Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a warm, comforting, and uniquely smoky dessert, the Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe takes everyday apples and elevates them with a gentle smoke, combined with sweet brown sugar, cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any BBQ party or cozy night in. The balance of natural fruit sweetness and deep smoky flavor makes these apples absolutely unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe focuses on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy apples providing a tender base to the cinnamon and brown sugar adding warm, sweet spice.

• 5 medium apples (Gala suggested): Choose crisp apples to hold their shape during smoking without turning mushy.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness that caramelizes slightly as the apples smoke.
• 1 tbsp salted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps bind the toppings.
• ½ tsp cinnamon: Offers aromatic warmth that complements the apple’s natural flavor.
• ¼ cup raisins or cranberries: Introduces bursts of tartness and chewiness to balance the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp walnuts, crushed: Adds crunch and a toasty note to contrast with the silky apple flesh.
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (optional): Perfect for serving and bringing a cool sweetness to finish.

How to Make Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Traeger or Pellet Grill

The magic of this dessert starts with your grill preheated between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Consistent low heat is key to gently infuse that wonderful smoky flavor without breaking down the apples too much. Whether you’re using a Traeger or another pellet grill, this temperature range sets the stage for perfectly tender, smoky apples.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Take your gala apples, halve them lengthwise, and carefully remove the cores. This prep step creates the perfect cavity for your fillings and toppings to melt and mingle. Arrange the apples cut side up in a cast iron skillet or baking dish—this keeps all those delicious juices contained while cooking.

Step 3: Add the Flavorful Toppings

This is where the fun really starts: sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each apple half, drizzle with melted butter, and dust with cinnamon. Then add the raisins or cranberries for tart bursts, followed by a generous sprinkle of crushed walnuts for crunch. Each topping layer adds texture and flavor nuances that combine beautifully after smoking.

Step 4: Smoke the Apples

Place your prepared apples in the smoker set at 250 degrees Fahrenheit and let them gently smoke for 60 to 90 minutes. You want the apples to become tender but still hold a bit of their natural bite — think soft yet structured, not mushy like applesauce. This slow smoking intensifies the apple’s flavor and melds the toppings into a harmonious treat.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

After smoking, remove the apples and allow them to cool slightly. They’re fantastic warm on their own, but the classic way to enjoy this dessert is topped with a scoop (or two) of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm smoky apples and cold ice cream is absolute heaven on a plate.

How to Serve Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe

Garnishes

While the apples themselves are stunning, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra crushed walnuts or a light dusting of powdered cinnamon adds extra visual appeal and texture. Fresh mint leaves can brighten the presentation and add a lovely herbal note if you want to mix it up.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments like a warm cinnamon roll or a slice of spiced pound cake. For more adventurous gatherings, consider serving alongside whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your crowd, try serving the smoked apples in individual cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins. You can also turn them into an elegant plated dessert by layering the apple halves with dollops of mascarpone, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of honey, creating layers of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any smoked apples left over, gently transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are great for enjoying cold or reheated with a little extra vanilla ice cream.

Freezing

Freezing smoked apples is an option but may affect the texture slightly. To freeze, allow the apples to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the smoked apples gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Adding a fresh drizzle of melted butter or a scoop of ice cream on top brings back that just-made charm.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for the Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe?

While you can use any apples you like, firm varieties such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up best during smoking without becoming mushy. They maintain texture and absorb smoky flavor beautifully.

Can I make this recipe without a Traeger or pellet grill?

Yes! If you don’t have a pellet grill, you can smoke the apples in any grill using wood chips for smoke or bake them in a low oven for a similar effect, although the authentic smoky flavor from a pellet grill is hard to beat.

How long do I smoke the apples for optimal flavor?

Smoking for 60 to 90 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit allows the apples to soften while absorbing smoke. Check the texture after an hour to ensure they remain tender but not mushy, adjusting time as needed based on your grill and apple variety.

Can I substitute nuts in the recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re allergic or prefer other nuts, pecans, almonds, or even toasted pumpkin seeds make excellent alternatives that add a similar crunch and flavor profile.

Is it necessary to serve this dessert with ice cream?

Ice cream is optional but highly recommended. The cold creaminess balances the warm, smoky, and spiced apples perfectly, creating a delightful contrast. If you prefer dairy-free, coconut or almond milk ice cream works wonderfully too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Traeger Dessert Smoked Apples Recipe that combines rustic charm with sophisticated, deep smoky flavors. It’s a dessert that feels special yet remains simple, making it perfect for family dinners or impressive BBQ parties. I can’t recommend trying it enough—once you do, these sweet, tender, smoky apples will become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.

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