Looking for a delightful and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than this delicious and simple Sweet Grilled Apple Slices Recipe for Dessert. With just a few ingredients and a grill, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender apple slices are lightly coated with butter, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, and grilled to perfection, resulting in caramelized goodness that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want a sweet treat after dinner, these grilled apple slices are sure to impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
To make these delicious sweet grilled apple slices, you will need the following ingredients:
Apples
Choose your favorite variety of apples for this recipe. You can use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp. Make sure to use fresh, firm apples that are suitable for grilling.
Butter
Butter is essential for adding richness and flavor to the apple slices. Use unsalted butter for this recipe to control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar brings a pleasant caramel-like sweetness to the grilled apple slices. It complements the natural sweetness of the apples and adds a delightful touch.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warm and cozy flavors to the recipe. It pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the apples and enhances their taste.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth and depth to the recipe. Its earthy and slightly sweet flavor perfectly complements the apples and other spices.
Vanilla Extract
Adding a touch of vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of the grilled apple slices. It adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Preparation
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s go through the necessary preparations for this recipe. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
1. Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the apple slices cook evenly and develop those beautiful grill marks.
2. Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Core the apples and cut them into thick slices. Aim for slices that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
3. Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Be careful not to let it burn or brown too much. You want the butter to be nicely melted and smooth.
4. Mix the Seasonings
In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well blended. This mixture will be used to season the apple slices, infusing them with delicious flavors.
5. Grilled Apple Slices
Now it’s time to get to the main event: grilling the apple slices. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for perfectly sweet and caramelized apple slices.
Step by Step Instructions
Preparing the Apples:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Wash the apples, core them, and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
- Brush the apple slices with the melted butter, making sure to coat both sides.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and spice mixture over the buttered apple slices. Make sure to cover each slice evenly.
Grilling the Apple Slices:
- Place the seasoned apple slices directly on the preheated grill.
- Grill the slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop beautiful grill marks and become tender.
- Carefully flip the slices using tongs or a spatula to grill the other side.
- Once the slices are tender and caramelized to your liking, remove them from the grill.
- Let the grilled apple slices cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
If you want to take your grilled apple slices to the next level, here are some delicious variations to consider:
Caramel Sauce Topping
To add an extra layer of sweetness and decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the grilled apple slices. The combination of caramel and grilled apples is truly heavenly.
Ice Cream Topping
For a delightful dessert experience, serve the grilled apple slices as a topping for vanilla ice cream. The warm and slightly smoky flavor of the apples pairs perfectly with the cool and creamy ice cream.
Honey Glaze
If you prefer a more subtle and delicate sweetness, try glazing the apple slices with honey. This will give them a glossy finish and add a touch of floral sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have your delicious sweet grilled apple slices ready, let’s explore some serving suggestions that will take your dessert to the next level:
Whipped Cream
Top your grilled apple slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The light and airy texture of the cream will complement the sweet and slightly smoky flavors of the apples.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve the grilled apple slices alongside a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm grilled apples and cold, creamy ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven.
Maple Syrup Drizzle
For a delightful touch of sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup over the grilled apple slices. The natural richness and complexity of maple syrup will enhance the flavors of the apples.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure the best results when making sweet grilled apple slices, keep these helpful tips and tricks in mind:
Choose the Right Apples
Select apples that are firm and suitable for grilling. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweet apples like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp bring extra sweetness to the dish.
Slice Thickness
Cut the apple slices to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. This thickness allows for even grilling and ensures that the apples remain tender while developing beautiful grill marks.
Grilling Time
Grill the apple slices for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are tender and caramelized to your liking. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
Basting the Slices
While grilling, baste the apple slices with the melted butter and seasonings periodically. This will keep them moist and help the flavors penetrate the fruit, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Health Benefits
Enjoying sweet grilled apple slices for dessert not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides some health benefits. Here are a few reasons why this dessert can be a smart choice:
High in Fiber
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements. Including grilled apple slices in your diet can contribute to a well-balanced fiber intake.
Vitamins and Minerals
Apples are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting overall health and well-being.
Low in Calories
Grilled apple slices make for a guilt-free dessert option, as they are relatively low in calories. They offer a satisfyingly sweet treat without adding excessive calories to your diet.
Antioxidants
Apples contain antioxidants, which help protect your body’s cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Including grilled apple slices in your diet can contribute to your overall antioxidant intake.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about sweet grilled apple slices:
Can I use other fruits?
While this recipe specifically focuses on apples, you can certainly experiment with other fruits. Pears, peaches, or even pineapple can be delicious alternatives to grilled apple slices.
Can I cook them in the oven?
Yes, if you don’t have a grill or prefer to use your oven, you can still enjoy these sweet apple slices. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the seasoned apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
How do I prevent the slices from sticking to the grill?
To prevent the apple slices from sticking to the grill, ensure that your grill grates are clean and well oiled. Additionally, avoid moving the slices too soon after placing them on the grill. Let them develop a slight crust before attempting to flip them.
Conclusion
Sweet grilled apple slices make for a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of apples with a smoky and caramelized flavor from the grill. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a satisfying and healthy dessert that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare to indulge in this delicious treat.