This Grapefruit Brûlée recipe takes grapefruit to the next level. It's deliciously light, sweet and super impressive for guests. You can make this grapefruit brûlée without a blowtorch if you don't have one -- just pop them under the broiler.
Is this dessert?
A side of fresh fruit?
Breakfast? Brunch?
When to Serve Grapefruit Brûlée
I'll tell you what, it's amazingly delicious and beautiful whenever you serve it.
I especially love serving it for brunch, but I love it after dinner, too. Maybe even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How perfect would a bite of Grapefruit Brûlée be after a hearty, savory dish?
Oh, and this is becoming a favorite for breakfast, too. Why not?
It's so refreshing and bright -- a perfect way to begin any day.
Can you make Grapefruit Brûlée without a blowtorch?
Good news! You can make this grapefruit brûlée without blowtorch. (Of course if you have one, use it). Otherwise, placing the lightly sugar-coated grapefruits under a broiler will also do the trick.
(Both methods are explained in detail in the recipe below.)
Recipe Tips
- It's important not to skip over the step of loosening each grapefruit segment with a paring knife. This is done by going around the edge, inside the pith, and between the segments. The only reason to skip this step is if you plan to serve them with grapefruit spoons.
- I prefer this recipe with brown sugar because it adds a subtle maple-y flavor. That said, you can also use granulated sugar.
- You can't really tell your guests how to eat (go figure ;-), however, at least for your portion, do not throw the grapefruit remains away without first squeezing the juice into a spoon or a glass. It's so delicious mixed with the brown sugar. You won't want to miss a drop!
Whether you have the Grapefruit Brûlée for breakfast, a first course or dessert, I hope you love it as much as my family and I do!
More delicious recipes with grapefruit:
- Grapefruit Avocado Salad Recipe
- Honey Grapefruit Popsicles
- Grapefruit Marmalade Recipe with Jalapeños
- Pickled Ginger-Citrus Salad with Creamy Wasabi Dressing
Minty Grapefruit Brûlée
Ingredients
- 1 large Ruby Red grapefruit
- 2 tablespoons golden brown sugar
- fresh mint for garnish, washed and dried
Instructions
- Cut the grapefruit in half, horizontally. Then use a grapefruit knife, or sharp paring knife to cut around each segment, inside the membranes, and around the inside of the pith. If the halves are wobbly, slice about ¼ to ½-inch off of the bottom to create a base.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the sugar over each grapefruit half.
- Then use a small kitchen blow torch or the broiler to brown the sugar. If you are using the torch, simply turn it on medium-high and evenly go around until all the sugar has caramelized. If you are using the broiler, place the grapefruit halves on a baking sheet, and adjust a rack so it's directly under the flame. Broil the grapefruit just until the sugar caramelizes, about 1 minute. Watch it carefully, as it can burn easily.
- Garnish with mint and serve.
NUTRITION
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David Scott Allen
Just coming into grapefruit season here - can’t wait to try this! That deep ruby red is STUNNING!
valentina
Thanks so much, David! 🙂
Mimi
What a fabulous idea! I love my little blow torch. It’s a handy tool. Thank you!
valentina
Thanks, Mimi. I love my little torch too. It doesn't come out too often, but when it does, I'm so happy to have it. 🙂 ~Valentina
David @ Spiced
My grandma in Texas always sends us a huge box of ruby red grapefruit every Christmas season. It's almost time for that grapefruit to show up at the door, and I totally know how I'm going to eat it this year. I've never bruleed a grapefruit...but I'm totally doing it now! Love this one, Val!
valentina
Thanks, David. What an awesome gift. I love when produce show up at my front door. 🙂 ~Valentina
Ron
Absolutely fabulous idea. You know sometimes simple dishes are better. I'll be serving this after a brunch of cold-smoked salmon and fresh bagels next Sunday. Thanks for sharing.
valentina
Thanks, Ron. Hope you love it! Now I'm craving the smoked salmon and bagels. 🙂 ~Valentina
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hubby and I are huge grapefruit fans so I know we'd enjoy this! Love the suggestion of serving with vanilla ice cream for dessert. And since it's fruit, I wouldn't mind having extra 😉 Hope you have an awesome week, my friend!
valentina
Thank you, Dawn! We had 3 extra on Sat. when I made these for a brunch and I ate all of them. 😲 Enjoy!:-) ~Valentina
Jeff the Chef
I've never had or even heard of this, but it's so simple that of course I've got to try it!
valentina
I hope you love it, Jeff! Thanks. 🙂 ~Valentina
Kim Lange
This method I would think would really bring that grapefruit flavor out even more and the brulee-ing sounds incredible and genius! Pinned!
valentina
Thanks, Kim. It is delicious with the brown sugar. Of course I love fresh fruit in its natural state, but sometimes a little extra sweetness is perfect. 🙂 ~Valentina