Brown Sugar Baked Grapefruit – A Warm, Caramelized Citrus Treat That’s Tangy, Sweet, and Surprisingly Addictive for Breakfast or Dessert
- ER Kent
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Brown Sugar Baked Grapefruit is a quick, vibrant dish that transforms fresh grapefruit into something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious.
With just a sprinkle of brown sugar and a short stint under the broiler, you get a caramelized top and juicy citrus underneath. It’s a simple recipe with a bold payoff—perfect as a healthy start to the day or a light, bright dessert.
The Inspiration Behind Brown Sugar Baked Grapefruit
This dish became popular in the 1950s and 60s as a health-forward breakfast option. Grapefruit was hailed for its diet-friendly benefits, but broiling it with a touch of sugar made it far more enjoyable. Today, it's making a comeback as a nostalgic, nourishing dish that balances tartness and sweetness in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Baked Grapefruit
Easy to prep: Just slice, sprinkle, and broil. Naturally healthy: Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and low in calories.
Warm and comforting: Caramelized sugar adds depth to the citrus. Versatile: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair it with Greek yogurt, granola, or eggs and toast for a balanced breakfast. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of honey. It’s also great with almonds or pistachios for crunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Best served fresh: It’s quick to make and best right out of the oven.
Short-term storage: You can broil and refrigerate for up to 1 day, but reheat under the broiler for best texture.
Not freezer-friendly: The fruit becomes too soft and watery after thawing.
Fun Facts About Grapefruit
Texas Ruby Red grapefruit is prized for its sweetness and deep color—it’s the official state fruit of Texas.
The broiling process softens the tartness and brings out grapefruit’s natural sugars.
A light sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the sweetness even more—give it a try!
Brown Sugar Baked Grapefruit turns a simple fruit into something crave-worthy. It’s tangy, toasty, sweet, and a little fancy—all without much effort. Whether you’re making it for yourself or guests, this dish is guaranteed to brighten up the table.
1
Tips
For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup on top before baking for extra sweetness.
2
Variations
Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg for an additional layer of flavor.
Notes
1
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2
Cut the grapefruit in half and, using a small sharp knife, loosen the segments for easier scooping (optional).
3
Place the grapefruit halves in a baking dish, cut-side up.
4
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
5
Evenly spread the butter-sugar mixture over each grapefruit half, covering the exposed fruit.
6
Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the sugar has melted and formed a caramelized crust.
7
Carefully remove from the oven and allow a few moments to cool before serving.
Instructions
1 large grapefruit, halved
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Main Ingredients
Brown Sugar Baked Grapefruit
Home Cook
ER Kent
Enjoy a delightful combination of sweet and tart with this caramelized brown sugar crusted grapefruit baked to perfection.
Servings :
2
Calories:
120
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
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