Campfire Apple Crisp – Easy 35-Minute Dessert

There's nothing quite like a warm, sweet dessert after a day on the trail. This Campfire Apple Crisp brings the comfort of home to the backcountry, using simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet.

You don't need an oven—just a campfire or portable stove. The apples soften into a jammy filling while the topping turns crisp and golden. It's the kind of dessert that makes everyone gather around the fire.

I've made this on countless trips, from high alpine lakes to desert canyons. It's forgiving, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Here's how to nail it every time.

About the Ingredients

6 cups (about 900g) peeled, sliced apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

Firm tart apples hold their shape during cooking. Mix sweet and tart varieties for depth. If you prefer sweeter, use Fuji or Gala.

2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice

Prevents browning and brightens flavor. Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is better. Carry a small bottle if you don't have fresh lemons.

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

Sweetens the filling. Adjust to taste; use brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Warm spice that pairs with apples. For a twist, use apple pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg.

1/4 teaspoon salt

Balances sweetness and enhances flavors. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

Binds the topping. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

1 cup (80g) old-fashioned rolled oats

Adds texture and heartiness. Quick oats work but give a less chewy topping. Gluten-free oats are available if needed.

1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar

Adds moisture and caramel flavor to the topping. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, light is milder.

1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Cold butter creates a crumbly texture. If you only have salted, reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.

1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Adds crunch. Toast them lightly for extra flavor. Omit for nut-free version.

Tips & Tricks

• Use firm apples that won't turn to mush. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
• Don't overmix the topping; it should be crumbly, not a dough. Overworking makes it tough.
• If cooking over open flame, place the skillet on a grate or coals, not direct fire, to avoid burning the bottom.
• Let the crisp rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to set—this makes serving easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the apples

Peel and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. In a large bowl, toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside while you make the topping.

2. Make the topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts if using. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits.

3. Layer in skillet

Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle the topping over the apples, covering completely.

4. Cook over fire

Cook over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Rotate the skillet occasionally for even cooking. If using a campfire, place on a grate over hot coals and cover with a lid or foil to trap heat.

5. Rest and serve

Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Delicious Variations

Berry Apple Crisp

Replace half the apples with fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries). Reduce sugar slightly if berries are sweet.

Spiced Pear Crisp

Use firm pears instead of apples, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of cardamom.

Trail Mix Crisp

Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the topping for extra texture.

How to Store Campfire Apple Crisp

Frequently Asked Questions

Now you're ready to enjoy a warm, rustic dessert on your next adventure. Give this Campfire Apple Crisp a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments!

Campfire Apple Crisp

Campfire Apple Crisp: juicy apples under a buttery oat topping, baked until bubbling and golden—simple, satisfying, and perfect for outdoor cooking.

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 6 cups (about 900g) peeled, sliced apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (80g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Prep the apples — Peel and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. In a large bowl, toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside while you make the topping.
2. 2Make the topping — In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts if using. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits.
3. 3Layer in skillet — Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle the topping over the apples, covering completely.
4. 4Cook over fire — Cook over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Rotate the skillet occasionally for even cooking. If using a campfire, place on a grate over hot coals and cover with a lid or foil to trap heat.
5. 5Rest and serve — Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: Remember to always practice fire safety: keep water nearby and fully extinguish your fire before leaving. See you on the trail.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Lars Eriksen
Lars writes about outdoor adventure and minimalist gear, focusing on long-distance hiking and camping. He shares route planning tips, gear tests, and lessons from the trail, always emphasizing safety and leaving no trace. His writing is practical and seasoned, but he never claims to be an expert—just a passionate hiker.