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
Scale
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