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Brûléed Grapefruit Recipe

4.9 from 103 reviews

This recipe for Brûléed Grapefruit transforms the tangy citrus fruit into a delightful dessert or breakfast treat by caramelizing the natural sugars with turbinado sugar under the broiler. The brûlée topping adds a crunchy, sweet crust that pairs beautifully with the juicy, slightly bitter grapefruit segments. Optional toppings like Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh mint add texture and complementary flavors for a balanced dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 2 grapefruit, sliced in half

Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar
  • flaky sea salt, to taste
  • optional: plain Greek yogurt
  • optional: granola
  • optional: fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Arrange the oven rack to the top third position, generally the second notch down from the top. Preheat the oven to the broil setting. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat (avoid parchment paper as it will burn under broiling heat).
  2. Prepare the grapefruit: Slice off the top and bottom of each grapefruit so they can rest flat on a surface. Cut each grapefruit horizontally (across the middle) to expose the circular segments. Place the halves face down on several paper towels for 10 minutes to absorb excess moisture. Using a paring knife, carefully carve around and loosen each segment. Pat away any moisture released.
  3. Caramelize the sugar: Place the grapefruit halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of coarse turbinado sugar evenly on each half. Broil in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes or until the sugar has melted and caramelized into a golden-brown crust.
  4. Finish and serve: Remove the grapefruit from the oven. Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. Serve immediately, optionally adding a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, and fresh mint for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Do not use parchment paper for broiling as it will catch fire; foil or silicone mats are safer options.
  • Allowing the grapefruit to rest face down on paper towels helps reduce excess moisture to ensure proper caramelization.
  • Use a paring knife carefully to separate the segments without damaging them, which enhances presentation and texture.
  • Broil times may vary depending on your oven; watch closely to avoid burning the sugar.
  • Optional toppings such as Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh mint provide creaminess, crunch, and freshness if desired.

Keywords: brûléed grapefruit, caramelized grapefruit, broiled grapefruit, fruit dessert, healthy dessert, citrus brûlée, broiled fruit