Simple Broiled Grapefruit with Cinnamon
A warm, juicy grapefruit half with a beautifully caramelized cinnamon-sugar crust. Broiling transforms the tart citrus into a comforting, slightly smoky-sweet breakfast or light dessert in under 10 minutes.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Preheat the broiler and prep the grapefruit.
1.Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat broiler on high.2.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.3.Slice 1 large grapefruit in half crosswise.4.Use a small paring knife to cut around each segment and remove any visible seeds, keeping the fruit in its peel cup.5.Pat the cut surface of each grapefruit half dry with a paper towel.TIPCutting around the segments now makes it easy to scoop out each bite after broiling. - prep · ~1 min
Add the cinnamon-sugar topping.
1.Place grapefruit halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.2.Sprinkle 1 teaspoon brown sugar evenly over each half.3.Dust a pinch of cinnamon powder over each sugared half.4.Dot the center of each half with a small cube of cold butter.TIPCold butter melts slowly under the broiler, helping the sugar caramelize without burning. - bake · ~4 min
Broil until golden and bubbly.
1.Slide the baking sheet under the broiler.2.Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the sugar is melted, bubbly, and lightly caramelized at the edges.3.Remove from broiler as soon as the topping turns deep golden — it can burn quickly.TIPStay by the oven — broilers vary, and 30 seconds can mean the difference between caramelized and burnt. - rest · ~1 min
Cool slightly and serve.
Let the broiled grapefruit halves rest on the baking sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to plates and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the cut grapefruit surface dry to help the sugar stick and caramelize evenly.
- 2Cut around each segment before broiling for easy scooping after cooking.
- 3Use cold butter cubes so they melt slowly and promote caramelization without burning.
- 4Stay by the oven and watch closely — broilers vary and the sugar can burn in seconds.
- 5Serve the grapefruit warm within 5 minutes for the best contrast of hot topping and cool juice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced variation
Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sugar for a sweet-heat twist that complements the tart grapefruit.
herbed variationHerbed variation
Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves before broiling for an earthy, aromatic contrast that brightens the citrus.
lower sugarLower-sugar
Replace brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup per half — it will caramelize faster, so reduce broil time by about 1 minute.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
One grapefruit half provides over 60% of the daily value for vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
Low in Calories
With only about 60–70 calories per half (plus minimal added sugar and butter), this is a light yet satisfying treat.
Contains Antioxidants
Grapefruit is a source of lycopene and flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — set your oven to the highest bake setting (500°F/260°C), place the grapefruit on the top rack, and bake for 5–8 minutes until the sugar is bubbly and golden.
