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    Home » Dessert

    Broiled Grapefruit {Healthy Dessert!}

    January 17, 2017 by Chrissy Carroll 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If I have the choice between sweet or salty treats, I’m 100% a sweet person.  I like a salty snack here or there, but I’m far more likely to crave all the cookies, brownies, ice cream…you name it. 

    Of course, traditional versions of those treats aren’t exactly ideal for a dietitian (or anyone) to eat daily.  So I’m always on the hunt for better-for-you desserts that will satisfy my sweet tooth in a more nutritious way.

    This broiled grapefruit totally does the trick.

    For just 100 calories, this broiled grapefruit makes an amazing healthy dessert!

    Broiled Grapefruit Close Up on a White Plate

    For just 100 calories, this broiled grapefruit makes an amazing healthy dessert!

    This is the first time I’ve really developed an affinity for grapefruit all on its own.  I like it as a juice (especially mixed with some seltzer for a “faux soda”) and I love it as an ingredient to add a citrus punch to fish or chicken.  But I have only eaten the fruit solo a few times.  The tart taste was a bit too jarring on its own in the past, so I never got into it.

    Last week the supermarket had some grapefruits on sale for 39 cents each, so in frugal fashion I bought a few and vowed to think of a creative way to use them.  After remembering that grilling fruit has become a big trend, I thought – why not broil this?!

    I topped each with a little brown sugar and cinnamon, threw it under the broiler for 5 minutes, and voila – a tasty dessert with more nutrition than your average indulgence.

    [Tweet “Broiled grapefruit?! Mind. Blown. Find the recipe here:”]

    This dish packs in Vitamins A and C, essential for healthy eyes, skin, hair & healing.  If you top it with a little greek yogurt, you also add protein and calcium – plus a nice cool creaminess to contrast the warm caramelized grapefruit.  And for only about 100 calories (104 to be exact), you can treat yourself to this dessert any night of the week! 

    Broiled grapefruit half with a dollop of greek yogurt on top

    I’m sure someone will read this recipe and knock me for the added sugar, but I’m a definitely believer that a) a little added sugar can fit into a healthy diet, and b) these small amounts can help to make certain nutritious foods more palatable and enjoyable (think plain oatmeal vs. oatmeal with a little brown sugar).  The smidge of brown sugar you add to top the grapefruit helps cut through the tart acidity of the grapefruit, making it much more pleasurable for those who don’t like the fruit on its own.

    Give this a try, and be sure to let me know in the comments what you think!

    Broiled Grapefruit

    Broiled Grapefruit

    Snacking in Sneakers
    For just 100 calories, this broiled grapefruit makes an amazing healthy dessert! It packs in Vitamins A and C, and topping it with an optional dollop of greek yogurt helps add protein and calcium to the dish.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Servings 4
    Calories 104 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For Broiled Grapefruit:

    • 2 grapefruits
    • 2 tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    Optional for Topping:

    • 1 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt (can use coconut milk yogurt if vegan)

    Instructions
     

    • Slice grapefruit in half and place on a baking sheet, cut side up. If grapefruit halves do not sit flat, slice a little off the bottom so that it will.
    • Turn broiler to high.
    • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon the mixture onto the grapefruit halves.
    • Place on a top rack in the oven so that it is relatively close (but not touching) the broiler flame/coils. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sugars have just caramelized on top of each grapefruit.
    • Top each with plain greek yogurt (optional but I love the taste of it), grab a spoon, and dig in!

    Notes

    Nutrition analysis (per serving, including optional greek yogurt):
    104 calories, 0 g fat, 20 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 15 g sugar, 6 g protein, Vitamin A: 28%, Vitamin C: 64%, Calcium: 10%, Iron: 1%

    Nutrition

    Calories: 104kcal
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Share with me:  Are you a sweet or salty snacker?  Do you like grapefruit on its own?  Have you ever tried broiled grapefruit?

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
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    Comments

    1. GiGi Eats

      January 17, 2017 at 9:01 am

      I have a feeling BROILED grapefruit would be tasty (cooking always brings out sweetness).. I was NEVER a regular grapefruit fan though, toooooo tart for me.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 22, 2017 at 3:53 pm

        I’m with you; eating plain grapefruit on it’s own was always too tart for me – but I LOVE it broiled.

        Reply
    2. abbey sharp

      January 17, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      This looks so delicious! I love broiled fruits, the caramelization really bring out the sweetness and flavour!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 22, 2017 at 3:53 pm

        Yes, so true Abbey!!

        Reply
    3. Cassi

      January 17, 2017 at 8:21 pm

      Is it sweeter this way?

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 22, 2017 at 3:54 pm

        Yes, the little bit of brown sugar & cinnamon helps along with the caramelization of the sugars under the broiler. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Coco

      January 17, 2017 at 10:03 pm

      I eat pink grapefruit straight up like an orange, but this sounds yummy! I would love to find them for 39 cents! I’m paying $1 each.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 22, 2017 at 3:55 pm

        They’re a buck a piece at the regular supermarkets near me, but at ALDI I can always find good deals – especially if they put ’em on a manager’s special. ALDI always has amazing deals. I got cucumbers there yesterday for 19 cents!

        Reply
    5. Carmy

      January 18, 2017 at 12:21 am

      I never thought to broil it!! Nice!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 22, 2017 at 3:55 pm

        It’s a great new way to try it!

        Reply
    6. Colleen

      January 20, 2017 at 8:46 am

      I’m not a huge fan of grapefruit but this recipe could easily change that!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 22, 2017 at 3:58 pm

        Thanks Colleen – hope you get a chance to try it out! 🙂

        Reply
    7. aliah

      January 21, 2017 at 8:27 pm

      This look delicious! I’ve never made grapefruit like this!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 22, 2017 at 3:58 pm

        Thanks so much! Definitely give it a try, it’s super tasty!

        Reply
    8. Agness of Run Agness Run

      March 24, 2017 at 5:25 pm

      Delicious and healthy treat, Chrissy! Especially for people with sweet tooth, like me! 🙂

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        March 25, 2017 at 5:28 pm

        It really is a great treat! (And I’m with you, I’ve always got a strong sweet tooth)

        Reply
    9. Carrie

      March 29, 2020 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      Lol Not really a new way to eat grapefruit, but a delicious one. My grandmother used to make this for breakfast all the time! I think it was big in the 60s.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        March 31, 2020 at 8:11 pm

        Haha just new to me I guess! 🙂 Definitely delicious!

        Reply

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    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
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    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
    Latest posts by Chrissy Carroll (see all)
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