Smoked Jack’d Apples (Pellet Grill BBQ Dessert) 🍎🔥

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If you’re looking for a simple backyard dessert that packs big flavor, these Smoked Jack’d Apples are tough to beat. We’re taking fresh apples, stuffing them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then adding a splash of Jack Daniel’s before letting them smoke until soft, warm, and caramelized.

They taste like a cross between apple pie and warm whiskey caramel — and they pair perfectly with ice cream, whipped cream, or just a spoon. Let’s fire it up. 👇

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

  • 🍎 Apples soften into warm, tender pockets of sweetness

  • 🧈 Butter melts into the filling for a rich caramel flavor

  • 🥃 Jack Daniel’s adds depth and a hint of warmth

  • 🔥 Pellet grill smoke gives a subtle BBQ twist

  • 😎 Fast, simple dessert anyone can make

📋 Recipe Snapshot

🕰 Prep Time: 10 min ⏱ Cook Time: 45–60 min ⏳ Total Time: ~1 hour 🍽 Serves: 4

🧾 Ingredients

  • 4 apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 4 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1–2 oz Jack Daniel’s

  • Optional toppings: caramel sauce, pecans, vanilla ice cream

🔥 How to Make Smoked Jack’d Apples

1️⃣ Prep the Apples

  • Slice the top off each apple

  • Core the center (keep walls thick enough to hold filling)

2️⃣ Make the Filling

Combine:

  • brown sugar

  • cinnamon

  • soft butter
    Mix into a paste.

3️⃣ Fill the Apples

  • Pack the butter/sugar mixture into the core

  • Drizzle a little Jack Daniel’s on top (¼–½ oz per apple)

4️⃣ Smoke

  • Preheat pellet grill to 225°F

  • Use apple, cherry, or pecan pellets

  • Place apples in a pan or directly on grates

  • Smoke for 45–60 minutes, or until soft and bubbling

5️⃣ Serve

Serve warm with:

  • vanilla ice cream 🍨

  • whipped cream

  • caramel drizzle

  • chopped nuts

🔧 Pro Tips

  • Choose firm apples so they don’t collapse

  • Don’t overfill — the mixture melts and expands

  • Reduce leftover pan juices into a warm caramel drizzle

  • Add extra cinnamon or nutmeg for deeper spice

  • Increase temp to 275°F for slightly firmer apples

🌳 Best Woods for Smoked Apples

  • 🍒 Cherry — sweet, fruity, perfect for desserts

  • 🍏 Apple — classic pairing with baked apples

  • 🌰 Pecan — buttery and rich

Stay away from strong woods like mesquite or hickory — too aggressive for a sweet dessert.

🔄 Variations to Try

Caramel Whiskey Apples - Add caramel sauce into the filling.

Bourbon Apples - Swap Jack Daniel’s for bourbon.

Crumble Style - Add crushed graham crackers or oats to the filling.

Nutty Version - Add chopped pecans or walnuts.

Maple Butter Apples - Replace brown sugar with maple syrup.

❓ FAQ

What apples work best for smoking?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala hold their shape well.

Can I make these without alcohol?

Absolutely — use apple juice or caramel syrup.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No — skins help them stay intact during smoking.

Can I cook these at 250°F?

Yes — they’ll finish slightly faster.

Can I prep them ahead?

Yes — stuff the apples, refrigerate, and smoke same day.