Bloomin’ Apples

Bloomin’ apples are a warm, sweet treat I love making when I want something cozy, pretty, and surprisingly easy. Each apple is cut to “bloom” open as it bakes, filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture that melts into every slice. It’s like a personal apple pie without the crust—and perfect for fall or anytime I’m craving a comforting dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how bloomin’ apples look impressive without much effort. They make a beautiful dessert that’s fun to serve, and they taste as good as they look. The flavor reminds me of baked apple pie, but I skip the dough and go straight for the good stuff—caramelized apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it becomes a dessert I could eat any night of the week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Optional: caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or vanilla ice cream for serving

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. I core each apple about 2/3 of the way down, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. I make vertical cuts around the apple without slicing completely through, then make horizontal cuts to create a grid-like pattern. As the apple bakes, these cuts help it “bloom.”
4. I place the apples in a baking dish.
5. I melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
6. I spoon the mixture generously over each apple, making sure it gets into the cuts.
7. I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then I uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until the apples are soft and blooming open.
8. I serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream if I want to go all out.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 to 4 servings, depending on how many apples I prepare. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in around 45 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a nutty crunch. When I want more richness, I add a dash of heavy cream or maple syrup to the butter mixture. For a crisp topping, I sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola on top before baking.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the bloomin’ apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them gently in 30-second bursts. I always add a fresh drizzle of caramel before serving again.

FAQs

What type of apples work best?

I like using firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold their shape well while baking and don’t get mushy.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No, I leave the skins on. They help the apples hold their shape and give a little texture contrast when eating.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

I can prep the apples and filling in advance, then bake them right before serving. They taste best warm and fresh from the oven.

What’s the best way to core the apples without cutting through?

I use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out the center, stopping before I reach the bottom. That way the filling stays inside during baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. The flavor is still delicious, especially if I add a touch of maple syrup or coconut oil.

Conclusion

Bloomin’ apples are one of those desserts I keep coming back to. They’re simple to make, gorgeous to serve, and full of warm, spiced flavor. Whether I’m making them for guests or just treating myself after dinner, they always bring that perfect mix of comfort and elegance to the table.

Bloomin’ Apples

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Bloomin’ Apples are a cozy, easy-to-make dessert featuring whole apples cut to bloom open as they bake, filled with buttery cinnamon sugar. Perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a warm, spiced treat, these apples are like mini crustless apple pies—beautiful to serve and irresistibly delicious with a scoop of ice cream.

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• Large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
• 2–3 tablespoons butter
• 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: caramel sauce, chopped nuts, vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Core each apple about 2/3 of the way down, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
3. Make vertical and horizontal cuts around the apple (without slicing through) to create a blooming effect.
4. Place apples in a baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
6. Spoon the mixture generously over each apple, making sure it gets into the cuts.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until apples are soft and beginning to bloom open.
8. Serve warm with caramel drizzle and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

• Use a melon baller or small spoon to core apples without piercing the bottom.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
• For a crisp topping, sprinkle granola or crushed graham crackers before baking.
• Swap butter for plant-based margarine to make dairy-free.
• Maple syrup or a splash of cream adds richness to the filling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 apple
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg