If you’re craving something cozy and indulgent, you’ve got to try this Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a delightful spin on classic apple pie that’s much simpler to make, yet every bit as satisfying. Picture warm, tender apples infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, melted caramel that’s oozing over the fruit, and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top — it’s pure magic! Trust me, this recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic, and once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dessert rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: You don’t need to be a baking pro to create this dessert, it’s straightforward and quick.
- Fall Flavors: The mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, and caramel hits those cozy autumn notes perfectly.
- No Oven Needed: This recipe shines with minimal cooking, just an hour to let apples absorb all the goodness.
- Everyone Loves It: My family goes crazy for this dessert – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to complement the natural sweetness and tartness of the apples. The brown sugar and cinnamon add warmth, while the caramel squares provide that irresistible gooey finish – don’t skip the vanilla ice cream, it’s the ultimate partner in crime!
- Cooking spray: For greasing your baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Butter: Melted to brush the apples so they crisp up just right and soak in flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar with a touch of crystal sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that makes it feel like fall in every bite.
- Apples: Firm and tart apples work best to hold their shape and contrast the sweet toppings.
- Chewy caramel squares: Melt down to create the signature gooey caramel that’s utterly delicious.
- Natural vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cool finish that you’ll be scooping eagerly on top.
- Caramel sauce: For drizzling and making the presentation extra luscious.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe to keep it fresh and exciting — feel free to tweak it too! From changing the apples to adding a crunchy topping, there’s lots you can do to customize it to your taste and dietary needs.
- Apple Variety Swap: Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp bring extra sweetness; I like to mix the two for balance.
- Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples and caramel.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy vanilla ice cream to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper fall flavor nuances – I discovered this trick last year and it’s a game changer.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples Like a Pro
Start by washing your apples well. Then, cut them into “blooms” by slicing carefully around the core to create sections that open like a flower — this is such a charming presentation! Don’t cut all the way through, so they stay intact. I’ve found that using a sharp knife helps avoid mushy edges and keeps the apples looking pretty.
Step 2: Sweeten and Spice
Mix your melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously all over the apple blooms, making sure to get into the crevices – that’s where the magic happens. Watching the sugar and butter melt into the apple is one of my favorite parts!
Step 3: Stuff and Chill
Place a couple of caramel squares in the middle of each apple bloom, gently pushing them down so they start to melt into the fruit’s heart. Then, arrange your apples in a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and let them rest in the fridge for about an hour. This step lets the apples soak up all those buttery, sweet flavors before you serve.
Step 4: Serve Warm with Ice Cream
When your apples are ready, gently warm them in the oven or microwave just enough to melt the caramel completely without making the apples mushy. Serve each apple with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of warm apple and cold ice cream is what I absolutely love about this dessert – it’s like the perfect balance of cozy and refreshing.
Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe
- Choose Firm Apples: I always go for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji to prevent mushiness and keep that “bloom” look intact.
- Melt Caramel Slowly: If melting caramel on the apples, do it gently to avoid burning – the microwave on low power or warming in a pan over low heat works well.
- Let It Rest: The hour in the fridge really improves the flavor absorption; don’t rush this step like I did the first time!
- Serve Immediately: Ice cream melts fast on warm apples, so serve swiftly for the best texture balance.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top this dessert with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dash of flaky sea salt – the crunch and saltiness really elevate the sweet flavors. Sometimes, a little fresh mint on the side adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that’s unexpected but lovely.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is pretty rich on its own, I usually keep sides light — a simple green tea or a sparkling apple cider goes great and cleansing. For bigger gatherings, a crisp salad with vinaigrette complements the sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these caramel apple blooms in individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic feel, or even hollowed out the apples and placed the blooms inside edible cinnamon bowls for an extra wow factor. Drizzling caramel in delicate zigzags and pairing with decorative spoons turns this simple dessert into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apples store best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to separate the apples from the ice cream — otherwise, it gets soggy fast. Reheat gently before serving again.
Freezing
I haven’t had great luck freezing these caramel apple blooms because the texture changes and the ice cream obviously doesn’t freeze well in this context. So, I recommend enjoying them fresh for optimal taste and consistency.
Reheating
When reheating, I gently warm the apples in a low oven or microwave just until the caramel is soft again. Avoid overheating to prevent the apples from turning mushy. Then, add a fresh scoop of cold vanilla ice cream right before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of apple for this Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe?
Absolutely! However, I recommend using firmer apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and offer a nice balance of tartness to complement the sweet caramel and cinnamon. Softer apples may become mushy during soaking.
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Is it okay to skip the ice cream?
You can, but I highly suggest keeping it if you want that classic contrast between warm, gooey apples and cool, creamy vanilla. If dairy is a concern, try plant-based vanilla ice cream—it works beautifully too.
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Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the apples and let them soak in the fridge as noted, then warm and serve with ice cream when ready. Avoid assembling the ice cream too early to keep it from melting.
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What’s the best way to melt the caramel squares?
Melt them slowly over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave at low power. This prevents burning and results in silky smooth caramel that blends perfectly with the apples.
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How do “bloomin’ apples” differ from regular baked apples?
Bloomin’ apples are sliced partially through to create a flower-like shape that allows for more flavor absorption and a visually appealing presentation — plus, the caramel square tucked inside melts more thoroughly as the apple “blooms.” Traditional baked apples are usually whole or cored but uncut.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe truly became one of my go-to fall treats after a handful of tried-and-true attempts. What I love most is how simple it is to pull together, yet the flavors feel so decadent and special. It’s the perfect cozy dessert to share with family or friends around the kitchen table — and honestly, it never lasts long in my house! I hope you give it a try and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy it, because nothing beats a warm apple, gooey caramel, and cold vanilla ice cream combo on a crisp day.
Print
Caramel Apple Dessert with Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these indulgent Bloomin’ Apples, a delightful dessert that combines tart apples with a rich caramel and cinnamon butter glaze, all served with creamy vanilla ice cream. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to satisfy your fall dessert cravings without the fuss of making a classic apple pie.
Ingredients
For the Apples and Glaze
- 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
For Serving
- Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream, as desired
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the apples. Preheat your oven or set up your baking area, then wash and core the 4 apples carefully to keep the base intact so that each apple can bloom open when baked.
- Mix the butter glaze. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Stuff the apples. Place two chewy caramel squares inside the cavity of each cored apple. This will melt during baking to create a rich caramel center.
- Coat the apples. Using cooking spray, lightly grease your baking dish or pan. Then brush the butter, sugar, and cinnamon mixture all over the outside of each apple, making sure to coat well for maximum flavor.
- Bake the apples. Arrange the apples upright in the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the apples are tender and caramel is melted inside. The baking time will depend on the apple variety and oven temperature.
- Serve. Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve each apple topped with a scoop of Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible treat.
Notes
- Get your fall fix with these caramel-soaked bloomin’ apples that are so much easier to make than classic apple pie.
- Choose firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture after baking.
- Adjust the caramel quantity to suit your sweetness preference.
- Serve warm for the most comforting dessert experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple with toppings
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 69 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg
