Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

I absolutely love how cozy and comforting these Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe turn out every single time. There’s something so satisfying about the sweet, gooey caramel melting into tender, warm apple slices, especially when paired with creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s that perfect mix of flavors and textures that makes this dessert a standout — easy enough for a weeknight treat but fancy enough to impress guests.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something that feels special without a ton of fuss. Whether you’re making it to celebrate a holiday, add a little warmth to a chilly evening, or just because you want something sweet, you’ll find that Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe quickly becomes a favorite go-to. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe are straightforward, and each plays a key role to bring out that delicious fall-inspired flavor. When choosing your apples, make sure to pick a variety that’s firm and slightly tart so it holds up well during baking.

• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking without adding extra flavor, making cleanup easy.
• Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the sugars caramelize on top of the apples.
• Brown sugar: Gives a warm molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and enhances caramelization.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that elevates the apple’s natural aroma and flavor.
• Apples: I recommend Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith—firm apples that stay tender but intact.
• Chewy caramel squares: The star ingredient that melts inside, creating that irresistible gooey center.
• Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream: Or your favorite vanilla—cool and creamy ice cream is the perfect contrast to warm apples.
• Caramel sauce: For drizzling on top, adding extra decadence to the finished dessert.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes depending on the occasion or what I have on hand, and this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is fantastic for personalization. You can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs while still keeping that magic apple-and-caramel combo.

• Spiced Up: I’ve added a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with the cinnamon for a more festive flavor that pairs beautifully with autumn vibes.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free ice cream to keep it inclusive without losing richness.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Extra Fruity: Mix in a handful of fresh berries around the apples before baking for added color and flavor.

How to Make Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven or Air Fryer

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F if you’re baking, or set your air fryer to 350°F. Lightly grease your baking dish or air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. While the oven or air fryer heats up, slice the tops off each apple and use a corer to remove the core. This is important because you want enough space to stuff those caramel squares inside. I like to use a small spoon to get out any stubborn core bits left behind, then make two circular cuts with a paring knife around the apple, slicing crosswise without cutting all the way through so that the apple ‘blooms’ as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Butter-Sugar Cinnamon Mix and Stuff Apples

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture is what makes these apples so irresistibly sweet and fragrant. Place the apples in your prepared dish or air fryer basket, then stuff each one with two chewy caramel squares. Brush the butter-sugar mixture over the top of each apple — this seals in moisture and caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry Until Tender

Bake the apples in the oven for about 30 minutes or until they’re soft and nicely caramelized on top. If you’re air frying, 20 minutes should do the trick. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-softening. You want the apples tender but still holding their shape, with caramel melting inside like little sweet surprises.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle

Once your Bloomin’ Apples are perfectly baked, serve them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle on extra caramel sauce for that ultimate indulgence. It’s the combination of warm fruit, gooey caramel, and cold creamy ice cream that makes this recipe a real winner every time.

How to Serve Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these Bloomin’ Apples with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for added warmth and crunch. Sometimes I add a few fresh mint leaves just for a pop of color and freshness. It makes the dish look extra special without much effort.

Side Dishes

While this recipe shines on its own, pairing it with a hot cup of spiced tea or a lightly spiked apple cider really elevates the experience. For dinner parties, I’ve served it after a simple roast chicken with root vegetables, and the dessert perfectly rounds out the cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the apples in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic ceramic ramekins. That way, the bakes continue to stay warm at the table, and it creates a beautiful presentation. Adding edible flowers nearby or dusting the plate with cinnamon sugar is a nice touch too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and sometimes I do!), store them covered in the fridge for up to two days. I recommend reheating gently in the oven at a low temperature to keep the apples moist and prevent the caramel from hardening too much.

Freezing

Freezing Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe isn’t my go-to because the texture changes a bit, but if you want to freeze, I’d suggest storing the baked apples without ice cream, tightly wrapped in foil and frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the apples in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through, then serve immediately with fresh vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the apples mushy and the caramel too hard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe has become a staple in my home whenever I want a fuss-free but utterly delicious dessert. I love the way it fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and how everyone swoons over that perfect gooey caramel center. Give it a try—you’ll really enjoy how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Plus, it’s a fun dessert that feels just a little extra, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).

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