A stunning fall dessert, Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples are perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat on a chilly evening. This recipe transforms crisp apples into beautiful, blooming desserts filled with gooey caramel and topped with ice cream. Not only do they look impressive, but they also offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick steps, this dessert is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Beautiful Presentation: The way the apples bloom when baked creates an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm with ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Perfect for Fall: Embrace the season with this cozy dessert that celebrates autumn flavors.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in cooking; they’ll love helping to prepare these delightful apples!

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples, gather your tools. Having everything ready helps make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cooking Spray
Mixing Bowl
Apple Corer
Baking Dish (for oven) or Air Fryer Basket

Importance of Each Tool

Apple Corer: This tool simplifies the process of removing the apple core and ensures even slicing.
Mixing Bowl: A must-have for combining your melted butter, sugars, and cinnamon smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

Cooking Spray

For the Apples

4 Tbsp Melted Butter
1 Tbsp Packed Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

For the Bloomin’ Apples

4 Apples (firm, crisp variety like Honeycrisp)
8 Chewy Caramel Squares

For Serving

Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving)
Caramel Sauce (for drizzling)

How to Make Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples

Step 1: Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer

Preheat your oven to 375°F or your air fryer to 350°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Slice off the top of each apple.
Use an apple corer to remove the core without cutting through the bottom.
Place each apple cut-side down on a surface and carefully make thin crosswise slices without cutting all the way through.

Step 3: Stuff and Brush the Apples

Fill each sliced apple with two chewy caramel squares.
Brush the melted butter mixture generously over each apple, getting into all the crevices.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry the Apples

For Oven: Place apples in a greased baking dish and bake until tender, about 30 minutes.
For Air Fryer: Place apples in the basket and cook at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve your warm Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness!

How to Serve Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples

Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples make an exquisite dessert for any gathering or cozy night in. Here are some delightful ways to serve this delicious treat.

Pair with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the warm, gooey caramel.
Cinnamon Ice Cream: Adds a spicy twist that complements the cinnamon in the apples.

Drizzle with Sauce

Warm Caramel Sauce: A rich addition that amplifies the sweetness of the dessert.
Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, this provides a delightful contrast to the apple’s flavors.

Add Whipped Topping

Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds creaminess without overpowering.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider vanilla or cinnamon-flavored cream for an extra kick.

Serve with Nuts

Chopped Pecans: Their crunchiness pairs well with the soft texture of the apples.
Toasted Almonds: Adds a nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste experience.

Garnish with Fresh Fruit

Slices of Fresh Pear or Berries: Provide a fresh contrast to the warm dessert.
Pomegranate Seeds: These add a pop of color and tartness to each bite.

How to Perfect Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples

To achieve the best results with your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples, consider these helpful tips.

Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a perfect bake.
Don’t Overfill: Adding too many caramel squares can cause overflow; stick to two per apple.
Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your apples; depending on size, cooking time may vary slightly.
Brush Generously: Ensure you coat all surfaces with melted butter mixture for enhanced flavor and moisture.
Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing them to cool slightly helps set the caramel and makes them easier to serve.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding nuts or spices to customize your bloomin’ apples to your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples

Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples are wonderfully versatile and can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheddar and creamy brie pairs well with the sweetness of apples.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dessert.
Pumpkin Soup: The warmth of pumpkin soup adds a seasonal touch that matches perfectly with fall flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots provide a savory counterpoint.
Gingerbread Cookies: The spiciness of gingerbread complements the sweetness of bloomin’ apples beautifully.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm beverage brings out flavors and enhances your dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples even more delicious. Here are some key pitfalls to steer clear of:

Using soft apples: Always choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp for the best texture. Soft apples will become mushy and lose their shape.
Not slicing deep enough: Make sure your cuts reach near the bottom but don’t cut through. This allows the apple to bloom properly while holding the caramel.
Skipping the butter mixture: The melted butter blend adds flavor and helps caramelize the apples. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
Overbaking: Keep an eye on your apples while they bake. Overbaking can cause them to turn mushy instead of tender.
Neglecting to serve warm: These apples taste best when served warm with ice cream. Serve them immediately after baking for a delightful experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples

Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
You can freeze them for up to 2 months, but for best results, consume within 1 month.

Reheating Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat the apples for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or butter, and cover until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples:

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! While Honeycrisp is ideal, you can experiment with other firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for different flavors.

How do I know when my apples are done?

Your apples should be tender and easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Check around the 20-minute mark if using an air fryer.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add great texture. You could also drizzle chocolate sauce over the top for extra indulgence.

What if I don’t have caramel squares?

You can substitute with caramel sauce or even chocolate chips if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious! They make a wonderful dessert option, especially during fall gatherings. Feel free to customize by adding toppings or trying different apple varieties. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the cozy flavors it brings!

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Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples, a delightful dessert that transforms ordinary apples into an extraordinary treat. These blooming beauties are filled with gooey caramel and baked to perfection, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with warm caramel sauce, they offer a heavenly combination of sweet and savory flavors. Easy to make and fun for the whole family, this recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or autumn celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

4 firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
8 chewy caramel squares
4 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp packed brown sugar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Caramel sauce (for drizzling)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F or air fryer to 350°F.
Slice off the tops of the apples and core them without cutting through the bottom.
Make thin crosswise slices in each apple, then fill with two caramel squares.
Brush melted butter mixed with sugars and cinnamon over the apples.
Bake in a greased dish for about 30 minutes or air fry for 20 minutes until tender.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American