Grilled apples make for a fun and tasty treat! With their warm, soft centers and sweet caramel flavors, they’re perfect for any summer cookout. Just slice, grill, and enjoy!
I love how easy these apples are to whip up. Toss on some cinnamon and ice cream, and you’ll feel like a dessert magician! 🍏✨ It’s a sweet way to impress friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For this recipe, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic choices. Their firmness holds up well on the grill. If you want a sweeter option, Fuji or Gala apples would also work nicely.
Brown Sugar: The rich flavor of brown sugar is key for the sweetness here. If you don’t have any, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a little molasses for a similar taste.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the dish. For a twist, try using nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice instead—just a pinch can elevate the flavor profile!
Pecans: They add a lovely crunch. If you have nut allergies, replace them with sunflower seeds or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel sauce is delightful, but store-bought is just as convenient. If you’re in a hurry, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also work as a sweet topping.
How Do You Get The Perfectly Grilled Apples?
Grilling apples requires attention to detail, but it’s quite simple! Here’s how to ensure they grill beautifully.
- After coring the apples, cut them into thin slices, making sure to leave the base intact. This keeps them whole as they cook.
- Don’t rush the grilling time; allowing 20-25 minutes gives the apples enough time to soften up while retaining their shape.
- When wrapping in foil, seal tightly but leave space inside for the steam to circulate. This extra moisture helps cook them evenly.
- Always be careful when unwrapping the foil to avoid steam burns. Open it away from your face!
- Serving them warm with ice cream is a must! The hot apples and cold ice cream make for a delightful contrast.
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Apples:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need just about 40-45 minutes to enjoy these warm, sweet apples. Perfect for a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This lets the apples cook evenly and become tender while grilling.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash each apple thoroughly, then core them while keeping the bottoms intact. Slice the apples into thin sections, about 1/4 inch apart, without cutting all the way through. This is what makes them “bloom” when they grill!
3. Make the Sweet Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will add a delicious sweet and spicy flavor to your apples.
4. Stuff the Apples:
Gently open up each apple and sprinkle the brown sugar mixture inside the slices and over the top of the apples. Make sure to get it in between the slices for maximum flavor!
5. Add Pecans and Butter:
Place the chopped pecans and cubed butter on top of each apple. The butter will melt as they cook, making everything even tastier.
6. Wrap It Up:
Wrap each apple individually in aluminum foil, sealing the top well to keep the steam in. This will help the apples cook nicely on the grill.
7. Grill the Apples:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the wrapped apples on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when they’re tender and fragrant.
8. Unwrap and Serve:
Carefully remove the apples from the grill and unwrap the foil. Be cautious—hot steam will escape! Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm apples and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
9. Enjoy!
For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional chopped pecans if you like. Dig in and enjoy your warm, melty Bloomin’ Grilled Apples!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can experiment with other varieties too. Just make sure to use firm apples that hold up well to grilling, like Fujis or Cortlands. Sweet apples will provide a delicious contrast to the cinnamon and caramel.
What If I Don’t Have Pecans?
No worries! You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or you can use granola for a different texture. If you have nut allergies, consider omitting the nuts altogether or using oats to add some crunch instead.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them on the grill or in an oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce during reheating will make them extra tasty!
Can I Make These Apples Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the apples up to a day in advance! Just core and slice them, then sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture, cover them with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy, just throw them on the grill straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the grilling time if needed.