Name: Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 firm, crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp); 8 chewy caramel squares; 4 Tbsp melted butter; 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar; 1 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; Cooking spray; Vanilla ice cream, for serving; Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Hey friend, if you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe. I absolutely love how the apples soften just enough while still holding their shape, and when you bite into that gooey caramel center—oh man, pure magic. This recipe is super simple, yet so impressive that your family and guests will think you’ve been secretly baking professionally all along. Trust me, once you make these, they might just become your go-to fall or anytime treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Delicious: You’ll find that a handful of simple ingredients turn into a stunning dessert.
Perfect Caramel Ooze: The melted caramel inside each apple creates the ultimate sweet surprise in every bite.
Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you use your oven or air fryer, this recipe works beautifully with both.
Family Favorite: My kids go crazy for it, and I bet yours will too!

Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a part in creating that perfect balance of crispy apple, buttery cinnamon sweetness, and gooey caramel magic. When shopping, aim for firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp to ensure they hold their shape and texture through baking.

Flat lay of four firm, crisp Honeycrisp apples, eight chewy caramel squares slightly unwrapped, a small pile of packed brown sugar, granulated sugar scattered gently, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon forming a soft mound, melted golden butter pooling artfully, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream with a smooth texture, and a small drizzle of rich caramel sauce creating a glossy swirl—all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples, caramel apple dessert, baked apple recipe, fall dessert ideas, easy caramel apples

Cooking Spray: Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking — trust me, it’s a small step that saves you hassle.
Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the sugars dissolve, creating a lovely caramelized finish on the apples.
Brown Sugar: Brings that deep molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the sweetness with a touch of crunch in the caramelized top layer.
Ground Cinnamon: This classic spice is what makes baked apples smell like fall in your kitchen.
Firm, Crisp Apples (like Honeycrisp): Look for apples that aren’t too soft or mealy for the best texture and flavor.
Chewy Caramel Squares: These melt gorgeously inside the apple, creating that luscious, gooey filling.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For serving — because warm and cold together are everything.
Caramel Sauce: A final drizzle adds extra decadence that your taste buds will thank you for.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love shaking things up with this Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe depending on the season or what’s in the pantry. Sometimes a little tweak can make a recipe feel brand new!

Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon brown sugar mix gives extra warmth — my family really noticed the subtle difference.
Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the apple with the caramel for a crunchy contrast that I swear you’ll love.
Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free caramel squares — I tried this and it’s just as indulgent!
Deeper Flavor: Brush the apples with a little maple syrup before adding the butter mixture; it gives a lovely caramelized shine.

How to Make Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F or your air fryer to 350°F. While that’s warming up, slice the tops off your apples and carefully core them without going all the way through the bottom—you want a little base to hold all that caramel goodness. Then flip each apple upside down and make thin crosswise cuts about halfway down, creating the blooming effect. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; the charm is in the homemade look!

Step 2: Mix and Fill the Apples

Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will add that irresistible sweet-spicy coating to your apples. Then stuff each apple with two caramel squares nestled right inside the cored cavity. When I first tried this, I was worried the caramel might leak out, but those thick apples hold everything nicely.

Step 3: Bake or Air-Fry to Perfection

Brush the butter and sugar mixture all over the apples, making sure you get it in the crisp crevices. If you’re using an oven, place the apples in a greased baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still holding together. For air fryer lovers, the apples bake beautifully at 350°F for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too mushy — I learned that the hard way after my first batch!

Step 4: Serve Warm with Sweet Extras

Once out of the oven or air fryer, serve these beauties immediately with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of warm apple and cold ice cream is seriously something special, and I always find the caramel sauce takes the whole dessert to another level.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: I’ve found that Honeycrisp or Granny Smith have the perfect balance of tartness and firmness.
Don’t Over-Cut the Apples: Leaving the bottom intact keeps the caramel from leaking out and helps the apple hold its shape.
Brush Butter Mixture Thoroughly: Coating every nook means a beautifully caramelized, flavorful exterior — don’t skip this step!
Watch Cooking Time Closely: Every oven (and air fryer) heats differently; start checking for tenderness 5 minutes before the minimum time.

How to Serve Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe

Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top these apples with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which melts into all those crevices so beautifully. A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce is non-negotiable in my book. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of crushed toasted pecans for a little crunch and contrast — you’d be surprised how much it elevates the texture.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands out on its own, but if you want a little something extra, I like serving it alongside spiced chai or a cup of hot coffee. It’s incredible pairing the warm apple with a cozy drink. For a fuller meal, a light salad or roasted chicken makes a lovely savory-to-sweet finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged multiple caramel-stuffed apples on a large rustic wooden board with dollops of whipped cream around and drizzles of caramel sauce zigzagging over everything. Adding a few fresh mint leaves makes it look extra festive. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser and looks way fancier than the effort involved!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apple texture softens a bit more overnight, but it’s still delicious if you prefer your dessert a bit more tender.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these after baking, but the texture of the apple suffers a bit upon thawing—so I recommend enjoying them fresh whenever possible. However, you can freeze the unbaked apples (pre-stuffed) for up to one month and bake directly from frozen, just add additional baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the apples in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to make the apple mushy and the caramel sticky rather than luscious.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

You want to choose firm, crisp apples that hold up well during baking, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Softer apples tend to become too mushy and won’t create the beautiful bloomin’ effect.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully in an air fryer set to 350°F. Just reduce the cooking time to about 20 minutes and check for tenderness earlier since air fryers cook quickly.
Is there a dairy-free version of Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe?

Yes! Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, along with dairy-free caramel squares. The flavor and texture still come out fantastic, and it’s a hit with friends who have dietary restrictions.
Why is it important not to cut through the bottom of the apple?

Leaving the bottom intact helps the apple stay together as it bakes and keeps the caramel from leaking out. It’s key to the bloomin’ appearance and juicy, gooey filling.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel-Stuffed Bloomin’ Apples Recipe truly holds a special place in my heart because it’s a simple way to elevate humble ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s been my secret weapon for delightful weekend desserts or last-minute company treats. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — just imagine sharing warm apples dripping with caramel and cinnamon with the people you love. Give it a try and watch those smiles grow!