Blooming Washington Apples

The Foodies' KitchenMarch 18, 2025

This post is also available in / Esta entrada también está disponible en ESPAÑOL (SPANISH)

Apples transform in a delicious way in the oven, their natural sweetness intensifying as they soften into a warm, fragrant treat. These Blooming Apples take that magic to the next level, featuring Gala Washington apples that bake into tender, caramel-infused blossoms. Sliced to resemble a flower, each apple is brushed with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and warm spices, allowing the flavors to seep into every bite. At the heart of each apple, caramel squares melt into a gooey, golden center, creating a dessert that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, these baked apples strike the ideal balance between comforting and elegant. As they bake, your kitchen fills with the inviting aroma of spiced apples and caramel, making it nearly impossible to wait for that first spoonful. Whether served as is or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these Blooming Apples are a simple yet show stopping way to enjoy the natural sweetness of Gala Washington apples in a whole new way.

Safety Tips!

When preparing your Blooming Apples, safety is key, especially when making precise cuts:

Always use a sharp paring knife, as dull knives require more pressure and can slip easily.
To keep the apple stable while cutting, place it on a flat surface and work carefully, making controlled, even cuts.
When coring, a small spoon, melon baller or apple corer can help remove the center cleanly without risking injury.
Be mindful while making the concentric circles and vertical cuts, ensuring your fingers are positioned safely away from the blade. Take your time and work slowly.
A cut-resistant glove can also provide extra protection, especially if you are making multiple apples.

Helga & Kitty

Blooming Washington Apples

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients, for the apples:
4 large Gala Washington Apples (9 oz.)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
¾ teaspoons apple pie spice blend* recipe below
8 medium soft caramel squares
vanilla ice cream
caramel sauce

Ingredients, for the apple pie spice:
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg
a pinch ground all-spice
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
In a small bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, and apple pie spice until well combined. Set aside.
Slice off the top of each apple. Using an apple corer, a melon baller, or a teaspoon, remove core, starting at the top of each apple and stop at about 1-inch from the bottom of each apple.
Using a paring knife, cut 2 concentric circles 1/4-inch apart outward from core, cutting as deep as possible without cutting all the way through bottom of apple. Please be careful and work slowly!
Flip the apple so it’s cut side down, cut vertically into 8 equal slices, leaving apple intact 1/2-inch from bottom.
Place apples in an 8-inch square baking dish. Fill each apple with two caramel squares. Brush butter mixture evenly over the tops of each apple. Pour boiling water around the apples to a depth of 1/4-inch in the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake, uncovered, until sugar begins to caramelize, and apples are tender when pierced with a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes.
Allow apples to cool for 10 minutes. Using your hands, gently spread apple “petals” apart. Serve warm or at room temperature topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Have you made this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture with the hashtag #thefoodieskitchen!

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