If you’re craving a cozy, indulgent dessert that brings a delightful twist to classic caramel apples, you’re in for a real treat with this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe. These tender, juicy apples bloom open to reveal a luscious caramel center, while the cinnamon-sugar butter glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking. Every bite bursts with a perfect harmony of sweet, soft fruit and rich, gooey caramel that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this dreamy dessert, it’ll become a go-to favorite for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that each play a star role. From crisp apples to buttery caramel and warm cinnamon, these essentials come together to create a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- 4 firm apples (like Honeycrisp): Choose crisp apples that hold their shape well when baked, ensuring every bite is juicy but not mushy.
- 8 chewy caramel squares: These melt perfectly inside the apples for a rich, gooey surprise.
- 4 tbsp melted butter: Adds luscious moisture and helps caramelize the sugar for a golden finish.
- 1 tbsp packed brown sugar: Brings warm, molasses-like sweetness that deepens the flavor.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds crunch and helps with caramelization during baking.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Offers a cozy, aromatic spice that complements apple and caramel beautifully.
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving): Creamy contrast that cools and balances the warm dessert perfectly.
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling): Extra luscious topping to amplify the caramel goodness.
How to Make Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F if you’re using a traditional oven, or set your air fryer to 350°F for a quicker, more hands-off approach. Proper preheating ensures your apples cook evenly, allowing the caramel inside to melt just right while the exterior turns tender and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Slice off the tops of each apple and carefully core them, making sure to leave the base intact so none of the delicious caramel leaks out during baking. This creates the perfect vessel for that gooey caramel filling, setting the stage for the “blooming” effect.
Step 3: Make the Blooms
Make thin crosswise cuts in each apple, about six to eight slices, stopping before you cut all the way through. These cuts will allow the apple to fan open as it bakes, resembling a beautiful flower full of golden caramel petals. This step adds not just visual charm but also helps the apple cook thoroughly and soak up the buttery sugar glaze.
Step 4: Stuff and Glaze
Stuff each apple with two chewy caramel squares, nestling them deep into the core cavity so they melt into a luscious center. Then, brush the entire apple generously with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This glaze is the magic that brings sweetness, spice, and a sticky, caramelized crust to the outside.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry
Place the apples in a greased baking dish if using an oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the caramel is melted to perfection. If you prefer the air fryer or want a faster option, air fry the apples for about 20 minutes, which yields equally delightful results with a slightly crisper finish. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-softening.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Swoon
Once baked, these treats are best served warm, so the caramel inside is irresistibly gooey. Top each apple with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch that will wow your family and friends.
How to Serve Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon not only add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast but also elevate the presentation, making these apples look as impressive as they taste.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot spiced cider, a robust black coffee, or even a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness while adding a creamy texture contrast. For a brunch twist, serve it alongside warm cinnamon rolls or buttery breakfast pastries.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve each apple nestled on a plate lined with crushed graham crackers or oatmeal cookie crumbs to mimic a “flower bed.” You can also offer mini caramel-stuffed bloomin’ apples as bite-sized treats by cutting them into wedges after baking and arranging them in a pretty fan for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover caramel-stuffed bloomin’ apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may soften more as they chill, but reheating gently will bring back some of their warm charm.
Freezing
Because of their delicate texture and melted caramel center, freezing this dessert is not ideal. The apples tend to become mushy when thawed, and the caramel can change texture. For the best experience, it’s best to enjoy these fresh or refrigerated briefly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the apples in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the caramel softens once again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the apple and cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crispness and sweet-tart balance, you can experiment with Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure to pick firm apples that won’t crumble while baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based buttery spread and use vegan caramel candies or make your own plant-based caramel sauce. Serve with your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream to keep this dessert completely vegan-friendly.
Can I make these in a microwave?
Microwaving is not recommended because it heats unevenly and can cause the apples to become rubbery while the caramel may not melt correctly. Oven or air fryer methods are ideal for best texture and flavor.
How can I prevent the apples from leaking caramel during baking?
Leaving the bottom of the apples intact while coring is essential to keep the caramel contained. Placing the apples in a snug baking dish also helps support their shape and reduce leakage.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert to guests?
Serve the caramel-stuffed bloomin’ apples warm right out of the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle. For a special touch, garnish with toasted nuts or fresh mint leaves to impress your guests with style and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you give this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe a try the next time you want an effortless yet show-stopping dessert. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate simple ingredients with spectacular results, guaranteed to bring smiles and cozy vibes to your table. You’re going to love how these apples blossom with caramel goodness in every bite!
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Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these warm, gooey caramel-stuffed bloomin’ apples, a perfect fall dessert featuring tender baked apples filled with chewy caramel squares, brushed with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze, and served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Apples and Filling
- 4 firm apples (such as Honeycrisp)
- 8 chewy caramel squares
Glaze
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if using the air fryer method.
- Prepare the Apples. Slice the tops off each apple carefully, then core them leaving the bottom intact to create a hollow center for the caramel filling.
- Make Crosswise Cuts. Make thin, crosswise cuts around each apple without cutting all the way through, creating a blooming effect once baked.
- Stuff and Brush Apples. Stuff each apple with two caramel squares. Then brush the entire apple generously with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to add sweetness and help create a golden caramelized finish.
- Cook the Apples. For oven baking, place the apples in a greased baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes or until the apples are tender. For air frying, cook the apples in the preheated air fryer for about 20 minutes until tender and caramel melted.
- Serve. Serve the warm bloomin’ apples topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the rich flavors.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape well during baking.
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the apples when making the crosswise cuts to maintain the bloom shape.
- Use chewy caramel squares for a melty, gooey center.
- Serving the apples warm with cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
- Adjust sugar quantities if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
