Portuguese-Style Grilled Apples with Port Wine & Cinnamon

There is something profoundly comforting about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon, a scent that transcends borders and brings a sense of nostalgia to the table. In Portugal, Maçã Assada (baked apple) is a traditional dessert often enjoyed during colder months, usually baked slowly in the oven with a generous splash of Port wine. We have taken this classic concept and reimagined it for the outdoor chef, utilizing the high-heat searing capabilities of the Arteflame grill. By grilling the apples, you not only retain the tender, juicy interior but also introduce a beautifully caramelized crust that oven-baking simply cannot replicate.

This recipe bridges the gap between rustic European tradition and modern open-fire cooking. The flat cooktop of the Arteflame is the perfect surface for this dish, allowing the apples to sear in butter before simmering in a reduction of rich Ruby Port and sugar. It is an elegant, yet incredibly simple dessert that requires minimal ingredients but delivers complex flavors. Whether you are finishing a summer barbecue or looking for a warming treat on a crisp autumn evening, these Portuguese-style grilled apples provide the perfect sweet ending to your culinary adventure.

Ingredients

• 4 large Apples (Reinette, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up best for grilling)
• 1 cup Ruby Port Wine (Tawny works as well for a nuttier flavor)
• 4 Cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar (or honey for a natural alternative)
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• Optional: Star anise for extra aromatics
• Optional: Chopped walnuts or mint for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry.
2. Using an apple corer, remove the core from the center of each apple without cutting all the way through the bottom if you plan to stuff them, or core them completely and slice them in half horizontally for better surface contact on the grill.
3. If slicing in half, score the flesh slightly in a cross-hatch pattern to allow the heat and wine to penetrate deeper.
4. Sprinkle the cut sides generously with the ground cinnamon and a portion of the brown sugar.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a steady heat.
2. Allow the cooktop to heat up. You will be using the medium-heat zone (the middle area of the flat cooktop) rather than the intense heat directly next to the grill grate, as sugar burns easily.
3. Perform the water test: sprinkle a few drops of water on the cooktop. If they sizzle and evaporate immediately, the grill is ready.

Step 3: Sear and Caramelize

1. Melt the butter on the flat cooktop surface where you plan to cook the apples.
2. Place the apples cut-side down directly into the melted butter. Listen for that satisfying sizzle.
3. Grill for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the face of the apple has turned a rich, golden brown and the sugar has caramelized into a crust.
4. Do not move them too often; let the Maillard reaction do its work to create flavor depth.

Step 4: The Port Wine Reduction

1. Flip the apples over so the skin side is touching the grill.
2. Carefully pour the Port wine over the apples and onto the cooktop immediately surrounding them. Be careful as the alcohol may flare up briefly.
3. Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise (if using) into the pooling wine around the apples.
4. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce, basting the apples repeatedly with the thickening liquid. The apples are done when they are tender to the touch but not collapsing.

Tips

The success of this dish relies heavily on the type of apple you choose. Avoid varieties that turn mealy or mushy quickly, such as Red Delicious. Instead, opt for firmer apples like Reinette, Fuji, or Granny Smith, which maintain their structural integrity against the high heat of the Arteflame. If you are using a very tart apple like Granny Smith, you may want to increase the brown sugar slightly to balance the acidity. Furthermore, keep a close eye on your heat management. Sugar and butter can go from caramelized to burnt in seconds on a hot steel griddle. Move the apples to the outer, cooler edge of the cooktop if you notice the caramel darkening too fast. Finally, basting is non-negotiable; spooning that reducing Port wine syrup over the fruit infuses the flesh with flavor and keeps it moist.

Variations

While the combination of apples and Port wine is traditional, this recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to suit your dietary preferences or simply to use what you have in your pantry. Experimenting with different alcohols or sweeteners can completely transform the character of the dessert, moving it from a European classic to an American comfort food or a tropical delight. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• The American Twist: Substitute Port wine with Bourbon or dark Rum and swap the brown sugar for Maple syrup.
• Alcohol-Free: Use apple cider or grape juice instead of wine, adding a squeeze of lemon juice to cut the sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch: Stuff the core of the apple with a mixture of crushed pecans, raisins, and butter before grilling.
• Savory Route: Omit the sugar, reduce the cinnamon, and serve the apples as a side dish for grilled pork chops.
• Spiced Pears: Swap the apples for firm Bosc pears, which pair beautifully with the Port wine reduction.

Best pairings

These Portuguese-style grilled apples are a standout dessert on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the dish to a fine-dining experience. The warm, spiced fruit contrasts beautifully with cold, creamy elements. Texture is also key here; since the apple becomes soft and tender, adding a crunch provides a necessary balance. When serving, consider the temperature contrast—serve the apples piping hot right off the Arteflame against something chilled.

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The classic choice. The melting cream mixes with the Port syrup to create a luscious sauce.
• Crème Fraiche or Greek Yogurt: For those who prefer a tangier contrast to the sweet syrup.
• Manchego Cheese: A slice of aged sheep's cheese creates a sophisticated savory-sweet dessert typical of the Iberian Peninsula.
• Shortbread Cookies: Crumble them over the top for added texture.

Conclusion

Grilling fruit on the Arteflame unlocks a dimension of flavor that baking simply cannot achieve. This Portuguese-style grilled apple recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients—apples, cinnamon, and wine—can come together to create something truly spectacular. The smoke from the wood fire, combined with the rich sweetness of the Port wine reduction, creates a dessert that is sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight family meal.

As you gather around the fire to enjoy these warm, caramelized treats, you are participating in a tradition of hospitality and comfort that spans generations. We encourage you to fire up your grill, pour a glass of Port, and try this recipe. It is a sensory experience that celebrates the joy of outdoor cooking and the timeless appeal of sweet, fire-roasted fruit.