Fire-Roasted Pennsylvania Apples on the Grill
Introduction
Nothing beats the smoky sweetness of fire-roasted Pennsylvania apples kissed with buttery caramelization and finished with a cinnamon sugar dusting. Using the Arteflame grill, we can bring out deep natural flavors with fire-toasted perfection right on the flat top griddle. It's a pure, simple, mouthwatering dessert you can make entirely outdoors—no pots, no pans, just incredible taste.
Ingredients
- 4 large locally grown Pennsylvania apples, cored and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for grilling surface)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the fire bowl of your Arteflame grill.
- Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
- Light the napkins. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes, heating the cooktop to optimal grilling temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the apples
- Wash and core the apples, then slice them into 1-inch thick rounds for even grilling.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Grill the apples
- Once the cooktop is hot, melt a tablespoon of butter directly onto the griddle near the hotter center zone.
- Place the apple slices in the butter and let them sizzle; press them lightly for even surface contact.
- Let the apples caramelize on one side for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Flip and repeat, adding more butter if desired.
Step 4: Add cinnamon sugar
- Once both sides are golden and the apples are soft (but not mushy), sprinkle each slice with the cinnamon sugar mixture while still on the grill.
- Allow the sugar to melt for about 30 seconds, creating a loving crust.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Remove the apples from the grill and serve warm, optionally drizzled with a touch of vanilla extract or a tiny pat of butter on top.
Tips
- Use firmer apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji to avoid mushy results.
- Cook closer to the outer edge if you want a slower, more controlled caramelization.
- Apply butter directly to the griddle rather than coating the apples, which leads to better sizzle and surface contact.
- Grilled apples can be a simple dessert or an amazing topping over ice cream or pancakes.
- Try a dusting of nutmeg or clove for more depth.
Variations
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Maple Glazed Apples: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup during grilling for a rich maple kiss.
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Smoky Bourbon Apples: Add a splash of bourbon along with cinnamon sugar on the grill for adults-only flavor.
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Spicy Apple Fire Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet heat twist.
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Salted Caramel Apples: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after grilling instead of using cinnamon sugar.
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Apple S'mores Delight: After grilling, layer apples with marshmallows and crushed graham crackers and return briefly to the grill to melt them together.
Conclusion
Fire-Roasted Pennsylvania Apples take just minutes to prepare—and deliver bold, delicious results thanks to the Arteflame grill's design. No oven, no cleanup, just smoky, sweet perfection every time. Take a bite, and let the flavors transport you to an orchard with flames dancing under your fingertips.
Best Pairings
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Crisp Pennsylvania Riesling or Sparkling Apple Cider
- Grilled pork chops or chicken glazed with maple or honey mustard
- Buttermilk pancakes or waffles for a brunch delight