Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a fondness for autumn flavors, you’re going to adore this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender, baked apples open up like little blossoms, each petal filled with gooey caramel squares that melt into warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness. Served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of caramel, this dessert is pure magic on a plate.

What I find so special about this recipe is how it transforms simple apples into something truly memorable with just a handful of ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or craving a comforting treat on a chilly evening, these bloomin’ apples hit the spot every single time. I promise, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them on repeat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together beautifully to create the classic cozy flavors we love in fall desserts. Make sure to pick apples that are firm enough to hold their shape when baked, and quality caramel squares work wonders for that melty surprise inside.

• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and keeps your baking dish clean.
• Melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the sugar-cinnamon topping moist and golden.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and a lovely texture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids caramelization.
• Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that completes the apple flavor profile.
• Apples: Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that can soften but still keep shape when cooked.
• Caramel squares: The gooey heart of these bloomin’ apples, melting into each apple’s folds.
• Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream: The cool, creamy contrast perfect for serving on top.
• Caramel (for drizzling): Extra indulgence to finish off this dessert beautifully.

Variations

I love how flexible the Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is — it welcomes all sorts of fun tweaks to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Giving it a personal twist always feels satisfying and keeps this treat exciting.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the butter-sugar mix gives the apples a little extra warmth that I found delightful on chilly nights.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a satisfying crunch that my family asks for now every time.
• Dairy-Free: Swap regular butter for vegan butter and use a plant-based vanilla ice cream to make this recipe friendly for dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
• Alcohol Infusion: A tablespoon of bourbon or rum mixed into the butter-sugar blend introduces a grown-up vibe that’s perfect for celebrations.

How to Make Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Butter Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you’re going the oven route — I find this temp perfect for tender but not mushy apples. Meanwhile, lightly spray a baking dish to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture is the secret to that irresistible golden glaze on the apples.

Step 2: Core and Blossom Your Apples

Slice the tops off your apples, then carefully corer out the cores, making sure to remove any leftover bits with a spoon. Using a paring knife, make two circular cuts around the apple and then cut crosswise with the apple resting cut side down, stopping before you cut all the way through — this creates the “bloomin’” effect. It can feel a bit delicate at first, but taking it slow helps you avoid slicing through the base.

Step 3: Fill, Brush, and Bake

Place your “bloomin’” apples in the baking dish. Stuff each apple with two caramel squares tucked into the petals — this is the luscious surprise everyone loves. Brush the tops generously with the butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture, ensuring the sugar seeps into the crevices. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the apples soften beautifully but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Serve with Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle

Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool just a bit (warm is best!). Scoop some vanilla ice cream on the side or right on top, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that final indulgent touch. The contrast between warm apple and cold ice cream is simply divine.

If you prefer using an air fryer, I’ve got you covered! The steps are mostly the same, but bake the prepared apples at 350°F for about 20 minutes in your air fryer basket—quick, easy, and just as delicious.

How to Serve Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these Bloomin’ Apples with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar. The nuts add a welcome crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender apple and creamy ice cream. Sometimes I even add a little fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Since Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is a dessert star, I typically keep sides simple, but a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a rich hot chocolate pairs beautifully. For a brunch vibe, you could serve with cinnamon pancakes or fluffy waffles to make a decadent spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate each bloomin’ apple in an individual pretty ramekin or small skillet to emphasize the cozy, homemade vibe. Drizzling extra caramel in an artistic swirl around the plate makes it feel extra luxurious. And topping with a cinnamon stick as a garnish adds a sweet aroma that really invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover bloomin’ apples in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, though I recommend reheating them gently to retain the tender texture. My family sometimes enjoys chilled apples on their own, but warming them really revives that fresh-baked feeling.

Freezing

Freezing bloomin’ apples is doable, but I’ve noticed the texture softens a bit on thawing. If you want to freeze, wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy reheated rather than eating straight from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat bloomin’ apples, I pop them in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave zap works too, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Adding a touch more caramel or a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream instantly refreshes the dessert when reheated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want to bring a little cozy joy to the table without a lot of fuss. It hits all the right notes between warm, gooey, and refreshingly cool. Honestly, there’s something very special about carrying it from oven to table, watching the caramel melt and the ice cream slowly pool among the apple petals. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting treat as much as my family and I do — it’s a sweet hug in dessert form.

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