Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) for approximately 5 minutes. While it heats, core each apple from the top, removing seeds while leaving the bottom intact to create a natural cup for filling.
In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand with a spreadable consistency that'll cling to apple interiors perfectly.
Brush the exterior of each apple lightly with lemon juice to prevent oxidation. Divide the butter-sugar filling equally among the four apples, packing it gently into the core cavity and spreading some on the sides.
Place apples cut-side down directly on grill grates and cook for 7-8 minutes without moving them to develop beautiful char marks. Sweet smoky cozy fall grilled apples recipe requires patience here—resist the urge to flip too early or check constantly.
Flip apples carefully using tongs and cook the other side for 5-7 minutes until they're tender when pierced with a fork and the filling bubbles at edges. The total grilling time should stay within our 15-minute window.
Transfer apples to a serving platter and drizzle with maple syrup and vanilla extract while still warm. The residual heat will help these ingredients meld into the fruit's natural juices beautifully.
Top each grilled apple with Greek yogurt, chopped pecans, and granola just before serving. This adds textural contrast and creamy richness that complements the smoky, caramelized fruit.