Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun twist on a classic treat! You slice apples into a flower shape, pack them with delicious toppings, and grill them until they’re warm and soft.
These sweet treats taste amazing with cinnamon and caramel. I love serving them with vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Fuji are great choices for grilling because they stay firm and sweet. If you can’t find those, try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Gala for a sweeter option.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely depth of sweetness. If you want a healthier version, you can substitute with coconut sugar or even maple syrup. Just adjust the amount since maple syrup is liquid.
Pecans: Chopped pecans give a nice crunch. You can replace them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or leave them out for a nut-free option.
Butter: I use softened butter for easy spreading. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a plant-based butter or coconut oil instead.
Caramel Sauce: Both store-bought and homemade versions are delicious. For a lighter twist, you can drizzle honey or use a fruit spread. Just remember to adjust sweetness to your taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect “Bloom” in Grilled Apples?
The star pattern cut is important for that beautiful bloom effect. Here’s how to do it well:
- Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts around the apple, but don’t go all the way through. Aim for 1/4 inch from the bottom.
- Be gentle as you open the cuts; this is where the filling will go!
- This technique helps the apples cook evenly while allowing the sugar and spice mixture to melt inside, creating delicious pockets of flavor.
Remember, the deeper the cuts, the better the bloom, but keep the apples intact at the bottom for the best result!
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Aluminum foil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to grill. You’ll spend a few moments prepping the apples and then just let them grill until they’re perfectly tender and flavorful. Enjoy the wonderful aroma while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will give your apples a nice char and help them cook evenly. While the grill is heating up, you can prepare the apples!
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts in a star pattern around each apple. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom; this will create a beautiful blooming effect once grilled.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This fragrant mixture will add sweetness and a cozy flavor to your apples.
4. Fill the Apples:
Gently open the cuts in the apples to create space and sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture inside each apple, pressing it in a bit so it stays put. This will enhance the flavor as they cook!
5. Add Butter and Pecans:
Put about a tablespoon of softened butter into the center of each apple. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. This will add a lovely crunch and richness to your grilled apples.
6. Wrap It Up:
Wrap each prepared apple tightly in aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in as they grill, making them soft and delicious.
7. Grill the Apples:
Place the wrapped apples on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender. You can check them by carefully unfolding the foil and poking them with a fork—if they’re soft, they’re done!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the apples are ready, carefully unwrap them from the foil. Drizzle each one with caramel sauce. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. If you like, you can add more chopped pecans and another drizzle of caramel for extra yum. Enjoy your delightful blooms of grilled apples!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples work well for grilling due to their firmness and sweetness, you can also try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Gala apples for extra sweetness. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold up during grilling!
What If I Don’t Have Pecans?
No worries! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, slivered almonds, or even skip the nuts entirely if you’re not a fan. The recipe will still be delicious and flavorful!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds or warm them up on the grill for a couple of minutes until heated through.
Can I Make These Apples Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples by cutting and filling them with the sugar, cinnamon, butter, and pecans a few hours ahead. Just keep them wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them. They’ll still taste great!