Get ready for a delightful treat with Bloomin’ Grilled Apples! These juicy apples are sliced, sprinkled with cinnamon, and grilled until soft and sweet. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack!
Honestly, watching them bloom on the grill is like a little magic show just for your taste buds! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s such a simple joy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, perfect for grilling. Granny Smith adds a tart touch. If you can’t find these, any firm apple, like Fuji or Braeburn, works well too.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, which also gives a caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon: Classic for flavor! If you want a different twist, nutmeg or allspice can also make a lovely addition.
Pecans: These provide crunch. Walnuts are a great substitute if you prefer, or you can use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Caramel Sauce: This adds sweetness and richness. You can use store-bought or make your own. For a lighter option, try honey or maple syrup.
How Do You Grill Apples Without Them Falling Apart?
Cutting and preparing apples for grilling is fun but requires some care. You want to keep the sections attached at the bottom, like a bloom. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by washing and coring the apples. Cut them into quarter sections, but don’t slice all the way through.
- Be gentle as you fan out the apple sections to create that pretty flower shape.
- Drizzle melted butter over the apple, this helps in grilling and adds richness.
Finally, wrapping the apples tightly in foil is crucial to keep the steam in. This will help them cook evenly without falling apart.
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Apples:
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you can expect to spend around 35-40 minutes making these tasty bloomin’ grilled apples—perfect for a summer treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Grill Ready:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure that the apples cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash the apples thoroughly and remove their cores. Slice the apples into sections, but be careful not to cut all the way through. You want the apple sections to remain attached at the bottom, which will help them “bloom” while cooking.
3. Add Flavor:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Drizzle the melted butter over the carved apple sections, making sure they get nice and coated. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the apples to add sweetness and spice.
4. Prepare for Grilling:
Carefully place the apples on a large piece of aluminum foil. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the apples and drizzle some caramel sauce on top for extra flavor.
5. Wrap Up the Apples:
Fold the aluminum foil around the apples tightly to form a packet. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep the steam in and the apples tender while they cook.
6. Grill the Apples:
Place the foil packet directly on the preheated grill. Let the apples cook for about 20-25 minutes. They’ll be ready when they’re nice and tender.
7. Unwrap and Serve:
Once your apples are cooked, carefully remove the foil packet from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. Be cautious when opening the foil, as steam will escape, so take care to avoid burns!
8. Enjoy Your Treat:
Serve the warm grilled apples right away. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and more chopped pecans if you like. Dig in and enjoy this delightful dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices for their sweetness and tartness, you can use any firm apple like Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala. Just make sure they hold up well during grilling for the best texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, walnuts are a perfect substitute. You can also use slivered almonds or even omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but just as delicious!
Can I Prepare These Apples in Advance?
You can prep the apples ahead of time by cutting and coring them, then wrapping them in the foil with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Just store the wrapped apples in the fridge until you’re ready to grill, but try to use them within a day for best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover grilled apples, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, and serve again with ice cream and caramel sauce!
