Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty treat! These juicy apples are sliced to look like flowers, then brushed with butter and cinnamon before hitting the grill.
They’re sweet, warm, and make a great dessert or snack! I love serving them with a scoop of ice cream on top—it’s a delightful combo that always brings smiles! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Fuji are great choices for their sweetness and crunch. If they’re not available, you could use Granny Smith for a tart kick or Golden Delicious for a mellow flavor.
Brown sugar: This adds a rich caramel-like flavor. If you’re out, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can work well, or just use white sugar on its own.
Cinnamon: It brings warmth to the dish. If you’re not a big fan, you can swap it with nutmeg for a different taste, or even pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist!
Pecans: They add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be an excellent substitute.
Caramel sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade caramel is a lovely touch. You can skip it altogether for a lighter version or use honey for a natural alternative.
Vanilla ice cream: This is a classic pairing! Dairy-free options or frozen yogurt can also work well if you’re looking for alternatives.
How Can I Cut Apples to Bloom Just Right?
Getting the apple slices just right is key to this dish. If they’re cut too deep, they won’t hold shape; too shallow, and you won’t get the bloom effect. Here’s how:
- First, wash the apples gently. Start by removing the core with a paring knife or corer, but make sure to leave the bottom intact.
- Slice the apple horizontally, starting from the top. Aim for about 1/2 inch apart, stopping just before reaching the bottom.
- When you’re done, the apple should look like a flower with petal-like slices spreading out!
Take your time with this step for the best presentation. A little practice will make you a pro!
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Apples:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Foil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to grill. With a sprinkle of love and patience, you’ll have sweet, warm baked apples ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. While that’s going, rinse your apples under cool water. Carefully remove the core from each apple, making sure to leave the bottom intact so they form a cute little bowl.
2. Create the Bloom:
Now it’s time to make your apples look beautiful! Take a sharp knife and slice each apple horizontally, making cuts down to the core but being careful not to cut all the way through. This will give them a lovely flower or bloom effect.
3. Add Sweetness:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this sweet mixture generously inside the apple slices and all over the tops of the apples.
4. Stuff with Pecans:
Next, take the chopped pecans and stuff them into the apple slices, distributing them evenly so every bite is full of crunchy goodness.
5. Wrap Up for Grilling:
Grab a square piece of foil and place one apple in the center. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, making it extra delicious. Wrap the foil tightly around the apple to create a cozy little packet.
6. Grill to Perfection:
Now, carefully place your foil-wrapped apples on the grill. Close the lid and let them grill for about 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are nice and tender. The aroma will be heavenly!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the packets from the grill (watch out for hot steam!). Let them cool slightly before opening. Serve the grilled apples warm on a plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, and more chopped pecans if you wish. Enjoy your delightful treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are great choices due to their sweetness and firmness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Gala apples for additional sweetness. Just ensure the apples are similar in size for even grilling!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
You can store leftover grilled apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a foil sheet and warm them on the grill or in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Top with fresh ice cream afterward!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Pecans?
Yes, you can certainly make this dish nut-free! Feel free to substitute pecans with granola, crushed cookies, or simply omit them altogether. If you’re using granola, add it just after grilling for added crunch!
Can I Prepare These Apples Ahead of Time?
You can prep the apples and the cinnamon-sugar mixture ahead of time! Just core and slice the apples, then sprinkle them with the sugar mix, and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to grill, stuff with pecans and proceed with the recipe as usual!
