If you’re looking to impress without going overboard, try Bloomin’ Grilled Apples! These sweet apples are cut to look like blooming flowers, then grilled to perfection. Yum!
They’re not just pretty; they taste amazing with a hint of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. I love serving these at barbecues—they disappear in no time! 🍏🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites for their sweetness and tartness, respectively. If you want a softer apple, consider Fuji or Gala instead, but these may not hold their shape as well on the grill.
Brown Sugar: This brings a lovely caramel flavor to your apples. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, coconut sugar is a great alternative that offers similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. You could substitute it with pumpkin pie spice for a different take or use nutmeg for a bolder flavor, just remember to use it sparingly.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, try using sunflower seeds or oats instead. They’ll still give you some texture without the nuts!
How Do I Get My Apples to Bloom Perfectly on the Grill?
Creating that beautiful bloom shape with your apples may seem tricky, but it’s simple! First, make sure you core the apples deeply for maximum stuffing capacity. Then, slice the apples almost through to the base, leaving just a small section intact. This allows them to open up as they cook.
- Core the apples carefully with an apple corer or a knife.
- Make vertical cuts around the apple, stopping before you reach the bottom.
- As they cook, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You want them soft but not mushy!
This technique lets you fill the apples well, ensuring all those delicious flavors seep in as they grill. Enjoy your grilling adventure!
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Apples:
- 4 medium-sized apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Aluminum foil
- Optional: additional toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll be looking at about 30-35 minutes to enjoy these yummy Bloomin’ Grilled Apples!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure your apples cook perfectly, giving them a nice grilled flavor.
2. Core and Slice the Apples:
Next, take each apple and core it carefully. You want to remove the center seeds but keep the apple intact. Then, make cuts around the sides of the apple to create that beautiful blooming effect. Make sure not to cut all the way through—about three-quarters of the way is perfect!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans (or walnuts). Stir it all together until well mixed. This sugar mixture will add a sweet and nutty flavor to your apples.
4. Stuff the Apples:
Now it’s time to stuff! Take the brown sugar mixture and gently pack it into the sliced sections of each apple. Fill them generously; this is where the flavor will come from!
5. Wrap the Apples:
Carefully wrap each filled apple in aluminum foil. Make sure they are tightly sealed to keep all the yummy juices in while they cook on the grill.
6. Grill the Apples:
Place the wrapped apples directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they feel tender when you gently squeeze them. The grilling will make them warm and soft.
7. Unwrap and Serve:
Once cooked, use tongs or a spatula to safely remove the hot apples from the grill. Carefully unwrap the foil to release the steam—watch out for hot air! Drizzle caramel sauce over each apple while they’re still warm, and don’t forget to top them off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Bloomin’ Grilled Apples immediately. Feel free to add extra pecans, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce for an added treat. Enjoy every bite of this warm and sweet dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices, you can use any firm apple variety like Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require less brown sugar in the stuffing mix!
How Do I Make These Apples Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the apples by coring and slicing them, then tossing them with cinnamon and brown sugar ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge, wrapped tightly to prevent browning, and grill them when you’re ready to serve!
Can I Make These Without a Grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the apples in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Just wrap them in foil and place them on a baking sheet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the unwrapped apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven to enjoy them warm again!
