Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty twist on dessert! You take apples, cut them into a flower shape, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, and grill them until they’re warm and soft.
They smell amazing and taste even better! I love to serve them with a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, everyone will smile when they see this sweet treat! 🍏🌸
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for their sweetness and crunch. If those aren’t available, Granny Smith works too, but they’ll be tarter. You can also try using pears for a different twist!
Brown Sugar: For a deeper flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown. If you’re watching sugar intake, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia could work well.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and enhances the sweetness of the apples. You could substitute it with nutmeg or pumpkin spice if you like those flavors, but cinnamon is a classic choice I always stick with!
Pecans: Chopped pecans give a nice crunch, but you can swap them with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies.
Butter: Using unsalted butter is great, but you can substitute olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. It will slightly change the flavor, but still tasty!
How Can You Cut Apples Hassle-Free for Grilling?
Cutting apples for the bloomin’ effect can seem tricky, but here’s how to nail it. First, make sure you have a sturdy cutting board. You want to create wedges without slicing all the way through.
- Start by cutting the apple in half, and then in half again, creating quarters.
- Next, take each quarter and cut straight down, stopping about half an inch from the bottom. Repeat for the other quarters.
- This way, the apple bottom stays intact, and it “blooms” when grilled.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time – your apples will still taste amazing no matter their shape!
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 4 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or nuts of choice)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun dessert to enjoy on a nice day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help cook the apples evenly and get them nice and tender.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples to remove any dirt. Then, carefully slice each apple into about 8 wedges, but be sure not to cut all the way through. You want the bottom of the apple to stay connected so that it creates a lovely “bloom” effect when cooked.
3. Make the Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. This will be the sweet and crunchy filling for your apples.
4. Fill the Apples:
Gently spread the sugar mixture between the apple slices, allowing the sweet goodness to coat the apples evenly. This step is important for that delicious flavor!
5. Wrap the Apples:
Take a square of aluminum foil and place each apple in the center. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of butter over the top of each apple, then wrap the foil tightly around it, sealing it well so nothing escapes during grilling.
6. Grill the Apples:
Place the wrapped apples directly on the grill. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, carefully unwrap the foil, being cautious of the hot steam. Drizzle the warm apples with caramel sauce and if you like, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delicious Bloomin’ Grilled Apples warm!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are great choices for their sweetness and firmness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Gala apples for something a bit different. Just make sure to choose apples that are firm to hold up on the grill!
How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
If you have any leftovers, let the apples cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back on the grill for a few minutes or warm them in the microwave.
Can I Make These Apples Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples ahead by slicing and mixing with the sugar mixture. Just wrap them in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to a day before grilling. When you’re ready, just pop them on the grill!
What Can I Use Instead of Pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have nut allergies, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. For a nut-free version, try using granola or crushed cookies for added crunch!
