I absolutely love this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe because it brings such a cozy and comforting vibe to dessert time. The way the apples bloom open after baking, oozy with melted caramel inside, makes for a really charming presentation that’s sure to impress guests—or just treat yourself on a quiet night in.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to elevate simple apples into a spectacular dessert. You’ll find that the combo of warm cinnamon butter, gooey caramel, and cool vanilla ice cream strikes the perfect balance every single time. If you’re craving something sweet but wholesome, this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is definitely worth keeping in your recipe box.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet impressive: The apple blooms open beautifully, making it a dessert that looks fancy with minimal effort.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering, this dessert always hits the right note.
Warm and cool combo: The contrast between warm baked apples and cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful taste experience.
Flexible preparation: You can bake them in the oven or use an air fryer for a quicker treat without losing flavor or texture.

The image shows six baked apple cups placed close together on a long white plate, each apple is cut in thick petals that are pulled outward to create a flower-like shape. Inside each apple cup is a large, smooth white scoop of ice cream with visible vanilla specks. A golden caramel sauce is being poured from a small clear glass pitcher over one ice cream scoop, with caramel dripping down the sides of the ice cream and apple petals. The apples have a warm, cinnamon-spiced look with a mix of red and yellow skin. The background and surface are a white marbled texture, and a woman's hand holds the pitcher. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe plays a crucial role—from the cinnamon-sugar butter that adds that cozy hint of spice, to the chewy caramel squares that melt perfectly inside the apple. Grab good-quality vanilla ice cream because it really brings everything together at serving.

Cooking spray: Perfect for greasing your dish without adding extra flavor or weight.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the sugars and cinnamon stick to the apples beautifully.
Brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness to complement the tart apple.
Granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar for a well-rounded sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Wakes up the flavor with warmth and spice—don’t skip this!
Apples: Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to hold their shape well while baking.
Chewy caramel squares: These melt into a heavenly goo inside the apple – you won’t want to substitute!
Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream: Or your favorite vanilla ice cream, to serve alongside the warm apples for that perfect temperature contrast.
Caramel sauce: For drizzling on top—the extra touch that takes the dessert to the next level.

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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 like to mix things up with this Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can easily tailor the dessert to fit your tastes and dietary needs without losing that signature warm-and-cool combo I adore.

Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon-sugar butter gives a cozy, spicy twist that my family goes crazy for during the holidays.
Dairy-Free: I’ve swapped out butter for coconut oil and used a dairy-free vanilla ice cream; it still tastes indulgent and melts beautifully over the warm apples.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts right before serving adds a lovely crunch and flavor contrast that feels extra special.
Air Fryer Friendly: When I’m short on time, I use the air fryer method and it turns out just as caramelized and tender, but faster.

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

Step 1: Prep your apples and cinnamon butter

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a medium baking dish with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This butter mixture will give your apples that golden, caramelized crust and warm spice flavor.

Step 2: Core and slice the apples carefully

Slice the top off each apple, then use a corer to remove the core. Make sure to scoop out any leftover bits with a small spoon so the caramel fits perfectly inside. Now comes the fun part: use a paring knife to make two circular cuts around the apple, just beneath the top and above the bottom, then turn the apple cut side down and slice crosswise, being careful not to cut all the way through. This technique makes the apples “bloom” open beautifully when baked.

Step 3: Fill with caramel and brush with cinnamon butter

Place your sliced apples snugly in the baking dish. Stuff two caramel squares inside each apple, then brush the tops and slices generously with your cinnamon-sugar butter. This step ensures every bite is dripping with sweet, buttery goodness after baking.

Step 4: Bake until tender and serve warm

Bake the apples in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they’re tender and the caramel is beautifully melted. If you’re using an air fryer, place the prepared apples in the basket, set to 350°F, and air fry for around 20 minutes. When done, serve the bloomin’ apples warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Trust me, this combo is dreamy.

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Pro Tips for Making Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Choosing the right apples: I always pick firmer varieties like Honeycrisp for this recipe so the slices hold their shape and don’t turn mushy.
Caramel placement: Stuffing two caramel squares inside ensures there’s plenty of melty sweetness in every bite without overpowering the apple.
Brush with butter mixture: Don’t skimp on brushing the butter mixture — it caramelizes and crisps the edges beautifully.
Watch the bake time: Overbaking can make the apples too soft and lose the “bloom” effect, so keep an eye and test with a fork after 25 minutes.

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

Two round baked apples with a deep golden brown color and slightly cracked tops sit on a white plate. Each apple is sliced almost to the bottom into sections but still holds its round shape, showing a shiny, caramelized skin. On top of each apple is a large scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, smooth and slightly melting, with one scoop drizzled with a light caramel sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish these Bloomin’ Apples with a drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving because it adds that glossy, rich look and extra sweetness that pairs so well with the cinnamon butter. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch—this always impresses guests and adds a lovely nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

This dessert is often the grand finale for me, but if you want to build a fall-inspired menu around it, consider pairing it with a warm chai tea or spiced cider. For a party, you could add a cheese board with some aged cheddar or sharp gouda to contrast the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the Bloomin’ Apples on rustic wooden boards or inside small cast-iron skillets to keep them warm. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar really makes the dessert feel elevated and gift-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover bloomin’ apples (I rarely do!) you can store them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to let them cool before covering to avoid condensation making the skins soggy.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing baked apples before, but because the texture changes, I recommend freezing the apples pre-baked if you want to prep in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then bake fresh when you’re ready. This way, you get the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the apples in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible because that can make the apples mushy and lose their lovely “bloom.” Serve with fresh vanilla ice cream for the best experience.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe?

Firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best. They hold their shape during baking and give a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the caramel perfectly.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is a great time-saver and still delivers tender, caramelized apples. Just set it to 350°F and cook for about 20 minutes, checking for doneness as ovens vary.
What if I don’t have caramel squares?

You could try chopped soft caramels or a spoonful of caramel sauce, but caramel squares are best because they hold together while melting inside the apples, providing the perfect gooey texture.
Can I prepare Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe ahead of time?

You can core and slice the apples a few hours ahead and keep them wrapped in lemon water to prevent browning. However, baking is best fresh for that perfect tender texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert?

Serve warm with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also elevate the experience.

Final Thoughts

This Bloomin’ Apples with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to desserts when I want something easy but seriously delicious. The wow-factor comes naturally from the bloom effect and melty caramel inside, while the vanilla ice cream melts into the crevices making every bite utterly irresistible. I truly recommend giving this a try—it’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate and always brings smiles all around the table.