These easy bloomin’ grilled apples are a fun twist on a classic snack! With warm, juicy apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar, they come out sweet and smoky.
And let’s not forget how they look! When you cut the apples, they look like they’re blooming. I love serving them hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yum! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For this recipe, I recommend using Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples. They hold their shape well while grilling. If these aren’t available, you could try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Braeburn for a mix of sweet and tart.
Butter: Melted butter adds rich flavor and helps the sugar and cinnamon stick. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use coconut oil or a plant-based buttery spread instead.
Brown Sugar: This brings sweetness and a bit of caramel flavor. If you need a substitute, use coconut sugar or even honey for a different twist, but keep in mind that honey will change the texture a bit.
Vanilla Ice Cream: It’s a perfect complement to the warm apples. Dairy-free ice creams made from almond or coconut milk are great alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Make the Perfect “Blooming” Cuts on Apples?
Cuts to create the blooming shape can seem tricky, but here’s how to do them easily:
- Start by washing and drying each apple. This helps your mixture stick better.
- Using a sharp knife, make 8 evenly spaced cuts around the apple, cutting downwards into the apple but not all the way through. Aim for about 1/2 inch left at the bottom. This keeps the apple intact.
- As you cut, gently fan out the apple’s slices to open it up. This will give you that beautiful blooming effect!
Don’t rush this step! Taking your time ensures your apples bloom nicely and look great when grilled.
Easy Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Chopped pecans (for garnish)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Before you start cutting the apples, preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). This ensures they cook evenly and get that nice grilled flavor.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples carefully. Using a sharp knife, make 8 cuts around each apple from top to bottom, creating a “blooming” flower shape. Make sure not to cut all the way through at the bottom—leave about 1/2 inch intact so the apple holds its shape.
3. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This sweet mixture will coat the apples beautifully.
4. Fan Out the Slices:
Gently open up the slices of each apple to form petals. This is where the blooming effect really comes in! Use a brush or drizzle to coat the opened apple with the butter mixture, making sure to get into the cut slices.
5. Wrap the Apples:
Wrap each apple loosely in aluminum foil. This step helps them steam a bit while grilling, keeping them juicy.
6. Grill the Apples:
Place the wrapped apples on the preheated grill. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender but still retain their shape. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces the flesh.
7. Cool and Serve:
After grilling, carefully remove the apples from the grill and unwrap them. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a serving plate.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Top each fluffy grilled apple with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. To make it pretty (and delicious), sprinkle chopped pecans on top and drizzle with caramel sauce.
9. Enjoy!
Serve immediately, and enjoy the warm, sweet, and beautifully presented bloomin’ grilled apples with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are great choices, any firm apple can work well. You can experiment with Granny Smith for a tart kick or Braeburn for a sweet-tart balance!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Apples?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through — they’re still delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples and wrap them in foil earlier in the day. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them. This makes it super convenient for entertaining!
What Are Some Substitutions for Toppings?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use other nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. For the ice cream, try using a dairy-free option or even yogurt for a lighter touch. You can also use maple syrup instead of caramel for a different flavor!
