Bloomin Baked Apples

These Bloomin Baked Apples are a sweet, interactive fall dessert that transforms a simple Honeycrisp apple into a stunning, flower-like treat. Perfectly tender and infused with warm spices, they offer all the comfort of apple pie with a fraction of the effort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe because it provides a show-stopping visual appeal that resembles the famous restaurant appetizer, but in a much healthier, baked dessert form. Unlike deep-fried treats, these apples are brushed with a decadent mixture of melted butter and apple pie spice, then slow-baked until they are syrupy and soft. It is a fun, interactive way to enjoy fall flavors, especially when topped with cold vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm apple “petals.”

Ingredients

• 4 large (9 ounce) Honeycrisp apples
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice blend
• 8 medium soft caramel squares (such as Werther’s)
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Apples: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Slice off the top 1/2-inch of each apple to create a flat surface.
2. Core the Apples: Using an apple corer, a melon baller, or a teaspoon, remove the core from each apple. Start at the top and stop about 1 inch from the bottom to ensure the apple stays intact.
3. Create the Concentric Circles: Using a paring knife or a round cookie cutter, cut 2 concentric circles about 1/4-inch apart moving outward from the center core. Cut as deep as possible without cutting through the bottom of the apple.
4. Slice the Petals: Working from the top, cut vertically into 8 equal slices (petals), leaving the apple intact at least 1/2-inch from the bottom.
5. Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice until the mixture is well combined.
6. Assemble for Baking: Place the prepared apples in an 8-inch square baking dish. Fill the center of each apple with two caramel squares. Brush the butter and spice mixture evenly over the tops and into the crevices of each apple.
7. Add Water and Bake: Pour boiling water into the bottom of the baking dish until it reaches a depth of 1/4-inch. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
8. Bake in Two Stages: Bake for 30 minutes with the foil on. Remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sugar begins to caramelize and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the apples to cool for 10 minutes. Using your hands, gently spread the apple petals apart to create the “blooming” effect. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To get the best results with your Bloomin Baked Apples, use a melon baller to core the center; it creates a clean, rounded cavity that holds the caramel squares perfectly. When cutting your concentric circles and vertical petals, be careful not to slice all the way through the base, or the apple will fall apart during the baking process. If you want a more intense flavor, try to brush the butter mixture deep into the cuts of the petals so the spice permeates the entire fruit.

While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and firm texture, you can substitute them with Granny Smith apples if you prefer a more tart flavor profile. If you do not have apple pie spice on hand, you can create your own blend using 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice or ginger. For a crunchier texture, sprinkle a tablespoon of granola or toasted pecans over the apples during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

These apples are best served warm, immediately after the 10-minute cooling period. While vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, you could also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. For a sophisticated touch, add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel sauce to create a salted caramel effect that balances the sweetness of the fruit.

Storage: Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the texture of the baked apple petals can become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating: To reheat, place the apple in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 45-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

FAQ