Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, the Bloomin’ Apples Recipe is an absolute must-try! These tender baked apples filled with gooey caramel and topped with buttery sweetness make dessert time magical—and they’re so simple to whip up. Let me take you through why this is one of my all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delightful Bloomin’ Apples Recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients you might already have on hand. Each one plays a key role—from the crispness of the fresh apples to the rich, buttery cinnamon glaze that tops it all off.

• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking for a clean bake and easy cleanup.
• Melted butter (4 Tbsp.): Adds richness and helps caramelize the sugars for that golden finish.
• Brown sugar (1 Tbsp.): Deep, molasses notes give the apples extra warmth.
• Granulated sugar (1 Tbsp.): Balances sweetness with a subtle crunch after baking.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp.): Classic spice that enhances the apple’s natural sweetness beautifully.
• 4 apples: Choose firm varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Chewy caramel squares (8): The luscious gooey center that makes every bite irresistible.
• Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream: A must-have on the side to cool and complement the warm apples.
• Caramel sauce: For drizzling, adding extra decadence and shine.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

The beauty of this Bloomin’ Apples Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether adapting to what you have in the kitchen or catering to dietary preferences, it’s a versatile dessert that invites creativity.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside with the caramel for a delightful texture contrast.
• Spice It Up: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg to bring warm fall flavors.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free caramel for those with dietary restrictions.
• Berry Twist: Mix fresh berries or dried cranberries in the apple core for a surprising burst of tartness.

How to Make Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F if baking or set your air fryer to 350°F. Grease your baking dish with cooking spray to ensure those beautiful apples won’t stick. Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl—this mixture is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Core and Bloom Your Apples

This part is so fun—cut the tops off your apples, then core them carefully. Using a paring knife, make two circular cuts around each apple and slice crosswise from the bottom to create a “bloom” effect without cutting all the way through. This technique not only looks gorgeous but also helps the flavors seep in beautifully as they bake.

Step 3: Fill and Glaze

Pop two caramel squares right into the center of each apple bloom. Then, brush generously with your cinnamon-sugar butter mixture. This step caramelizes the topping while the apples soften gently during baking.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

Place your prepared apples in the baking dish or air fryer basket. Bake for about 30 minutes in the oven until tender, or air fry for 20 minutes until the apples are soft and the caramel melts luxuriously inside. The aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes!

Step 5: Serve Warm with Ice Cream

The finishing touch? Serve these warm, ooey-gooey beauties alongside a scoop of natural vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for indulgence. It’s a dessert that feels both fancy and homey at the same time.

How to Serve Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Garnishes

To enhance this dessert’s charm, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts or a pinch of extra cinnamon on top before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can also elevate the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

Bloomin’ apples are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee makes for an unforgettable cozy evening. They also pair nicely with a simple green salad if you want to enjoy them as a sweet finish to a richer meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each apple in a shallow dessert bowl to catch the melting caramel and ice cream. For a special occasion, arrange them on a wooden serving board with extra caramel sauce drizzled artfully around. Adding a scoop of ice cream right into the apple bloom also makes for a stunning, edible centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the bloomed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples might soften a bit more, but their delicious caramel flavor will stay intact—just reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked apples wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the apples in a baking dish and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving for a long time, as this can make the apples mushy and the caramel overly hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Bloomin’ Apples Recipe—it’s an inviting dessert that feels like a celebration of autumn and indulgence all in one. Easy to prepare, stunning to serve, and absolutely delicious, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share the cozy joy with family and friends!

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