Go Back
–+ servings
Grapefruit creme brulee in ramekins, garnished with grapefruit segments and blueberries, on a dark surface, with a spoons digging into them.

Grapefruit Creme Brulee

Preparing, torching and serving this Grapefruit Creme Brulee is bound to make you feel like the kitchen superstar you are. Rich custard is flavored with sweet grapefruit juice and zest for a refreshing twist on a classic dessert.
5 from 3 ratings

Ingredients

For the Custard:

  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 8 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice (be sure to zest the grapefruit first)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Zest of 1 grapefruit

For the Topping:

  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Grapefruit segments and fresh blueberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F; heat large kettle of water to boiling. Place six 5- to 6-ounce ramekins (see Notes below) in roasting pan.
  • In small saucepan, heat cream and 4 tablespoons sugar over medium heat 6 to 7 minutes or until cream just starts to bubble around edges of pan (do not bring to a full boil).
  • Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk egg yolks, grapefruit juice, vanilla, salt and remaining 4 tablespoons sugar until well combined. While whisking, use ladle to slowly add 3 ladlefuls of hot cream mixture to egg mixture. Gradually whisk remaining cream mixture into egg mixture. Strain through fine mesh strainer into large liquid measuring cup. Stir in grapefruit zest.
  • Divide mixture between ramekins; place roasting pan in oven. Add enough boiling water to come halfway up sides of the ramekins. Bake 35 to 50 minutes or until custards are just set. Exact baking time will depend on the size and shape of your ramekins (see Notes). Creme brulee is done when the edges are set but the center still gently jiggles like gelatin. If it sloshes, it needs more time. If it’s fully firm, it’s overbaked.
  • Use pancake turner to carefully transfer ramekins to cooling rack; let stand 30 minutes. Then, cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 4 hours or up to 2 days before serving.
  • To serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over each custard. Using blowtorch, caramelize top of each custard until sugar bubbles and turns brown (this can also be done under a broiler). Garnish with grapefruit segments and blueberries, if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Ramekin size and shape directly affect how long creme brulee takes to bake. For this recipe, use six 5- to 6-ounce oven-safe ramekins.
If your ramekins are wide and shallow, the custard will usually bake faster because the filling is spread over more surface area. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
If your ramekins are narrow and deep, the custard will usually need more time because the filling sits deeper in the dish. Start checking around 45 minutes.
No matter which style you use, the creme brulee is done when the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle.
Calories: 574kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 48g, Saturated Fat: 29g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 329mg, Sodium: 41mg, Potassium: 142mg, Fiber: 0.01g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 2009IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 102mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Did you make this recipe?Leave a Review below or share a photo and tag me on Instagram @foxeslovelemons with the hashtag #foxeslovelemons.