Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples are nothing short of magical. Imagine a crisp, juicy apple, artfully sliced into a blooming flower shape, with pockets filled with gooey, melted caramel that oozes with every bite. This cozy treat blends warm cinnamon, buttery sweetness, and that irresistible caramel pull, creating a dessert perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings. Once you’ve tried Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples, they’ll become your go-to for a charming and comforting finale to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples. Each item plays a special role, from adding moistness and sweetness to setting the stage for that beautiful apple bloom.
- Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures an easy cleanup.
- 4 Tbsp Melted Butter: Brings richness and helps the topping caramelize beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp Packed Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and natural sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar: Gives a quick caramelizing crunch.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the apple.
- 4 Apples (firm, crisp variety like Honeycrisp): Offers the ideal texture that holds up well during baking.
- 8 Chewy Caramel Squares: Melts inside the apple for that luscious gooey center.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving): Adds creamy coolness to balance the warm apples.
- Caramel Sauce (for drizzling): Enhances the caramel experience and finishes the presentation.
How to Make Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Butter Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F or your air fryer to 350°F. Then, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This luscious, spiced butter blend will coat your apples, creating a glossy, caramelized finish that enhances every bite.
Step 2: Core and Slice the Apples
Take your firm apples and slice off their tops. Using a corer, carefully remove the core but stop just before reaching the bottom, keeping the apple intact. Flip the apple so the cut-top is down and make thin, crosswise slices all around — think of this as making petals on a blooming flower, without cutting through entirely. This technique not only looks impressive but also lets the caramel seep into each crevice during baking.
Step 3: Stuff with Caramel and Brush the Butter Mixture
Now, gently pry open each apple’s “petals” and tuck two chewy caramel squares inside to fill those pockets. After stuffing, use a brush to generously coat the tops and all the crevices with the butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture. This ensures every nook melts into sweet, aromatic goodness throughout baking. For oven cooking, place the apples upright in a greased baking dish; air fryer users can place them directly into the basket.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Serve Warm
Bake your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples in the oven for about 30 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F for around 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are fork-tender and the caramel has melted into gooey pockets. Serve immediately for the best experience, pairing with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How to Serve Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish elevates the presentation and flavor contrast of your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds crunch, while a few fresh mint leaves provide a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of powdered sugar can give a whimsical, snow-kissed look perfect for seasonal celebrations.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines beautifully on its own, especially with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, but you can also serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or a robust coffee. For a brunch setting, pair it with cinnamon-spiced oatmeal or fluffy buttermilk pancakes to highlight apple and caramel’s cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples on personalized rustic wood slices or elegant dessert plates drizzled artistically with caramel sauce. Adding a small dish of whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can make each plate a little masterpiece. These ideas turn a humble baked apple into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of your miraculous Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the apples separate from ice cream or garnishes to avoid sogginess, and always bring them to room temperature or gently reheat before serving to enjoy that melty caramel goodness.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not the ideal method for preserving the fresh texture of bloomin’ apples. The caramel may harden, and the apple may become mushy upon thawing. If you must freeze, wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to soften the apples and revive the caramel’s melty texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the apple soggy and the caramel tough. Air frying leftover apples at 300°F for a few minutes is another quick way to warm them without losing their form.
FAQs
What type of apple works best for Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples?
Choose a firm, crisp apple like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart to complement the caramel filling.
Can I use different fillings besides caramel?
Absolutely! While caramels provide the signature gooey center, you could experiment with cream cheese, Nutella, or cinnamon sugar for new flavor adventures, but keep in mind that caramel melts in a unique way that defines this recipe.
Is it necessary to slice the apple into petals?
Yes, slicing into “petals” allows the caramel to melt into every nook and gives that stunning bloomin’ apple look. It also makes it easier to eat by breaking apart the apple naturally.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Definitely! The air fryer is a wonderful option for quicker baking and crispier edges. Just reduce the baking time to around 20 minutes at 350°F and keep an eye on doneness.
How do I prevent the apples from browning before baking?
To keep your apples looking fresh while you prep, toss the cut apples in a little lemon juice or a water-lemon juice mix. This slows oxidation and helps maintain their bright, appetizing color.
Final Thoughts
Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples are a charming and delicious way to turn humble apples into a showstopping dessert that’s bursting with warmth and flavor. This recipe is as easy as it is impressive, sure to delight family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate to give these caramel-filled wonders a try—you’ll find they bring a little extra magic to any meal and make fond memories around the table.
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Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this warm and comforting Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples recipe, where tender, spiced apples are filled with gooey caramel squares and baked to perfection. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this dessert combines classic flavors in a visually stunning presentation that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Apples and Filling
- 4 firm, crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp)
- 8 chewy caramel squares
For the Topping and Coating
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (as desired)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare butter mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined, creating a sweet and spiced coating for the apples.
- Core and slice the apples: Slice off the top of each apple to create a flat surface. Using an apple corer, remove the core carefully, stopping before you reach the bottom to keep the apple intact. Place each apple cut-side down and make thin crosswise slices all around, being careful not to cut through the base, allowing the apple to bloom open as it bakes.
- Stuff and coat apples: Insert two caramel squares into each hollowed apple center. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the top and the slices of the apple with the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture, ensuring the flavors seep into all crevices.
- Bake the apples: For oven baking, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray and place the prepared apples inside. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. For air fryer cooking, place the apples upright in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for roughly 20 minutes until tender.
- Serve warm with ice cream: Remove the apples carefully from the oven or air fryer. Serve immediately while warm by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and drizzling caramel sauce over the top for a rich and decadent finish.
Notes
- Choose firm and crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best texture.
- Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the apples to keep the caramel enclosed during baking.
- Feel free to substitute caramel squares with individually wrapped chewy caramels or homemade caramel pieces.
- This recipe can be made in an air fryer for a quicker cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and coconut milk-based ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking / Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple with ice cream and caramel sauce
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Caramel stuffed apples, baked apples, caramel dessert, bloomin apples, fall dessert, apple recipe, easy dessert
