Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

If you’re a fan of warm, gooey desserts that feel like a big cozy hug, you’re going to adore this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe. I absolutely love how the apples bloom open like a flower stuffed with melty caramel, and that sweet buttery cinnamon drizzle seals the deal. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to whip up yet so impressive to serve. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be the star of your dessert rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe come together to give you that luscious, melty center with a perfectly spiced kick on the outside. I recommend picking firm apples like Honeycrisp — they hold their shape wonderfully in the oven and make sure you get that satisfying crunch with every bite.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and keeps your apples from drying out.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps brown that sugar-cinnamon topping.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor and moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and gives a nice caramelized crust.
• Ground Cinnamon: The warm spice that makes this dessert taste like fall in every bite.
• Firm Apples (like Honeycrisp): Pick varieties that hold up well when baked to avoid mushy results.
• Chewy Caramel Squares: The melty heart of the dessert — I love using individually wrapped ones for easy stuffing.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A must-have topping to cool down the warm apples and complement the caramel.
• Caramel Sauce: The finishing drizzle that’ll make these apples irresistible.

Variations

I love that this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe can be personalized easily based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Playing around with the fillings or toppings makes it fresh every time you serve it.

• Add Nuts: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the apples before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Use Different Fillings: Instead of caramel squares, try cream cheese mixed with a bit of brown sugar or even peanut butter for a twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy ice cream to make it vegan-friendly.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mix for a deeper aroma.

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 your air fryer to 350°F. Grab a sharp corer and carefully slice the top off each apple. I like to place the cut side down on the board and make thin crosswise cuts, almost like you’re creating blooming petals, but be sure not to slice all the way through the bottom — that’s the secret to keeping them together! Removing the core just enough to make room for the caramel is key. I discovered this technique by trial and error, and once you get the hang of it, it’s super easy.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Butter Mixture

Next, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture is magic—it seeps into all those tiny crevices and caramelizes beautifully as the apple bakes. When I brush it over the apples, I like to get it in between the slices too. Don’t rush this step; the coating really brings the whole thing together.

Step 3: Stuff Those Apples with Caramel

Stuff each apple with two chewy caramel squares right into the core area. As the apples bake, those caramels melt down into the center, creating that luscious gooey surprise in every bite. If you’re using store-bought caramels, unwrap them before stuffing—this little prep tip saves you from caramel clumps later!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the apples in a greased baking dish if you’re using the oven, or directly into your air fryer basket if that’s your choice. Bake the apples until they’re tender but still keep their shape—about 30 minutes in the oven or 20 minutes in the air fryer. I learned that going too long results in mushy apples, so keep a close eye after the 20-minute mark.

Step 5: Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla and a Drizzle of Caramel

Once out of the oven, serve these warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Honestly, that cold ice cream contrasted with the warm caramel-stuffed apple? Chef’s kiss! I always tell my friends, this finishing touch is non-negotiable if you want that perfect bite.

How to Serve Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, but sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top. It adds a lovely crunch and subtle saltiness that makes the apples taste even more decadent. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea to complement those sweet and spicy flavors. For a more substantial treat, try serving alongside spiced whipped cream or even a simple bowl of Greek yogurt to add a touch of tanginess.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great fun presenting these Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples on rustic wooden boards with leaves and cinnamon sticks for a festive fall dessert table. For holiday dinners, placing each apple in a small ramekin or atop a decorative plate with a carved apple flower makes it feel like a special occasion every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apples will soften a bit more, but reheated gently, they’re still delicious.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing whole caramel-stuffed apples because the texture tends to get mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze leftover baked apple slices or caramel sauce separately if you want to make this treat ahead of time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop each apple in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just enough to warm the caramel without melting your ice cream before serving. Alternatively, a quick zap in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes works great to revive that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe is one of those magical desserts that hits all the right notes: sweet, warm, comforting, and a little bit fancy. I love sharing it with friends because it tastes way more complicated than it actually is to make. Next time you want a dessert that will get everyone asking for seconds — or even thirds — give this one a try. I promise, once you make these, they’ll become your new go-to for fall and beyond.

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