Baked Bloomin’ Apples are the sweetest treat you’ll ever make! They are whole apples filled with a mix of cinnamon, sugar, and nuts, then baked until soft and fragrant.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while they’re baking! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—talk about a cozy dessert. 🍏🍨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Go for Fuji or Honeycrisp—both are sweet and hold up well during baking. If you want a tart touch, Granny Smith works great too!
Brown Sugar: This adds rich flavor. You can swap with coconut sugar for a healthier option or use white sugar if you’re in a pinch.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts enhance the crunchy texture. Don’t have either? Try oats for a similar result—a whole new layer of flavor!
Maple Syrup/Honey: Both sweeten the apples beautifully. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider using agave syrup or a sugar-free honey substitute.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: I love vanilla ice cream to complement the warm apples. For a healthier choice, opt for yogurt or coconut cream!
What’s the Best Way to Create a Perfect Bloom in Your Apples?
Making the deep cuts is key for that blooming effect. Here are few tips to ensure success:
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts—this keeps the apple intact.
- Cut at about 3/4 inch intervals, careful not to cut all the way to the bottom.
- Once cut, gently open up the slices with your fingers or a spoon to create space for the filling!
This technique allows the filling to ooze in while baking, making each bite a delightful treat!
How to Make Baked Bloomin’ Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for topping
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 15 minutes to prep and 35 to 45 minutes to bake. So, set aside about an hour for the whole process! You’re going to love the sweet aroma filling your kitchen while they bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when you slide the apples in!
2. Prepare the Apples:
Peel the apples carefully. Then, using a sharp knife, make deep cuts around each apple in a blooming pattern, about 3/4 inch apart. Be sure to stop before cutting all the way through, so the bottoms stay intact.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped nuts. This sweet blend will be the filling for your apples!
4. Stuff the Apples:
Gently separate the slices of each apple to open up that lovely “bloom.” Now, stuff the brown sugar mixture into the openings, making sure to fill them well.
5. Arrange in a Baking Dish:
Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish. Dot each apple with a few small pieces of butter, then drizzle the maple syrup or honey over them. This will add a luscious glaze while they bake!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake your apples in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape, and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t overbake!
7. Cool & Serve:
Once they’re done, take the apples out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
8. Garnish & Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a lovely touch. Dive in and enjoy your delicious, gooey Baked Bloomin’ Apples!
Happy baking! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Honeycrisp are great choices for their sweetness and firmness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart twist or Gala for an extra sweet flavor. Just make sure they’re firm to hold up during baking!
What Can I Substitute for Nuts?
If you prefer not to use nuts, you can replace them with rolled oats for added texture or simply omit them altogether. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also be a delicious alternative!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Bloomin’ Apples?
Let the apples cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or bake in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use maple syrup instead of honey. For the ice cream, you can opt for a dairy-free version or serve them with coconut whipped cream!
