Get ready for a tasty twist with Bloomin’ Grilled Apples! These sweet apples are cut to look like flowers and then grilled until they are warm and slightly caramelized. Yum!
They make a fun dessert that’s perfect for barbecues. I love drizzling them with some caramel sauce—because who says apples can’t be fancy? 🍏✨ It’s like a bouquet you can eat!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are both great for this recipe due to their crisp texture and sweetness balanced with tartness. If you can’t find these, Fuji or Braeburn apples work well too!
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich flavor, but you can use coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar taste. I find the brown sugar gives a lovely caramel note that pairs well with the apples.
Cinnamon: Always a cozy spice choice! For a fun twist, try nutmeg or apple pie spice mix instead. I love adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Pecans or Walnuts: Both nuts offer a nice crunch, but you can leave them out if nut allergies are a concern or top with sunflower seeds instead for a nut-free option.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is great for convenience, but homemade takes it up a notch! If you want a healthier option, maple syrup drizzled on top can be a delicious replacement.
How Do I Create the Perfect “Blooming” Effect on Apples?
The blooming effect is key for this recipe! To achieve this, carefully make cuts in the apples, but make sure not to slice all the way through. Keep about half an inch intact at the bottom. This way, the apple holds its shape while cooking.
- Wash and core your apples, ensuring the bottom remains uncut.
- Use a sharp knife to create evenly spaced cuts from the top down. Aim for about 1/2 inch in depth.
- Hold the apples steady and make sure the cuts are deep enough to create gaps for the sugary filling. Don’t rush this step—taking your time will give you better blooms.
This technique allows the filling to ooze out as the apples cook, making them look beautiful and appetizing!
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Apples:
- 4 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to grill, for a total time of around 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and simple dessert that you can enjoy fresh off the grill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat—about 350°F or 175°C. Give it a few minutes to warm up while you prepare the apples.
2. Prep the Apples:
Wash the apples thoroughly and then core them carefully to leave the bottoms intact. This helps keep the delicious filling inside as they cook. Use a sharp knife to create cuts from the top of the apple down to about 1/2 inch from the bottom, forming a “blooming” pattern. Just remember—don’t cut all the way through!
3. Stuff the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Now, take this mixture and stuff it into the cuts of each apple and also into the center where the core was removed. Make sure to fill them well!
4. Add Some Crunch:
Sprinkle the chopped pecans, or walnuts if you prefer, evenly into the cuts of each apple. This gives them a nice crunch and flavor to enjoy as you bite in!
5. Wrap Those Apples:
Take a piece of aluminum foil for each apple and place one apple in the center. Drizzle each apple generously with caramel sauce for that extra sweetness. Wrap each apple tightly in the foil, ensuring they are well sealed to keep all the yummy juices in.
6. Time to Grill!
Carefully place the wrapped apples directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 20-25 minutes. They’re done when they’re tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When the apples are ready, carefully unwrap them from the foil (watch out for hot steam!). Place them on plates and top each one with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top, and then dig in. Enjoy your delicious Bloomin’ Grilled Apples!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices for their firmness and flavor, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn. Just make sure they are similar in texture to ensure they hold up well on the grill!
How Do I Make This Dairy-Free?
To make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples dairy-free, simply substitute the vanilla ice cream with your favorite dairy-free ice cream alternative, such as coconut or almond milk ice cream. For the caramel sauce, look for dairy-free options at the store or make your own using coconut milk!
Can I Prepare the Apples in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the apples ahead of time! Just core and cut them, stuff them with the sugar mixture, and wrap them in foil. Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before grilling. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, you can store the unwrapped grilled apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or briefly on the grill wrapped in foil to preserve their texture. Top with fresh ice cream and caramel when serving!
