GRAPEFRUIT LAYER CAKE

Grapefruit Layer Cake image

I grew up in Florida where we had 10 grapefruit trees and were constantly trying to use the fruit in different ways. This luscious cake was one of my "grapefruit experiments." A nice, bright citrus taste shines through in every moist bite. -Sara Pleso, Sparta, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 1h15m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 24

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Ingredients

OVEN-DRIED CITRUS SLICES:
2 grapefruit slices
2 orange slices
1 teaspoon sugar
CAKE:
3/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup white grapefruit juice
FROSTING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) plus 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons grated grapefruit zest
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

Place grapefruit and orange slices on a greased and foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 170° for about 2 hours or until dried (fruit will be slightly tacky). Remove to wire racks. Let stand for 2-3 days or until completely dried., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk and grapefruit juice. Beat just until combined., Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 21-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar, citrus zests and vanilla; beat until smooth., Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Garnish with citrus slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 91mg cholesterol, Sodium 391mg sodium, Carbohydrate 101g carbohydrate (76g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.