Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake

Mike and I like to make a reservation at the Brown Derby whenever we are in Disneyworld, and our meal must end with a slice of Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake. It is just the perfect amount of sweetness, and the right amount of tang. I have wanted to try and make it myself, and this recipe from the Taste of Home community claims to be the original Brown Derby recipe. I'm considering making it as my next baking project, though I need an occasion. Suggestions? I would say my Dad's birthday but he is, and forever will be, a chocolate cake kind of guy.


Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake (original recipe)

1-1/2 cups sifted cake flour
3/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs, separated
3 tablespoons grapefruit juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
.
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into mixing bowl.
Make a well in the center of dry ingredients. Add water, oil, egg yolks,
grapefruit juice and lemon rind. Beat until smooth.

Beat egg white and cream of tartar separately until whites are stiff but not
dry. Gradually, pour egg yolk mixture over whites, folding gently with a
rubber spatula until just blended. Do not stir mixture.

Pour into ungreased pan.

Bake in 350-degree over for 25 to 30 minutes or until cake springs back when
lightly touched with finger.

Invert pan on cake rack until cool. Run spatula round edge of cake.Carefully
remove from pan. With a serrated knife, gently cut layer in half.


Grapefruit Cream Cheese Frosting

2 packages (3-ounce packages) cream cheese 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1
teaspoon grated lemon rind 3/4 cup powderd sugar, sifted 3 drops yellow food
coloring 1 (1 pound) can grapefruit sections, well drained.

Let cream cheese soften at room temperature, then beat until fluffy. Add
lemon juice and rind. Gradually blend in sugar. Beat until well blended,
then add coloring. Crush several grapefruit sections to measure 2 teaspoons.

Blend into frosting.

Spreading frosting on bottom half of cake. Top with several grapefruit
sections. Cover with second layer.  Frost top and sides. Then garnish with
remaining grapefruit sections.

Source: Freeport Journal Standard
Servings: 4