Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty treat! They’re juicy apples sliced into a flower shape, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, then grilled until warm and soft. Yummy!
Grilling makes the apples sweet and caramelized, almost like dessert! I love to serve them with a scoop of ice cream on top—it’s a perfect match! 🍦❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith adds a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness and crunch. If you want something different, try Fuji or Gala apples; they’ll also work great in this recipe.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar combined with a bit of molasses for a similar taste, or even coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies or prefer a different texture, walnuts or sunflower seeds are excellent substitutes. Unsweetened coconut flakes can add a delightful touch as well!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is warming and aromatic. Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can be fun substitutes if you’re looking to change things up!
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is convenient, but homemade is always a treat! If you want a healthier option, consider using a sugar-free caramel sauce or simply serve with honey.
How Do I Grill Apples to Get Them Just Right?
Grilling apples can be super fun, but it does require a bit of technique to get them tender and flavorful. Here’s my guide to perfecting this step:
- Start by preheating your grill. Medium heat is ideal; too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
- Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact. This keeps the filling inside. Don’t cut all the way through; you want them to bloom like flowers!
- When mixing the sugar and cinnamon, don’t rush. Make sure it’s well combined so each apple gets the perfect flavor.
- Wrap each apple tightly in foil to trap steam, which helps them cook evenly and keeps them juicy.
- Grill for about 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness. You want them tender but still holding their shape!
These tips will help you grill your apples to perfection every time. Enjoy your delicious treat!
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to grill. So, set aside around 35 minutes to enjoy these warm and gooey Bloomin’ Grilled Apples!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will get it ready to cook those lovely apples to perfection!
2. Core and Slice the Apples:
Take your apples and core them carefully, making sure to leave the bottom intact. Then, slice them into wedges, but don’t cut all the way through. You want them to still hold together!
3. Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. This will add sweetness and warmth to your apples.
4. Sprinkle the Sweet Mixture:
Gently open the apple slices a bit and sprinkle the brown sugar mixture inside each apple, filling in the gaps between the wedges. Don’t be shy with it—this adds amazing flavor!
5. Add Butter and Vanilla:
Drizzle the melted butter and vanilla extract over the prepared apples. Make sure it seeps into those delicious slices for maximum flavor.
6. Wrap and Grill:
Wrap each apple individually with aluminum foil and place them directly on the grill. This helps them steam and caramelize nicely.
7. Grill the Apples:
Let the apples grill for about 20-25 minutes. They are done when they are tender and caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Serve Your Grilled Apples:
Once they are ready, carefully unwrap the foil (watch out for steam!) and place the grilled apples on a serving plate. This is where the magic happens!
9. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over your warm apples for a crunchy texture. Then, drizzle generously with caramel sauce. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
10. Enjoy!
Serve these warm, gooey Bloomin’ Grilled Apples right away, and enjoy their deliciousness! Gather your friends and family—they’ll love this treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any variety of apples. Just be mindful that some apples are sweeter than others; for example, Fuji and Gala apples will add more sweetness, while a tart apple like McIntosh will give a nice balance to the dish.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want a dairy-free version, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. You can also leave out the ice cream or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it completely dairy-free while still enjoying the warm, caramelized apples!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them gently on the grill to retain that charred flavor!
Can I Make These Apples Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples (core and slice them) and sprinkle the brown sugar mixture ahead of time. Wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just allow them to come to room temperature before grilling for the best results!
