Description
Brûléed Grapefruit (Caramelized Brown Sugar Grapefruit) is a quick and elegant dish that highlights the natural tartness of ripe grapefruit balanced with a crispy, sweet caramelized brown sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert, this recipe transforms simple grapefruit halves into a gourmet treat bursting with bright, balanced flavor and minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 fresh ripe grapefruits
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for extra crispness)
Optional Additions
- Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (as a substitute for brown sugar)
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme (for sprinkling)
- Ground ginger, cardamom, or chili powder (for spiced sugar twist)
- 1 tablespoon rum or brandy (for brushing grapefruit segments before sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grapefruit: Slice grapefruits in half horizontally so each half forms a bowl of juicy segments. Trim the edges carefully with a sharp knife if needed so the halves sit flat on the baking tray.
- Sprinkle Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar with granulated sugar if using, and add any optional spices or zest. Evenly sprinkle a generous layer over the cut surface of each grapefruit half, ensuring the sugar covers all segments.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, evenly heat the sugar topping until it melts, bubbles, and turns a deep golden brown forming a crisp crust. If you don’t have a torch, place the grapefruit halves under a hot broiler in your oven for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let the brûléed grapefruit cool for 1-2 minutes; this allows the caramelized sugar crust to harden slightly while keeping the fruit beneath juicy and warm.
Notes
- Use fresh, juicy grapefruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Apply the sugar evenly and in a thin layer to ensure perfect caramelization without burning.
- Move the kitchen torch flame continuously to avoid hotspots that burn the sugar.
- Serve warm to enjoy the contrast of crisp caramel and juicy citrus.
- Combine brown and granulated sugars for added crunch and flavor nuance.
- If desired, garnish with fresh mint, toasted coconut flakes, or powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; the crust may soften but flavor remains delicious.
- Freeze only fresh grapefruit halves without caramelizing; brûlée just before serving.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a kitchen torch or low oven to re-crisp the sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 grapefruit
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: brûléed grapefruit, caramelized grapefruit, brown sugar grapefruit, quick dessert, breakfast citrus, caramelized fruit
