Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty treat! Sliced in a flower shape, these apples are brushed with butter and cinnamon, then grilled until they’re warm and soft.
They smell amazing while cooking! I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; it’s like a sweet hug on a plate! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices because they balance sweetness and tartness. If those aren’t available, Braeburn or Fuji work well too. Just remember, firmer apples hold up better to grilling.
Brown Sugar: This adds a delicious caramel flavor. If you need a substitute, try using white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of sugar) to mimic that rich flavor.
Cinnamon: A classic spice for warmth and flavor. You can try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different twist, but keep the amount equal to what the recipe calls for.
Pecans: They add a nice crunch. If you’re allergic or want a substitute, walnuts or even pumpkin seeds work nicely too. Just chop them up to keep that texture!
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is easier than you’d think. Melted chocolate could be a delicious alternative for a different flavor profile, if you’re feeling adventurous.
How Do I Create Perfect Blooms in My Apples?
Making those “blooms” is simple, but it takes a bit of care. Start by coring the apple, which removes the core and seeds; then, you can create those signature cuts without slicing all the way through. Here’s how:
- Stand the apple upright on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, make vertical cuts about 3/4 of the way down, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart.
- Repeat this for all your apples—aim for around 4-5 cuts per apple, depending on size.
Don’t rush this step! The more careful you are, the better the apple will bloom while it cooks, giving you that fun presentation and delicious texture.
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Apples:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take you about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes on the grill, so in total, you’ll be ready to enjoy these Bloomin’ Grilled Apples in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by turning on your grill to medium heat. It’s the perfect temperature for grilling our apples without burning them.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Take the apples and core them carefully to remove the seeds. Then, slice the apples about 3/4 of the way down vertically, like making flower petals, but make sure not to cut all the way through. This “bloom” will allow the flavors to seep inside while they grill!
3. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This sweet topping will add great flavor to your apples. Sprinkle this mixture generously into the cuts of each apple, getting it into all those crevices!
4. Add Pecans:
Place the prepared apples on a large piece of aluminum foil. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, giving your apples a nice crunchy texture.
5. Wrap Them Up:
Now, take the sides of the foil and fold them over the apples tightly to create a sealed packet. This helps to steam the apples and makes them extra delicious!
6. Grill the Apples:
Carefully put the foil-wrapped apples on the grill. Let them cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and cooked through. You can peek during cooking, but be sure to avoid too much steam escaping!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, use tongs to carefully remove the packets from the grill. Open the foil (watch out for steam!) and place the warm grilled apples on a plate. Drizzle caramel sauce over them and top each one with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dig in and enjoy your delicious Bloomin’ Grilled Apples!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their firmness and tartness, you can also use other varieties like Fuji or Gala. Just ensure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape while grilling.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Nuts?
Yes, you can easily omit the pecans if you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy. You could replace them with crushed graham crackers or leave them out completely for a nut-free version.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or on a grill pan over low heat to enjoy them warm again.
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce?
Sure! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just warm it up slightly in the microwave before drizzling over the grilled apples for that extra gooey touch!
