Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty treat! Imagine warm, sweet apples sliced and grilled until they’re soft. They get a nice caramelized touch that makes them extra yummy!
These little delights are great for a backyard BBQ. I love sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on top! It’s like a warm hug in dessert form. Who says apples can’t be exciting? 🍏🍎
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work great for this recipe. Their firmness holds up well on the grill. If they’re not available, you can try Fuji or Braeburn apples. Aim for something tart for a nice flavor contrast.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness. If you’re out, you can use white sugar or coconut sugar. Both will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well.
Pecans: Chopped pecans bring a nice crunch! If you have a nut allergy, skip them or substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
Caramel Sauce: You can buy this or make your own. For a healthier option, try using maple syrup or a sugar-free caramel sauce if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: This is my personal favorite topping! If you’re dairy-free, consider coconut or almond milk ice cream for a delicious alternative.
How Do I Cut Apples for the Bloom Effect?
Achieving that beautiful “bloom” effect is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by washing the apples thoroughly.
- Core each apple carefully. You want them hollow inside!
- Make vertical cuts—about half an inch apart—around the apple. Don’t cut all the way through; leave the base intact so it holds its shape.
This method allows the heat and flavor ingredients to penetrate while the apple fans out beautifully during grilling.
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bloomin’ Apples:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Aluminum foil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes before you can dive into these delicious Bloomin’ Grilled Apples!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
First things first, fire up your grill by setting it to medium heat. This will get everything nice and warm for cooking your apples.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash your apples well and then core them carefully. Make some vertical cuts in each apple, but don’t cut all the way through. This will help create that beautiful “bloom” effect when they grill.
3. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix it well and then sprinkle this sweet mixture over the cut apples, trying to get it into those crevices to enhance the flavor!
4. Butter Those Apples:
Now, drizzle the melted butter over the apples. This will help the sugar and cinnamon stick and add that lovely buttery flavor.
5. Stuff with Pecans:
Next, fill the crevices of each apple with the chopped pecans (or walnuts if you prefer). This adds a nice crunch to your juicy apples.
6. Wrap Them Up:
Take your aluminum foil and wrap each apple tightly. Make sure to seal them well so all the delicious steam stays inside while grilling.
7. Grill the Apples:
Place your wrapped apples on the grill, and cook them for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check occasionally to make sure they’re cooking evenly and becoming tender.
8. Unwrap and Serve:
Once they’re ready, carefully unwrap the foil (watch out for steam!) and transfer those lovely grilled apples to serving plates.
9. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each apple and finish it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Feel free to add some extra chopped pecans if you like it crunchy!
10. Dig In:
Serve your Bloomin’ Grilled Apples right away and enjoy this delightful dessert warm. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices, you can use any firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn as well. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require less brown sugar, so adjust accordingly to taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. If you want to crisp them up a bit, pop them back on the grill for a few minutes!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Nuts?
Yes, you can easily omit the nuts if you or someone you’re serving has allergies or prefers not to include them. You can also substitute with seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, for a similar crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Bloomin’ Grilled Apples?
These apples are best served warm and drizzled with caramel sauce. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of hot and cold. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt over the caramel for a sweet-salty treat!
