Baked Bloomin’ Apples are a fun and tasty treat! These apples are stuffed with sweet goodies like brown sugar and cinnamon, then baked until soft and juicy.
It’s like a warm hug from an apple! I love serving them with ice cream on top for a little extra yum! 🍏🍨 You won’t be able to resist this dessert!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work best for their sweetness and firmness. If you can’t find them, Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are great alternatives. Just remember, the flavor balance is important, so aim for a sweet variety!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient gives a deep caramel flavor. If you want a lighter option, try using coconut sugar. You might also use white sugar, but it won’t have that rich flavor.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you’re allergic, sunflower seeds can be a great replacement, or you can skip them altogether.
Dried Fruit: Raisins or cranberries add chewiness and sweetness. Feel free to swap them out for chopped dates or even dried apricots if that’s what you have on hand!
Apple Cider/Apple Juice: This adds moisture and flavor as the apples bake. If you want, you can use water or even a splash of white wine for a different twist.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Blooming Look?
Creating the bloom effect on your apples is all about careful preparation. Follow these steps to get the best results:
- Make sure to core the apples without cutting through the bottom. This keeps the filling snug inside!
- When cutting the slits, go about 3/4 of the way down and try to make even spacing for a beautiful bloom when they bake.
- Don’t rush—the baking time is crucial. Baste the apples with their juices every 15 minutes for even cooking and added flavor.
- Testing with a fork after 35 minutes will help you gauge if they are soft enough. You want them tender but not mushy!
These tips will ensure your baked apples not only taste delicious but also look impressive when served. Enjoy your cozy dessert!
How to Make Baked Bloomin’ Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Honey or caramel sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-45 minutes to bake. You’ll want to get everything prepped and then let the oven do the work while your kitchen fills with the wonderful aromas of baking apples!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake those apples until they are soft and sweet.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash the apples thoroughly. Then, core each apple carefully, making sure not to cut through the bottom so it remains intact. This way, you’ll be able to stuff it with all those yummy ingredients! Next, make 8-10 vertical cuts around each apple, stopping about 3/4 of the way down. This will help them bloom as they bake.
3. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, optional nuts, and optional dried fruit. This mixture will create a delicious, gooey filling inside your apples!
4. Stuff the Apples:
Gently pull apart the apple sections a little and stuff the brown sugar mixture into the slits and inside the core of each apple. Make sure to pack it nicely!
5. Add Butter:
Now, take your small pieces of butter and place some on top of each stuffed apple. This will help keep everything delicious and moist as they bake.
6. Prepare for Baking:
In a baking dish, pour the apple cider or apple juice around the apples. This will help to caramelize the apples and add flavor.
7. Bake the Apples:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and let the apples bake for 35-45 minutes. You’ll want to check for tenderness, and it helps to baste the apples with their juices halfway through, so they stay moist and delicious.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are tender and blooming, take the apples out of the oven and carefully transfer each one to a serving plate. Top each apple with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with honey or caramel sauce, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve warm, and enjoy your delightful dessert!
This recipe results in beautifully soft, sweet apples with a gooey filling that contrasts perfectly with cold vanilla ice cream. It’s a cozy fall treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are great choices for their sweetness and firmness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Golden Delicious for a sweeter flavor. Just ensure the apples can hold up to the baking process!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Bloomin’ Apples?
Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a non-dairy ice cream for serving. The recipe will still be delicious and comforting!
Can I Prep the Apples Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can core and slice the apples and prepare the filling a few hours in advance. Just keep the apples in a bowl of water with a little lemon juice to prevent browning until you’re ready to bake them. Simply fill and bake when you’re ready to serve!
