These Bloomin’ Grilled Apples are a fun and tasty treat! With sweet apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a touch of caramel, they’re perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy evening.
I love how easy it is to make these apples. Just slice them, grill them, and enjoy the yummy smell wafting through the air—everyone will want a bite! 🍏🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for their sweetness and crisp texture, while Granny Smith adds tartness. If you can’t find these, any firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn work well too.
Butter: Don’t worry if you’re out of butter! You can swap it with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread for a similar effect. Both give a nice richness.
Brown Sugar: For a different flavor, feel free to use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar. They provide a lovely sweetness that complements the apples nicely.
Pecans: If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely. You could also use walnuts if that’s your preference—just make sure to chop them fine.
Caramel Sauce: A homemade version made with sugar and cream can be great! However, store-bought works just fine for convenience, which I sometimes opt for.
How Do I Get the Best Bloom from My Apples?
Creating a blooming effect with your apple slices is fun and visually impressive! Here’s how to ensure they bloom nicely:
- Make sure to cut deep enough into the apples but avoid cutting all the way through. Slicing them into wedges while keeping the base intact is key.
- Gently spread the slices apart, allowing the butter and sugar mixture to seep in and create that beautiful bloom.
Taking your time during cutting and blooming will give you the best results and a stunning presentation on your plate! Enjoy your tasty creation!
How to Make Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Apples:
- 2 large apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious bloomin’ grilled apples in about 30 minutes. Quick and yummy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will get it nice and hot, perfect for grilling our apples!
2. Preparing the Apples:
Give your apples a good wash and core them carefully. Now, cut them into wedges vertically, but don’t peel them! The peel helps hold the shape and gives a nice touch to the dish.
3. Mixing the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looks delicious!
4. Creating the Blooming Effect:
Gently spread the apple slices apart a bit to create that beautiful blooming effect. Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over all the apple wedges. Mmm, it’s starting to smell good already!
5. Adding the Pecans:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the apples. This will add a wonderful crunch and flavor!
6. Wrapping the Apples:
Take pieces of aluminum foil and wrap each apple carefully to create a sealed packet. This helps keep all the tasty juices inside while they cook.
7. Grilling the Apples:
Place the foil-wrapped apples on the grill. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are nice and tender. Check on them occasionally; the aroma will be irresistible!
8. Unwrapping and Serving:
Once they’re cooked, carefully remove the apples from the grill (watch out, they’ll be hot!). Unwrap them from the foil slowly to avoid steam burns.
9. Enjoy Your Treat:
Serve your bloomin’ grilled apples warm, drizzled with caramel sauce. If you want to take it to the next level, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices, you can use any firm apple variety like Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require a little less brown sugar in the topping.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. For the caramel sauce, look for dairy-free versions available in stores or make your own using coconut sugar and coconut cream.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No grill? No problem! You can bake the wrapped apples in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, checking for tenderness. The foil will still help create that steaming effect for deliciously soft apples!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the unwrapped apples in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or gently warm them in a skillet on low heat until heated through.
