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Sweet Baked Grapefruit

Featured in Irresistible Desserts & Treats.

Take a grapefruit, slice it in half, and turn it into a warm, sweet dish. All you do is score the segments, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon, and pop it in the oven. Baking makes it soft all over, while broiling caramelizes the top without losing any firmness. For a fun touch, add flaky sea salt—it adds a bit of crunch and balances the sweetness. Serve it warm or cool, and try swapping the sugar for honey or maple syrup if you'd like. It's great for casual mornings or fancy brunch settings.
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Un'immagine di una donna con i capelli raccolti in una borsa.
Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:09:08 GMT
Warm baked grapefruit halves topped with cinnamon and brown sugar for a simple and sweet morning dish Pin it
Warm baked grapefruit halves topped with cinnamon and brown sugar for a simple and sweet morning dish | kyliecook.com

Heating a grapefruit turns an everyday citrus into a fancy morning treat. This quick method brings out the fruit's own sweetness while adding extra flavor from bubbling sugar and warm spices. When it hits the heat, something amazing happens - sugar gets all bubbly and brown, the fruit goes soft, and your kitchen smells like sweet citrus heaven.

I first tried this at a small hotel's fancy breakfast and have made it tons of times at home since. My kid, who normally runs from anything sour, now asks for this "sugar grapefruit" every weekend morning.

Stellar Ingredient Choices

  • Grapefruit: Go for pink or ruby red ones - they're way sweeter than the white kind
  • Brown Sugar: The dark stuff gives you those yummy caramel hints and makes a gorgeous top layer
  • Cinnamon: Grind it fresh and you'll really taste the difference
  • Sea Salt: A couple flakes of good salt magically boost both sweetness and flavor depth
  • Optional Extras: Some fresh mint or a spoon of yogurt adds a nice cool touch
Caramelized baked grapefruit with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon, a sweet and tangy breakfast or snack Pin it
Caramelized baked grapefruit with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon, a sweet and tangy breakfast or snack | kyliecook.com

Step-By-Step Guide

Getting The Fruit Ready (5 minutes):
Cut your grapefruit across the middle. Take a small knife with teeth and cut around the outside edge. Make cuts between each section. Dab the top with a paper towel to get extra juice off. Put them on a baking sheet with edges.
Adding The Sweet Stuff (2 minutes):
Put plenty of brown sugar all over the top. Don't be stingy - you need enough for it to get all gooey. Shake a bit of cinnamon on top. Let it sit for a couple minutes so the sugar starts soaking in.
Under The Broiler (3-5 minutes):
Put your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat. Keep an eye on it as the sugar starts bubbling. Turn the pan if some spots are getting more brown. Take it out when it's golden but not black.
Last Little Bits (1 minute):
Let it cool just a bit. Sprinkle some sea salt. Add any extra toppings you want. Eat it while it's still nice and warm.

I'll never forget making this for my grandma, who always ate her grapefruit plain with no sugar. Seeing her face light up when she tasted this warm, sweet version was just the best thing ever.

There's something really calming about making this - carefully cutting the fruit, sprinkling on sugar, watching it change under the heat. It turns a basic breakfast into a little moment of peace.

Caramelized baked grapefruit with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon, a sweet and tangy breakfast or snack Pin it
Caramelized baked grapefruit with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon, a sweet and tangy breakfast or snack | kyliecook.com

Wrapping Up: This heated grapefruit shows that often the easiest cooking methods give you the tastiest results. It reminds us that with just a few minutes of care, regular ingredients can become something really special. Whether you're eating it by yourself on a quiet morning or sharing at a big breakfast gathering, this dish adds warmth and a touch of fancy to any morning table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What happens if I bake or broil it?
Baking (400°F, 15-18 mins) makes every bit of the fruit soft, while broiling (6-8 mins) gives the top a caramelized touch but keeps the rest firm.
→ Why would I sprinkle salt on it?
A touch of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness, tones down any bitter notes, and adds a unique crunch.
→ Can I prep it ahead of time?
You can prep the grapefruit and score the segments ahead of time, but wait to add toppings until it’s ready to hit the oven.
→ What can I use instead of brown sugar?
Try white sugar, honey, or even maple syrup for unique flavors. Each brings its own twist.
→ How do I know it’s ready to eat?
If baked, the fruit will be tender and warmed all over. If broiled, look for bubbling, caramelized sugar on the top.

Baked Grapefruit Treat

Grapefruit halves, sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked or broiled to perfection. A cheerful way to start your morning or brunch.

Prep Time
2 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Sweet Endings

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 A pinch of flaky sea salt, like Maldon
02 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
03 1/4 cup (50 grams) dark brown sugar
04 2 grapefruits, halved

Instructions

Step 01

Pick between baking (for softer, fully warmed fruit) or broiling (for faster prep with caramelized tops and slightly firmer fruit).

Step 02

Set oven to 400°F if baking. If broiling, turn the broiler to high.

Step 03

Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each grapefruit half so they stay steady. Loosen the segments by running a knife around them, and arrange on a baking tray.

Step 04

Add a tablespoon of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon over each grapefruit half.

Step 05

If broiling, place under the broiler for 6-8 minutes until the sugar bubbles. If baking, leave in the oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.

Step 06

Put a dash of flaky sea salt on top and serve hot or cool—whichever you like best.

Notes

  1. When heat is applied, grapefruit becomes sweeter and loses some of its tartness. Let it cook longer for a more mellow flavor.
  2. Switch out brown sugar for white sugar, honey, or even maple syrup if you want a different taste.
  3. Adding flaky sea salt amps up the sweetness, tames the bitterness, and gives each bite a nice crunch.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking tray
  • Knife (sharp)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 53
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 1 g