Try this easy grilled apples recipe with cinnamon and honey ready in 15 minutes! Growing tips from Ashley Scott, a 10-year gardening pro. Perfect for USA backyards!
Hey there, grilling fans! I’m Ashley Scott, a gardening enthusiast with 10 years of experience growing apple trees in my USA backyard. Nothing beats the smoky sweetness of grilled apples—it’s like apple pie on the barbecue, but way easier and faster. Whether you’re using fresh-picked Honeycrisp from your garden or store-bought, this recipe transforms simple slices into a caramelized treat in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for fall sides, desserts, or even breakfast, and ties right into my pollinator-friendly plants that help fruit trees thrive (check those at USA Garden Hub). Below, I’ll share my easy grilled apples recipe, step-by-step, with tips from my backyard trials. Let’s fire up the grill!
Why Grill Apples?
Grilling apples brings out their natural sugars, creating a tender, caramelized texture with a hint of smoke that’s irresistible. It’s a low-effort way to use up windfall apples or celebrate harvest season, and the warm cinnamon notes pair perfectly with ice cream or yogurt. Plus, if you’re growing your own, it’s a zero-waste win compost the cores in my DIY compost bin for next year’s soil boost.
Easy Grilled Apples Recipe (Serves 4)
This recipe uses just 5 ingredients and takes 15 minutes total. It’s forgiving for beginners and scales easily.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for grilling)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg or lemon juice for extra zing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Core and slice the apples into ½-inch thick wedges or rounds (about 8-10 per apple). Leave the skins on for extra fiber and color. Toss the slices in a bowl with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Fire up your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). If using a gas grill, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking; for charcoal, wait until coals are ashed over.
- Grill the Slices: Place the apple slices on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once with tongs, until they’re tender and caramelized with grill marks. Baste with any leftover butter mixture halfway through for extra shine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Drizzle with honey if using, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or as a side to pork chops. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully the next day.
Gardening Tips for Growing Your Own Grill-Ready Apples
If you’re inspired to grow your own, apple trees are rewarding and tie into my pollinator-friendly setups.
- Variety Choice: Go for sweet, firm types like Honeycrisp or Gala they hold up best on the grill. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, spacing 15-20 feet apart.
- Soil Prep: Enrich with compost from my DIY compost bin for juicy fruit. pH 6.0-7.0 is ideal.
- Water and Care: Water 1 inch weekly during dry spells; prune in late winter for airflow.
- Pest Patrol: Companion plant with marigolds to deter aphids, like my neem oil guide.
- My Story: My Honeycrisp tree gave me enough windfalls for a whole summer of grilled apples—nothing beats homegrown sweetness!
Wrapping Up
Easy grilled apples are a game-changer simple, smoky, and endlessly versatile. My backyard barbecues wouldn’t be the same without them, especially topped with a scoop of ice cream. Whether you’re grilling store-bought or garden-fresh, give this a try this weekend. What’s your favorite way to grill apples? Share in the comments on USA Garden Hub!
