Indian River Grapefruit Meringue Cake

A stunning presentation as well as a light and delicious dessert with fabulous grapefruit flavor in each of its three layers.

CAKE
1-1/2 large fresh Florida grapefruit
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks (reserve whites at room temperature)
1 whole egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon grated grapefruit zest
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons fresh Florida grapefruit juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
 
 FILLING
2 eggs, separated (add whites to reserved whites in bowl)
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated grapefruit zest
1/3 cup fresh Florida grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
 
TOPPING
Reserved egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar combined with 1 teaspoon grapefruit zest

CAKE:  In a large bowl, cream butter on medium speed on mixer, gradually beating in sugar until fluffy.  Add 2 egg yolks and whole egg; beat well.  Combine flour, baking powder, and zest, and add alternately with milk and juice to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating well after each addition; stir in vanilla.  Pour batter into prepared pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 28 to 30 minutes until pick inserted in center tests clean.  Cool in pan 10 minutes.  Remove from pan to cool completely.

FILLING:  Combine egg yolks and water.  In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and flour; add yolk mixture and zest.  Cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture thickens and boils.  Remove from heat; stir in juice and butter.  Cover loosely and cool.  Place cooled cake on baking sheet.  Spoon filling evenly on cake to within 1/2" of edges.

TOPPING:  Beat the four egg whites (at room temperature) with cream of tartar for 1 minute on high speed.  Gradually add sugar/grapefruit zest mixture, beating until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.  Spread topping over cake filling, covering completely.  Using back of tablespoon, form decorative swirls from center to edges.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until peaks are lightly browned.  Cool completely.  Just before serving, decorate center top with reserved, well-drained grapefruit segments and if desired a sprig of fresh mint.

Serves 8.

"This is a play on lemon meringue pie, but is so full of tangy grapefruit essence that lends refreshing flavor to each bite.  It's such a favorite of ours that I make it long after our grapefruit tree is picked clean.  Fortunately, the markets provide!" -- Mary Cummings, New Smyrna Beach, FL