Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun twist on a classic dessert! Just slice apples, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar, then grill until they’re warm and tender—yum!
These little beauties are perfect for sharing at barbecues. I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s like a campfire treat without the fire! 🍏🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are fantastic choices. Honeycrisp is sweet and crisp, while Granny Smith adds a nice tartness. If you’re in a pinch, any firm apple like Fuji or Gala can work too!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses—about 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar will do the trick!
Cinnamon: A classic spice for apples! Consider using pumpkin pie spice if you want a bit of variety. It has cinnamon plus warm notes of nutmeg and allspice.
Pecans: They add a wonderful crunch. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or even oats for a similar texture.
Caramel Sauce: While store-bought is convenient, making your own is quite easy with just sugar and cream. You can also swap it for chocolate sauce or honey if you prefer a different flavor.
How Do I Grill Apples Without Losing Their Shape?
Getting the apples to hold their shape while grilling is key, and it starts with proper preparation. First, make sure when coring, you leave about 1/4 inch at the bottom. This keeps the juices in and helps them hold together during the cooking process.
- Cut vertical slits in the apples carefully, but don’t cut all the way through—aim for about 3/4 depth.
- Wrap each apple tightly in aluminum foil, creating a pocket. This traps steam and helps the apples cook evenly.
Check them around the 15-minute mark. You want them tender but not mushy. A fork should easily pierce them, but they should hold their shape.
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Aluminum foil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to grill. So, in total, plan for around 30-35 minutes before you can enjoy your warm, delicious grilled apples!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures the apples will cook evenly and nicely while they grill.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash your apples thoroughly and then core them. Be careful to leave the bottom intact; this is important for keeping the apples’ shape. You want the apples to stay whole while they grill!
3. Create the Blooming Effect:
Take a sharp knife and make vertical cuts in each apple, about 1/2 inch apart. Cut down about 3/4 of the way through the apple. This step is what makes them “bloom” when grilled and allows the sweet mixture to seep into the fruit.
4. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. This mixture will add a lovely sweetness and spice to the apples.
5. Season the Apples:
Generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over each apple, making sure it gets into all the little cuts you made. This will help caramelize the apples as they grill!
6. Add the Crunch:
Stuff the chopped pecans inside the cuts of each apple. This adds a delightful crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to complement the sweet apples.
7. Wrap Them Up:
Take some aluminum foil and wrap each apple securely, creating a little pocket for them. This helps steam the apples as they grill and keeps all the yummy flavors inside.
8. Grill the Apples:
Place the wrapped apples directly on the grill and cook them for about 15-20 minutes. They are done when they feel tender when pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
9. Unwrap and Serve:
Carefully remove the apples from the grill (they will be hot!) and unwrap them from the foil. Be cautious of any steam that may escape.
10. Finish with Toppings:
Drizzle the warm grilled apples with caramel sauce and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your deliciously sweet and warm bloomin’ grilled apples right away!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices, you can use any firm apples that hold their shape when grilled, such as Fuji or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that different apples will bring varying levels of sweetness and tartness to the dish!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through. Enjoy them cold or warm, perhaps with a bit more caramel drizzle!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Nuts?
Of course! If you’re allergic to nuts or just prefer to leave them out, you can skip the pecans entirely. For added flavor, you might consider using a sprinkle of granola or crispy rice cereal for that same crunch if desired!
What Can I Substitute for Caramel Sauce?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using honey or maple syrup instead of caramel sauce. You could also make a simple fruit sauce by blending cooked apples with a bit of sweetener for a lighter topping. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly!
