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
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.
- 1 large Ruby Red grapefruit
- 2 tablespoons golden brown sugar
- fresh mint for garnish, washed and dried
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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 1/4 to 1/2-inch off of the bottom to create a base.
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Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the sugar over each grapefruit half.
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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.
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Garnish with mint and serve.
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beti says
it looks really beautiful! lovely colors
Arina says
this is my kind of dessert. Although i’d use honey instead of sugar. It’s a great idea
valentina says
Arina, thank you! Yes, honey would also be lovely!
amee says
so pretty and such a creative idea…and i love mint.
Tracy says
Wow! What a brilliant idea! Sooo perfect for brunch!
valentina says
And who doesn’t love brunch? 😉
Jillian says
What a great way to make a simple breakfast treat fancy! Love it!
valentina says
Thanks, Jillian. 🙂
Adriana Lopez Martin says
My mom introduced me to grilled grapefruit as a starter before the main meal, it is delightful and I liked you added mint for freshness.
valentina says
Thanks Adriana. Love that.
Debalina Mitra says
That’s looks like a great idea. Colourful and refreshing!
valentina says
Thanks!
Elizabeth says
What a clever dessert! My grapefruit loving daughter would LOVE this! I’ll have to surprise her with it. 🙂
valentina says
I hope she does. 🙂 Thanks!
Michelle Miller says
Such a sexy dessert! I love how healthy it is and how ingenuous it is too. Great idea to turn a fruit into such a treat. Love everything caramelized too so you’ve really won me over!!
valentina says
Yay! I’m a sucker for all things caramelized too. 🙂 Thanks!
angiesrecipes says
Those grapefruits are simply stunning! A delicious and guilt free dessert :-))
valentina says
Yes, guilt free! Love that. 🙂 ~Valentina
Kim Lange says
This method I would think would really bring that grapefruit flavor out even more and the brulee-ing sounds incredible and genius! Pinned!
valentina says
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
Jeff the Chef says
I’ve never had or even heard of this, but it’s so simple that of course I’ve got to try it!
valentina says
I hope you love it, Jeff! Thanks. 🙂 ~Valentina
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
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 says
Thank you, Dawn! We had 3 extra on Sat. when I made these for a brunch and I ate all of them. 😲 Enjoy!:-) ~Valentina
Ron says
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 says
Thanks, Ron. Hope you love it! Now I’m craving the smoked salmon and bagels. 🙂 ~Valentina
David @ Spiced says
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 says
Thanks, David. What an awesome gift. I love when produce show up at my front door. 🙂 ~Valentina
Mimi says
What a fabulous idea! I love my little blow torch. It’s a handy tool. Thank you!
valentina says
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 Scott Allen says
Just coming into grapefruit season here – can’t wait to try this! That deep ruby red is STUNNING!
valentina says
Thanks so much, David! 🙂