Broiled Grapefruit with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe
Introduction
Broiled grapefruit is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this citrus fruit with a caramelized twist. The warm, sweet topping contrasts beautifully with the tangy grapefruit beneath, making it a perfect breakfast or light dessert.

Ingredients
- 1 to 2 grapefruits (red or yellow), cut in half crosswise
- 2 to 3 teaspoons brown sugar per grapefruit half
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the grapefruit halves by trimming about 1/4 inch off the bottom so they sit flat. Use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut around the edges where the fruit meets the rind, then gently cut along each segment’s edges without cutting through the rind.
- Step 2: Line a broiling pan with foil for easy cleanup and place the grapefruit halves cut side up in the pan.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 2 to 3 teaspoons of brown sugar over each grapefruit half’s exposed flesh. Use a little more sugar for yellow grapefruit if you prefer it sweeter.
- Step 4: Place the pan under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the brown sugar bubbles and caramelizes lightly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Serve warm and enjoy spooning out the tender, caramelized segments.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract over the sugar before broiling.
- Ruby red grapefruit is naturally sweeter and may need less sugar than yellow grapefruit.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch for a similar effect.
Storage
Broiled grapefruit is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1 to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a microwave, but note that the caramelized sugar will soften.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, white sugar can be used, but brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like flavor that enhances the caramelization.
Can I prepare grapefruit ahead of time?
You can cut and score the grapefruit in advance, but add the sugar and broil just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
PrintBroiled Grapefruit with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe
This Broiled Grapefruit recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a warm, caramelized grapefruit dessert or breakfast treat. Grapefruit halves are topped with brown sugar and broiled until the sugar bubbles and caramelizes, creating a sweet and tangy contrast to the citrus fruit. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and elegant dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 grapefruits, red or yellow, cut in half (cut through the middle, not the stem or blossom end)
- Brown sugar, 2 to 3 teaspoons per grapefruit half
Instructions
- Prepare the grapefruit halves: To help the grapefruit halves sit steadily in the pan, carefully cut about 1/4 inch off the bottom of each half. Use a sharp paring knife to cut around the inside edges where the fruit meets the rind to make it easier to remove segments after cooking. Then gently cut along the segment edges inside the grapefruit, being careful not to cut all the way through but just to the rind.
- Prepare the baking pan: Line a broiling or roasting pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper—foil is preferred because it resists burning. Place the grapefruit halves cut side up in the pan.
- Add the brown sugar: Sprinkle 2 to 3 teaspoons of brown sugar over the exposed fruit surfaces of each grapefruit half. You can adjust the amount based on grapefruit variety and taste preferences, using more sugar for more sour yellow grapefruits and less for sweeter ruby red ones.
- Broil the grapefruit: Place the pan under a preheated broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully until the brown sugar is bubbly and golden brown, beginning to caramelize.
- Serve: Remove the grapefruit from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute. Serve warm and enjoy by spooning out the caramelized segments directly from the rind.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on the grapefruit’s sweetness or your preferred sweetness level.
- Use a sharp paring knife for clean cuts around the segments, which helps when eating.
- Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Broiling time may vary slightly depending on your oven’s heat intensity.
- This recipe works well both for red and yellow grapefruit varieties.
Keywords: broiled grapefruit, caramelized grapefruit, grapefruit dessert, healthy dessert, quick dessert, citrus dessert

