicious twist on a classic dessert. This cake features a caramelized grapefruit topping that adds a zesty brightness, balancing perfectly with the sweet, moist cake beneath. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself, it’s a refreshing take on traditional upside-down cakes, showcasing the unique flavor of Florida grapefruits.

 

INGREDIENTS
Topping

  • 2 Florida grapefruit, peeled, seeded and segmented
  • 1/2 cup Florida raw cane sugar or light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
  • 1 cake mix (store-bought or homemade)

Cake

  • 1 cup Florida sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Florida grapefruit zest
  • 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

PREPARATION
Topping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees if using the homemade recipe (if using storebought, follow package instructions). Prepare cake batter using box mix or homemade recipe provided. Place the butter in a 9-inch cake pan and place the pan in the preheated oven until the butter has melted. Tilt the pan to coat all sides with the melted butter. Stir the sugar and vanilla into the butter; spread evenly in bottom of pan. Arrange the grapefruit segments evenly over brown sugar and butter mixture in the bottom of the pan.

Cake

In a medium bowl, sift all the dry ingredients together and then mix in the softened butter until it looks crumbly (the butter does not have to be fully incorporated). In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together and add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Evenly pour the cake batter over the arranged grapefruit segments. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes (if using the homemade recipe) or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Set aside to cool completely. Carefully turn the cake downside up onto a platter. Serve with whipped cream and fresh mint, if desired.

 

Source: Fresh from Florida, followfreshfromflorida.com