Baked Bloomin’ Apples are a tasty treat that brings a warm and cozy feeling to your kitchen. Tender apples are sliced into flower shapes, filled with sweet goodies, and baked until soft.
You can make these apples as fancy or as simple as you like! I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s like a dessert hug! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples. These varieties hold their shape well while baking and have a nice sweetness. If you have Granny Smith or Braeburn at hand, they work too, but they may add a slightly tart flavor.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient gives depth and a caramel-like sweetness. If you want to make it lighter, try using coconut sugar. For a sugar-free option, consider a sugar substitute that measures like brown sugar.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be great alternatives!
Oats: Rolled oats contribute to a hearty filling. Quick oats can work too, but for a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add sweetness and enhance the dish’s flavor. If you prefer, you could use agave syrup for a vegan option. Adjust the amount based on your preferred level of sweetness!
How Do I Create Those Beautiful Apple “Petals”?
The petal cut is key for this pretty presentation. To achieve this, use a sharp knife and be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the apple. Here’s how:
- Stand the apple upright on a cutting board. From the top, make cuts downwards, spacing them evenly, about 3/4 of the way — think of cutting a flower.
- After slicing, gently press the apple’s sides to fan out the segments slightly. This makes the petals bloom as the apple bakes.
Remember, patience is essential here! Take your time to make the cuts even for a lovely finish after baking. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
Baked Bloomin’ Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey, plus extra for drizzling
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 35 to 45 minutes to bake, so you can enjoy your delicious Baked Bloomin’ Apples in about 1 hour total. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your apples will bake evenly and become deliciously tender. Don’t forget to grease a baking dish where you’ll place the apples so they don’t stick!
2. Prepare the Apples:
Take each apple and, using a sharp knife, slice them about 3/4 of the way down into eight sections, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. This will make them look like blooming flowers when they cook!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), rolled oats, and chopped nuts. This sweet mixture will be stuffed inside the apples for added flavor.
4. Stuff the Apples:
Gently spread the apple segments apart to create “petals.” Then, take the filling you just made and carefully pack it into each slit and the center of each apple. This will make every bite scrumptious!
5. Add Butter and Syrup:
Place small bits of butter on top of each stuffed apple and drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over them for extra sweetness.
6. Bake the Apples:
Arrange the apples in your greased baking dish. Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the dish—this keeps the apples moist as they bake. Now pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until they’re soft and easily pierced with a fork.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the apples cool slightly. Drizzle them with more maple syrup if you like. Serve them warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and sprinkle any leftover nuts on top for a finishing touch.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Bloomin’ Apples—warm, fruity, and sprinkled with sweet crunchy goodness! They’re sure to impress everyone at the table.
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are great choices for their sweetness and texture, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Braeburn for a balance of sweet and tangy.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) to achieve a similar flavor. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Baked Bloomin’ Apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a quick treat or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make These Apples Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apples (cut and stuffed) a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready for a warm dessert!
