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This bloomin apples recipe offers a beautifully arranged, warm dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors with a comforting crunch. It’s a wonderful way to highlight fresh apples in a visually striking and delicious form that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
I first made this when I wanted something festive without the fuss of a pie crust. Now it’s a favorite whenever I crave a warm fall dessert and my family loves the presentation almost as much as the taste.
Ingredients
- Apples: Four medium sized apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith which hold their shape well and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors
- Unsalted butter: One quarter cup melted to add richness and help the topping brown beautifully
- Brown sugar: Half a cup to bring caramel notes and depth
- Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon for warmth and classic spice aroma
- Nutmeg: One quarter teaspoon provides subtle earthiness that enhances apple flavor
- Chopped nuts: One quarter cup, walnuts or pecans preferred, for crunch and nuttiness Choose fresh nuts that are fragrant and not stale
- Optional dried fruit: Optional quarter cup raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of extra sweetness and chewiness
- Lemon juice: One tablespoon to prevent apple browning and add brightness
- Topping accompaniment: Ice cream or whipped cream to serve and add creamy contrast to the warm apples
Instructions
- Slicing the Apples:
- Core each apple carefully ensuring the bottom remains intact so the wedges stay connected Cut almost to the bottom to create a blooming flower effect
- Preparing the Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help caramelize the sugar topping
- Arranging the Apples:
- Place each prepared apple upright in the baking dish spacing them so they bake evenly
- Mixing the Topping:
- Combine melted butter brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg chopped nuts raisins or cranberries and lemon juice in a small bowl This blend will create that luscious gooey topping
- Filling the Apple Slices:
- Spoon the butter mixture generously between the apple slices making sure it gets into every crevice
- Baking:
- Add a small splash of water to the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist while baking Cover loosely with foil and place in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 25 minutes Then remove foil and bake for 15 more minutes until apples are tender and the topping is bubbling and golden
- Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the apples to cool for a few minutes to settle their juices before serving Best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for decadence
One year my kids helped slice the apples and it became a fun hands on activity that made dessert feel even more special for everyone.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the topping crisp or microwave for convenience though that softens the crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Butter can be swapped for coconut oil for a dairy free version though flavor will change slightly. Brown sugar may be replaced with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a more complex sweetness. Try different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for new flavor dimensions. Dried fruit additions like chopped dates or figs work well too for seasonal variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
This blooming apple dessert is an easy impressive fall treat that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream. It comes together quickly and makes a lovely centerpiece for family gatherings.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What types of apples work best for this dish?
Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their firmness and tartness, which hold shape well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the nuts used in the filling?
Yes, walnuts or pecans can be used interchangeably depending on your preference or availability.
- → Is it necessary to add lemon juice to the filling mixture?
Lemon juice helps balance sweetness and prevents the apples from browning too quickly, enhancing overall flavor.
- → How do I prevent the apples from drying out during baking?
Adding a splash of water to the baking dish and covering it with foil during the first phase helps retain moisture.
- → What serving suggestions complement this baked apple dish?
Serving with ice cream or whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm spices and tender fruit.
- → Can I prepare the apples in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the apples ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, just increase baking time slightly.