Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

If you love warm, gooey desserts that feel like a cozy hug, then you’re going to flip for this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweet caramel melts right into the spiced apple slices—it’s like a little dessert flower blooming in your hands! Whether it’s a chilly evening treat or a show-stopping dessert for friends, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly easy to pull off. Stick around and I’ll share all my best tips to make sure your apples bloom perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe works in harmony to create that warm, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor you’ll crave long after dessert’s done. I always recommend using firm apples that hold their shape well—trust me, the texture is everything here.

• Cooking Spray: Helps keep the apples from sticking to your baking dish or air fryer basket, making cleanup easier.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich moisture and helps the sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar brings a deep molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apples.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances out the sweetness and helps with that golden, caramelized topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a classic partner for apples, and it gives this dessert its signature warm spice kick.
• Apples: Choose a firm, crisp variety like Honeycrisp—I find they hold their shape beautifully and have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Chewy Caramel Squares: These melt inside the apple pockets, creating that irresistible gooey center everyone loves.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on top takes this dessert to next-level indulgence with the contrast of cold and warm.
• Caramel Sauce: For drizzling—it’s the finishing touch to amp up the decadence.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the spices or mix and match fillings to make it your own—a little sweet, a little tangy, or even a bit nutty.

• Spiced Up: I’ve tried adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a deeper spice profile, and it gets everyone asking for seconds.
• Nutty Addition: Sometimes I tuck in chopped pecans or walnuts with the caramel squares for a lovely crunch contrast.
• Healthier Version: Swap out caramel squares for chopped dates or drizzle with a bit of honey if you want a naturally sweet spin.
• Air Fryer Friendly: I use my air fryer for smaller batches – it’s quicker but still gets that tender, melty texture I adore.

How to Make Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F or air fryer to 350°F. Then slice off the top of each apple—it’s like giving them a cute little lid! Carefully core the apples but don’t cut through the bottom; you want to create a pocket for the caramel, not a hole right through. I like to place the apples cut-side down when slicing thin crosswise slices around the edges so they can “bloom” open like a flower—just be gentle so the apple stays intact.

Step 2: Fill the Apples with Caramel and Spice

Stuff each apple with two caramel squares—this is where the magic happens! Next, whisk melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, then brush this mixture all over the apples, especially into the crevices. This blend caramelizes and adds that gorgeous golden color and flavor while the apples bake.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry Your Bloomin’ Treats

Place the prepared apples in a greased baking dish if you’re using the oven, and bake for about 30 minutes until tender. If you’re going for the air fryer method, arrange them in the basket and cook at 350°F for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—the apples should be soft but not mushy, and the caramel bubbling inside is your cue that it’s done.

Step 4: Serve Warm with a Sweet Finish

Serve these beauties immediately with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of warm, gooey apple and cold ice cream is absolutely dreamy—my family goes crazy for this combo every time!

How to Serve Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce because it lets the apples shine. But when I want to get fancy, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delightful crunch and a little extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Since this dessert is rich and sweet, I find it pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a fresh green salad or even a cup of warm chamomile tea to balance out the indulgence. If you’re serving during a holiday meal, a simple roasted pork or chicken also complements the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow guests at a dinner party, I’ve arranged these caramel-stuffed blooms on a rustic wooden platter lined with autumn leaves. Adding a cinnamon stick to each plate for aroma and a little extra spice makes the presentation truly unforgettable. Plus, the apple “flower” shape makes each serving feel special and thoughtfully made.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (mine never last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The apples soften more as they chill, so I recommend eating them within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before by wrapping each apple tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven. Though caramel texture softens a bit after freezing, the overall dessert still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make the apples soggy. A quick reheat restores the gooey caramel and fresh-baked aroma wonderfully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such a simple way to make a dessert feel like a celebration. Every time I bake it, the house fills with the warm scent of cinnamon and caramel, and I can’t resist sneaking bites even before the ice cream arrives! I hope you’ll make this recipe soon and share it with those you love—because some desserts are truly meant to be enjoyed together.

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