Name: Caramel Apple Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-489906H30M24S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 4 tbsp melted butter; 1 tbsp packed brown sugar; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 4 apples; 8 chewy caramel squares; Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream, as desired; Caramel sauce, for drizzling

If you’re anything like me and crave a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a hug in dessert form, then you’re going to flip for this Caramel Apple Blossoms Recipe. It’s like a fun twist on apple pie but way easier to pull off — and seriously, the caramel melting into tender apple slices? Heaven. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself on a crisp evening, this recipe is a must-try. I’m excited to share all my little tips so yours comes out perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple but Stunning: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a dessert that looks fancy but is super easy to make.
Caramel + Apple Magic: The combination is a classic for a reason—sweet, gooey caramel perfectly balances the natural tartness of the apples.
No Oven Required: It’s a chilled treat that sets in your fridge, saving you from heating the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly Fun: My kids love helping assemble these apple blossoms — it’s a great activity that ends with a delicious payoff.

The image shows six red apples with their tops cut off and the inside scooped out into a flower-like shape, arranged close together on a tray. Each apple is filled with cooked apple pieces sprinkled with cinnamon, and on top of each filled apple is a large, round scoop of creamy white vanilla ice cream with visible vanilla bean specks. Golden caramel sauce is being poured over the ice cream, creating shiny, thick drips running down the sides of each scoop and apple. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Blossoms, apple dessert recipes, caramel apple desserts, easy apple tart, autumn fruit desserts

Ingredients You’ll Need

The harmony in this recipe comes from pairing fresh apples with cozy spices and rich caramel, creating a dessert that’s comforting but keeps that crisp apple bite. When you shop, look for firm apples and chewy caramel squares for the best results.

Flat lay of four whole fresh red apples, a small white ceramic bowl of golden melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, eight unwrapped chewy caramel squares arranged neatly, a scoop of natural vanilla ice cream with visible vanilla bean flecks in a simple white ceramic bowl, and a small white ceramic bowl with smooth caramel sauce, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Caramel Apple Blossoms, apple dessert recipes, caramel apple desserts, easy apple tart, autumn fruit desserts

Cooking spray: Helps your apples release easily after chilling without sticking to your dish.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps brown sugar and cinnamon cling to the apples.
Brown sugar: Gives a deep, molasses-y sweetness that complements the caramel.
Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and texture to the topping.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and that unmistakable fall flavor.
Apples: Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to hold up well and maintain crunch.
Chewy caramel squares: Look for high-quality caramels that melt smoothly.
Vanilla ice cream: Throws in creamy contrast that takes this to next-level indulgence.
Caramel sauce: For drizzling, because you can never have too much caramel!

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’m all about customizing these caramel apple blossoms so they fit what you love — maybe you want to spice it up or keep it dairy-free. Here are some variations I’ve tried that might inspire you.

Nutty Twist: Sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before chilling adds a wonderful crunch my family can’t get enough of.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free caramel to make this recipe suitable for lactose intolerance.
Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to your cinnamon sugar mix brings extra warmth and depth — perfect for cold days.
Caramel Sauce Swap: Instead of caramel squares, try drizzling maple syrup or honey on for a lighter sweetness.

How to Make Caramel Apple Blossoms Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by washing and drying your apples thoroughly. Core the apples without cutting all the way through so that when you slice them, it forms a “blossom” effect. This step is key — I like to use a small paring knife to gently cut into the apple from the top, making 8 thin, even slices but leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom intact so it holds together. It takes a little patience, but if you rush, the apple will split and mess up the presentation.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Butter Mixture

Mix your melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This combo is what gives the apple slices that beautiful, glossy coating and delicious fall-spiced flavor. Brush this mixture generously over the inside and outside of each apple blossom. Don’t skimp here — the butter sugar combo keeps the apples tender and sweet.

Step 3: Insert the Caramel and Chill

Push one caramel square into the center of each apple blossom, nestled in the core space you left. The caramel will slowly soften and meld with the apples as it chills. Place the apples upright in a sprayed baking dish or container, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about an hour. This chilling step lets the flavors marry, and the caramel soften just right — if you skip chilling, you’ll miss out on that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 4: Serve with Ice Cream and Drizzle Caramel

This is my favorite part. Remove your caramel apple blossoms from the fridge and serve them warm-ish or room temperature with vanilla ice cream on the side, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce. The contrast between warm, tender apples, cold creamy ice cream, and strings of caramel is just irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Blossoms Recipe

Perfect Apple Selection: I’ve learned that firmer apples like Honeycrisp resist mushiness and keep the blossom shape better than softer varieties.
Slow & Gentle Slicing: Take your time when slicing the apple petals so they don’t break apart — it’s worth the extra minute or two.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling really helps the caramel soften and meld without heat, making it easier to serve and eat.
Use a Non-Stick Spray: Spraying your dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup way easier — a small step that saves hassle later.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Blossoms Recipe

This image shows six baked apple cups arranged closely on a dark tray resting on a white marbled surface. Each apple is hollowed out with its red skin forming a scalloped edge and filled with small chunks of cooked apple inside. On top of each apple cup is a large scoop of white vanilla ice cream with a smooth texture. A golden caramel sauce is being poured from a clear small pitcher by a woman's hand onto the ice cream, dripping down the sides and creating shiny streaks. The warm caramel contrasts with the cold ice cream and warm apples, making the whole scene look rich and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Blossoms, apple dessert recipes, caramel apple desserts, easy apple tart, autumn fruit desserts

Garnishes

I love topping these caramel apple blossoms with a little extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a bit of crunch and an earthy contrast. Fresh mint leaves can be a pretty pop of green, especially if you’re serving as a centerpiece dessert.

Side Dishes

Since these apple blossoms are rich and sweet, I usually pair them with simple sides like a cup of hot spiced tea or even a scoop of tart sorbet. They’re fantastic after a heavier meal when you want something that feels indulgent yet fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall parties, I like serving these apple blossoms inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or on rustic wooden platters lined with autumn leaves for a festive touch. Playing with height by stacking ice cream scoops or adding caramel drizzle artfully makes this dessert a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover caramel apple blossoms tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They keep well for about 2 days, but the apples start to lose firmness, so I recommend eating them sooner rather than later for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dessert didn’t work well for me because the apples become soggy and the caramel changes texture. I’d skip freezing and instead make fresh batches as needed to keep that perfect balance.

Reheating

If you want to serve warm, pop your apple blossoms in a microwave for just 20-30 seconds — enough to soften the caramel without cooking the apples more. I find reheating gently keeps the texture intact while bringing out those yummy gooey caramel notes.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for the Caramel Apple Blossoms Recipe?

Absolutely! While firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up best and keep the blossom shape, you can experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that softer apples might get mushy and less visually appealing.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the apples for an hour?

Yes, chilling is important because it lets the caramel soften and meld with the apple flavors without heating, which keeps the texture perfect and prevents the caramel from spreading too much.
Can I prepare the caramel apple blossoms ahead of time?

You can prepare them up to the chilling step a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve, but I don’t recommend assembling too far ahead as the apples may brown and lose their crispness.
What can I use instead of caramel squares?

If you don’t have caramel squares, soft caramel candies or even dulce de leche work well. Just make sure they’re chewy and melt nicely to mimic the gooey center that makes this recipe special.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always loved how the Caramel Apple Blossoms Recipe brings together simple ingredients into something that tastes and looks so special — it’s become a staple in my fall dessert lineup. The best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, but impressive enough for company. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be a caramel apple blossom convert for life!