master-cooks | Bloomin' Apples Are The Fuss Free Fall Dessert You're Craving

Bloomin' Apples are a delightful and fuss-free autumn dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. These treats take inspiration from the popular bloomin' onion appetizer, but instead of savory, they offer a sweet twist using apples. The preparation involves coring an apple and slicing it into sections while keeping the base intact, allowing the apple to fan out as it cooks. The apple is then drizzled with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, which seeps into the slices, creating a rich, caramelized effect. As the apple bakes, it becomes tender, and the sugar mixture forms a delightful glaze. This dessert is not only simple to make but also customizable. You can add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious contrast. Bloomin' Apples are perfect for those who want a quick yet impressive dessert that requires minimal ingredients and effort. They embody the cozy flavors of fall, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or a quiet night in. With their beautiful presentation and delicious taste, Bloomin' Apples are sure to become a favorite seasonal treat.

Dressing the apples

Once the apples are comfortably arranged in their baking dish, you can enhance their flavor by adding a special touch to their cores. Some home cooks enjoy placing chunks of caramel in the center of each apple, creating a delightful caramel apple taste reminiscent of your favorite Halloween treats. Any chewy caramel will work, but Brach's Milk Maid Caramels or Kraft caramel cubes are particularly effective. For a more natural option, consider using dates or raisins, which provide a delicious flavor. Dates, in particular, have a natural caramel taste, allowing you to savor the candy apple essence in a less processed manner. Additionally, adding mini marshmallows to the center of each apple can introduce a fun, gooey element (and a pop of color if you choose pastel varieties).

Before baking, drizzle a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the tops of the apples. This can be easily applied with a pastry brush, or you can use a large spoon to pour the sweet mixture over the apples. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, maple syrup or molasses combined with melted butter can serve as suitable substitutes.

Once the apples are coated in their sweet, sticky glaze, bake them at a temperature between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. They should remain in the oven for about 45 minutes to an hour until they are ready to be served and enjoyed as a dessert.

Tips for serving bloomin' apples

Once the delightful apples start to bake, they'll begin to open up, much like a flower. Using the tines of a fork to gently separate the apple slices helps the bloom expand. After you've separated the "petals," place each blooming apple in a small, flat serving bowl or dessert plate that you've decorated with drizzles of chocolate or caramel sauce.

When it comes to toppings, keep in mind that these baked fruit treats are akin to personal all-American apple pies without the crust, so they pair wonderfully with all the classic apple pie accompaniments. Consider adding a scoop of the finest vanilla ice cream, a generous dollop of Cool Whip, or an elegant crème anglaise. If you choose ice cream or whipped cream, feel free to drizzle on some extra chocolate or caramel sauce for added flavor. A sprinkle of crushed pecans or peanuts adds a nutty, slightly savory crunch that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Naturally, since these delightful desserts are made from apples, they are perfect for any table during the fall and winter months. Whether you serve them on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or during a special family dinner just because, blooming apples are impressively simple to prepare, especially considering how delicious they are to enjoy.

Bloomin' Apples Are The Fuss-Free Fall Dessert You're Craving

Dressing the apples

Tips for serving bloomin' apples

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