Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty treat! These juicy apples are sliced in a way that makes them look like a blooming flower, and they get all warm and sweet on the grill!
Just imagine the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the air as they cook. I love serving them with ice cream on top for a warm dessert that everyone enjoys. It’s a simple way to impress your friends! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Honeycrisp for their sweet and crisp texture or Granny Smith if you prefer a tart flavor. Both hold up well when grilled. If you can’t find those, any firm variety like Fuji or Braeburn will work too!
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness. If you run out, white sugar mixed with a splash of molasses can be a great substitute. It won’t have quite the same depth, but it will still taste good!
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: I love pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts are a fine substitute if you’re allergic to nuts. You can even use rolled oats for a crunch without the nuts!
Caramel Sauce: Use any store-bought caramel for convenience. If you prefer homemade, a simple confectioners’ sugar and milk mixture can mimic a thin caramel. Just drizzle it over the apples!
Butter: This makes the apples rich and tasty. If you want a healthier option, try coconut oil or even a dairy-free spread. Just make sure it’s soft enough to drizzle!
How Do You Core Apples the Right Way?
Coring apples can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to do it. You want to create a nice opening for the filling without cutting all the way through. Use an apple corer, if you have one, or a paring knife for better control.
- Start by cutting the top off the apple about half an inch down.
- Insert the knife or corer into the center and twist gently to remove the core, creating a 3/4 inch opening.
- Make sure to check for seeds and remove them carefully!
- Creating criss-cross cuts before stuffing makes the apple cook evenly and keeps it juicy.
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
For Serving:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
Additional:
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for cooking on the grill. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total to enjoy these delicious bloomin’ grilled apples!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure even cooking for our yummy apples!
2. Prepare the Apples:
Take your apples and carefully core them. Make sure to create a 3/4 inch opening at the top. Then, using a knife, cut the apples in a criss-cross pattern from the top down, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom. We want them to bloom nicely!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans (or walnuts). This will be the delicious filling for your apples!
4. Stuff the Apples:
Now it’s time to fill the apples! Stuff each apple with your brown sugar mixture, pressing it in gently so it stays nice and packed.
5. Wrap in Foil:
Place the stuffed apples on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle the softened butter over each apple, followed by some caramel sauce to make them extra sweet. Then, wrap up the apples tightly in the foil to create a little steam pouch.
6. Grill the Apples:
Place the foil-wrapped apples on the grill and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are soft but still hold their shape. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the apples from the grill and unwrap the foil. Let them cool slightly before serving. Top each apple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Enjoy your lovely bloomin’ grilled apples!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any firm apple variety you prefer. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith work great for their sweetness and tartness, but other options like Fuji or Braeburn can also be delicious. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape during grilling.
What Can I Substitute for the Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white granulated sugar mixed with a little bit of molasses to get a similar flavor and color. For a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia; just adjust the amount to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back on the grill for a few minutes, or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through—pair them with fresh ice cream for a quick treat!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apples in advance! Core and stuff them with the mixture ahead of time, then wrap them in foil. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them, but allow for an extra few minutes on the grill if they’re cold from the fridge.
