These Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty treat! Just slice apples in a flower shape, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and grill them until they’re soft and sweet.
They make for a perfect dessert or snack that kids and adults both love. I like to top them with a scoop of ice cream—it’s like a cozy, warm hug on a plate! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If these aren’t available, any firm apple will do, such as Fuji or Braeburn. Just avoid very soft varieties, as they’ll turn mushy on the grill.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth to the flavor. You can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or even coconut sugar as a substitute. Try using less sugar if you want a light option; the natural sweetness from the apples can shine through.
Pecans/Walnuts: I love pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts are a good substitute if you prefer them or have allergies. You can also try slivered almonds for a different crunch.
Butter: Any unsalted butter works here. For a vegan option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter. It still gives that rich flavor and helps the apples cook beautifully.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is easy if you have time. For a healthier twist, consider using a date caramel or even a drizzle of honey.
How Do I Grill Apples Perfectly Without Turning Them to Mush?
Grilling apples can be tricky since they can easily lose their shape. To keep them firm, follow these steps:
- Always choose firm apples, and leave the bottom intact when slicing. This keeps them holding together while grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. A good hot grill will allow the apples to caramelize nicely without getting mushy.
- Wrap each apple tightly in aluminum foil, sealing in heat and moisture. This steams the apples perfectly, softening them while keeping them from falling apart.
- Monitor grilling time—15 to 20 minutes is usually enough. Test with a fork to ensure they’re tender without being mushy.
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 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 delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll be looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and sweet treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This means you want it warm enough to cook the apples, but not too hot that they’ll burn.
2. Core and Slice the Apples:
Take each apple and core it gently. Once cored, slice the apples into 8 wedges. Be careful! Don’t cut all the way through—leave the bottom intact so your apples stay together, looking nice and “bloomed.”
3. Add the Sweet Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Now, generously sprinkle this sweet mixture all over each apple, making sure to get it in between those lovely apple slices too!
4. Add Some Crunch:
Gently pry the apple slices apart just a little bit and sprinkle in the chopped pecans or walnuts. This will add a delicious crunch to your sweet grilled apples.
5. Top with Butter:
Place a tablespoon of butter on top of each apple. This will melt and make the apples extra juicy and tasty while grilling.
6. Wrap Them Up:
Carefully wrap each apple securely in aluminum foil like a little pouch. This helps keep in the heat and steam while they’re grilling.
7. Grill the Apples:
Now, place the foil-wrapped apples on the grill and close the lid. Grill them for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and fragrant. Keep an eye on them—yum!
8. Drizzle with Caramel:
Once they’re done, carefully unwrap the foil (watch out for hot steam!). Drizzle the grilled apples with the caramel sauce to add an extra layer of sweetness.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve those delicious warm apples hot off the grill with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy the blissful combination of warm fruit and cold ice cream!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their firmness and flavor, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or any apple that holds up well to grilling. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples like Fuji may need less sugar in the topping.
What If I Don’t Have Pecans or Walnuts?
No problem! You can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds or pistachios. If you want to keep it nut-free, you can simply skip the nuts altogether or substitute with granola for a bit of crunch.
How Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead?
If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake these apples! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), prepare the apples as directed, and place them in a baking dish covered with foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until tender. Drizzle with caramel and serve with ice cream just like on the grill!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or briefly on the grill again before serving. They taste just as delicious!
