There is something utterly magical about the sweet aromas of warm apples infused gently with smoky wood fire flavors. This Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe delivers that cozy, comfort food feeling with a seriously impressive twist. It transforms simple apples into an indulgent smoky treat perfect for your next barbecue or family gathering. With a blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and crunchy walnuts, all slowly smoked to perfection, you’re in for a dessert experience that will become an instant favorite for both apple lovers and smoke enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Many apple halves with red skin and white inside are placed in a single layer inside a black skillet. Each apple half is covered with a layer of coarse brown sugar that is unevenly spread in the cut space of the apple. The sugar has a grainy texture and glistens slightly, as if it is wet or sticky. The background is blurry, with a striped cloth visible at the top part of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are incredibly straightforward but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and smoky flavors in this dessert. The combination transforms humble apples into something truly special.

5 medium apples (Gala suggested): Gala apples hold their shape well and offer a natural sweetness that complements the smoky profile beautifully.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and helps create a gentle glaze as it melts on the apples.
1 tbsp salted butter, melted: Provides moisture and richness, enhancing the overall flavor and mouthfeel.
½ tsp cinnamon: Brings a warm, familiar spice that pairs perfectly with apples and smoke.
¼ cup raisins or cranberries: These dried fruits add bursts of sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture.
2 tbsp crushed walnuts: Introduce a lovely crunch and nutty depth to each bite.
2 cups vanilla ice cream (optional for serving): Perfect for an indulgent finish that contrasts hot smoky apples with cool creaminess.

How to Make Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Pellet Grill

Begin by setting your Traeger grill (or any pellet grill like Pitt Boss) to a steady 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal because it gently cooks the apples without turning them mushy, lending that perfect tender but still intact texture. If you want a slightly faster smoke, stick closer to 250°F just as demonstrated in the Sip Bite Go recipe video.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples for Smoking

Core and halve your Gala apples lengthwise, making sure to keep those halves intact to hold all the delicious toppings. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish or cast iron skillet—this setup makes for great heat circulation and easy cleanup.

Step 3: Top the Apples

Sprinkle each apple half generously with brown sugar and cinnamon, drizzle over the melted salted butter, then scatter raisins or cranberries along with crushed walnuts. This mix of sweet and crunchy textures along with the warm spice is exactly what makes this Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe stand out.

Step 4: Smoke the Apples

Transfer the skillet to your preheated grill and close the lid. Smoke the apples for roughly 60 to 90 minutes. You want to reach a perfect fork-tender stage – soft but with just a slight bite left to avoid soggy mush. This slow-smoking process imbues the apples with a nuanced smokiness while the toppings melt and meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once smoked to perfection, remove the apples from the grill and let them cool slightly. Serve warm to fully enjoy the contrast between the tender fruit and tantalizing smoky sweetness. For an amazing dessert experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or atop each apple half.

How to Serve Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe

A dessert showing one halved roasted apple with dark brown skin, topped with a smooth, white scoop of vanilla ice cream that is melting slightly and dripping down the side of the apple. The apple is on a white plate with a white marbled texture in the background. Another similar apple dessert is softly blurred in the background, placed on a dark plate, creating depth in the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance this dish by garnishing with a fresh sprig of mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also add another layer of natural sweetness and a pretty glossy finish that makes the dessert truly eye-catching.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with simple vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance its smoky richness. If you want to keep things lighter, try pairing with a crisp green tea or a milky chai latte – drinks that complement the apple spices without overpowering the delicate smokiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an added touch of elegance, serve the smoked apple halves in individual ramekins or rustic mini cast iron skillets. You can also spoon the softened apples over a warm slice of pound cake or cinnamon bread pudding for a fusion dessert that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover smoked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, although the texture will soften further if kept for longer.

Freezing

If you want to keep these around for a while, place cooled smoked apples in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind frozen apples will be best used in recipes or reheated rather than enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Reheat your smoked apples gently in a microwave or oven at low heat to warm through without drying out. Adding a small splash of water or a dab of butter before reheating can help maintain moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Gala apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter bite. Just note that tart apples may need a bit more brown sugar to balance their flavor.

Is it necessary to use a pellet grill for smoking the apples?

Pellet grills like the Traeger or Pitt Boss make smoking easy and consistent, but you can replicate this recipe on any grill that allows indirect heat and wood chip smoking. The key is maintaining a low temperature around 225-250°F.

Can I omit the nuts or dried fruit?

Yes, the walnuts and raisins or cranberries add texture and flavor, but they are optional. Feel free to customize based on your dietary needs or what you have on hand.

How long should I smoke the apples if I want them softer?

If you prefer your apples more tender, try extending the smoke time toward 90 minutes or slightly longer. Just keep an eye on them to avoid turning into applesauce unless that’s your goal!

What’s the best ice cream flavor to serve with this dessert?

Classic vanilla is ideal because it’s mild and creamy, complementing the smoky apples without competing. You can also experiment with cinnamon, caramel, or even butter pecan ice cream for a deeper flavor experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a unique spin on a traditional dessert, the Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe should absolutely be on your radar. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with complex flavors and textures that invite everyone back for seconds. The smoky warmth, combined with sweet spices and crunchy nuts, creates an irresistible treat that turns ordinary apples into a star attraction at any meal. Trust me, once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!