If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, I’ve got you covered with my fan-freaking-tastic Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe. This beauty combines tender baked apples with gooey caramel and the cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream — it’s like a cozy, elegant treat that anyone can make at home. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around and see how easy (and delicious!) it is to create this dessert that feels straight from a fancy restaurant but made right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it super accessible.
- Impressively Elegant: It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off, perfect for guests or a cozy night in.
- Versatile Cooking: Whether you have an oven or an air fryer, this recipe adapts beautifully.
- Deliciously Comforting: The caramel and cinnamon butter mixture melts into the apples, and paired with ice cream? Pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet they come together to create that amazing balance of sweet, warm, and creamy. Focusing on quality butter and fresh apples really makes a difference — and you’ll see why as the aroma fills your kitchen.
- Cooking spray: Helps keep your baking dish or air fryer basket nice and nonstick, which makes cleanup easier.
- Melted butter: The base for your cinnamon sugar coating; I love using real butter for that rich flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth of flavor — the molasses in it is why I prefer brown over white here.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a nice glaze over the apples.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon and apples were made for each other — don’t skip this fragrant spice!
- Apples: Firm, crisp apples work best so they hold together during baking; I usually grab Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Chewy caramel squares: These melt wonderfully in the center, giving that gooey, luscious surprise inside each apple.
- Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream: The perfect creamy contrast to the warm baked apples — creamy vanilla is a classic pairing I keep coming back to.
- Caramel for drizzling: Optional, but oh-so-good! I like to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top to amp up that sweet, buttery goodness.
Variations
I love that this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe is easy to tweak for different tastes or occasions. Whether you want to make it dairy-free, swap up the spices, or turn it into a sparkly holiday treat, it’s pretty flexible.
- Dairy-Free Version: I swapped butter for coconut oil and used dairy-free vanilla ice cream once, and no one missed the dairy — still decadent!
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract in the butter mixture took things to the next level for me.
- Nutty Crunch: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving — gives a lovely texture contrast.
- Holiday Twist: Toss in a few dried cranberries into the apples for a festive touch that my family raved about last Christmas.
How to Make Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven or Air Fryer and Mix the Butter Coating
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F if you’re baking, or set your air fryer to 350°F. While that’s warming up, whisk together melted butter with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This cinnamon-sugar butter mix is like the flavor powerhouse that will give your apples that irresistible golden glaze and warmth. I learned that melting the butter first really helps everything come together smoothly when brushing.
Step 2: Core and Slice Your Apples Carefully
Grab your apples and slice off just the tops to create a little “lid.” Use an apple corer to remove the core, then check for any leftover bits with a spoon — you want to clear the middle without piercing through the bottom, so the caramel doesn’t leak out. Next, with a paring knife, make two gentle circular cuts around the apple like rings, creating those signature “petals” of the bloomin’ apple. Place it cut-side down and slice crosswise between those cuts, being sure not to slice all the way through. This step gives the apple its beautiful “flower” look when baked.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples and Brush with Butter Mixture
Fill each apple cavity with two chewy caramel squares — this is my favorite part because when they melt, you get those amazing pockets of sweet, gooey caramel inside. Then, brush the entire top of the apples generously with that cinnamon butter mixture. Don’t rush this step; the butter and sugars help the apples brown and caramelize beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry Your Bloomin’ Apples
Place the apples in a greased baking dish (if using the oven) or directly into the air fryer basket. Bake for about 30 minutes in the oven or around 20 minutes in the air fryer, checking that the apples become tender but still hold their shape. I found that cooking times can vary a little by apple type and size, so start keeping an eye after 25 minutes to avoid over-softening. When the apples bloom open and the caramel’s oozing, you know you did it right!
Step 5: Serve Warm with Ice Cream and a Drizzle of Caramel
Serve your bloomin’ apples warm with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream — I use Breyers Natural Vanilla because it’s creamy and not too sweet, balancing the caramel perfectly. Don’t be shy with that caramel drizzle; it turns this dessert from good to unforgettable. I promise, your family or guests will go crazy for this comforting, indulgent treat.
Pro Tips for Making Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe
- Choose Firm Apples: Using firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith keeps the “bloom” shape intact and prevents mushiness.
- Don’t Over-Cut the Apples: When slicing, be careful not to cut all the way through so the petals stay connected and open up nicely.
- Watch Your Caramel Placement: Stuff the caramel squares deeply enough inside the core cavity or they might burn along the edges.
- Serve Immediately: These are best served warm right out of the oven or air fryer with ice cream, so plan to serve as soon as they’re ready to avoid getting soggy.
How to Serve Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple because the apples already shine on their own — a little extra caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans add a lovely crunch and a boost of nutty flavor. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color if you’re serving guests. These touches elevate the presentation while keeping the focus on the bloomin’ apples themselves.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines solo, but if you’re planning a bigger meal, light sides like a simple green salad or roasted veggies can round out the menu nicely. After a rich dinner, these Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe make the perfect sweet note to end on.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving each apple in an individual ramekin or on decorative dessert plates with a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar. Sometimes, I nestle the apple on a bed of crushed cinnamon graham crackers for added texture. If you want to wow your guests, serve alongside a warm spiced cider or mulled wine to enhance that cozy, autumnal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. I’ve found that placing them in an airtight container keeps the apples from drying out too much, though the texture won’t be quite as perfect as fresh from the oven.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing these apples before, but I don’t recommend it because the texture changes and the caramel can get a bit grainy. If you want to prep ahead, I suggest preparing the apples up to the coring and cutting stage, then freezing them raw—you can bake fresh when you’re ready.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the apples in a 350°F oven for around 10 minutes or heat gently in the air fryer for several minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the apples soggy and unevenly heated.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji to ensure the apples hold their shape and bloom nicely during baking. Softer apples can become mushy and may not look as appealing.
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Can I make this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the apples in advance by coring and slicing them, then store them wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to a day before baking. However, the best results come from baking fresh right before serving to keep the texture and caramel at their best.
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What’s the best way to melt the caramel inside the apples?
Stuff the caramel squares properly into the core cavity, then bake at the recommended temperature and time. The caramel melts perfectly inside as the apple softens. If you try to melt caramel in the microwave separately, it might get too thick or burnt when baking.
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Can I skip the ice cream or caramel drizzle?
Definitely, but I highly recommend both—the cold vanilla ice cream contrasts the warm apple superbly, and the caramel drizzle adds extra sweetness and shine. If you want a lighter option, try a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe brings a little magic to dessert time. When I first tried it, the combination of warm, tender apple petals filled with soft caramel alongside melting vanilla ice cream felt like an instant classic. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight treat. Give it a shot — I’m pretty sure it’ll become your family’s new favorite autumn dessert, just like it did mine.
PrintBloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins (oven) or 20 mins (air fryer)
- Total Time: 45 mins (using oven) or 35 mins (using air fryer)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bloomin’ Apples is a delightful dessert featuring whole apples sliced to resemble a blooming flower, filled with gooey caramel squares, brushed with a cinnamon-sugar butter mixture, and baked or air fried until tender. Served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this recipe offers a comforting, sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 4 Tbsp. melted butter
- 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 4 apples
- 8 chewy caramel squares
- Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Oven or Air Fryer: For oven baking, preheat oven to 375°F and grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray. For air frying, the air fryer will be preheated later to 350°F.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Core and Slice Apples: Slice the top off each apple and use a corer to remove the core. Remove any leftover core pieces with a small spoon. Using a paring knife, make two circular cuts around the apple. Place the apple cut side down on a cutting board and slice crosswise carefully without cutting through the core, creating a ‘blooming’ effect.
- Fill and Brush Apples: Fill each apple with two chewy caramel squares, then brush the tops generously with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Cook Apples: For oven method, place apples in the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes until tender. For air fryer method, place apples in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for about 20 minutes until soft.
- Serve: Serve the warm bloomin’ apples with a scoop of Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results as they hold shape well during baking.
- Do not slice all the way through the core to maintain the ‘bloom’ shape.
- If caramel squares are too firm, microwave them for a few seconds before inserting to help them melt inside the apples.
- Adjust baking or air frying time slightly depending on your apple size and equipment.
- Serving warm with ice cream enhances the dessert experience by adding creaminess and contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple with fillings and ice cream
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg