Easy Campfire Apple Crisp Recipe for Quick Outdoor Dessert

By:

Grace Mueller

Published:

June 14, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Benefits and Advantages of campfire apple crisp

Campfire apple crisp offers a delightful combination of simplicity and deliciousness, making it an ideal dessert for outdoor cooking enthusiasts and home cooks alike. Its ease of preparation is one of the main benefits, requiring minimal ingredients that are easy to assemble and cook over a campfire or in a conventional oven. This recipe stands out due to its blend of sweet, tart apples complemented by a crunchy, buttery topping, delivering a comforting treat that feels rustic yet indulgently satisfying. Additionally, campfire apple crisp can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options, enhancing its appeal to health-conscious individuals. The use of fresh apples provides essential vitamins and fiber, contributing to a healthier dessert choice compared to more processed alternatives. Overall, this recipe is effective in merging traditional campfire flavors with accessible, health-aware ingredients to delight a wide audience.

Jump to:

Benefits and Advantages of campfire apple crisp
Mastering Campfire Apple Crisp: Advanced Tips and Variations
How to Store Campfire Apple Crisp: Best Practices
Nutritional Value of Campfire Apple Crisp
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Campfire Apple Crisp
What types of apples work best for campfire apple crisp?
Can I make campfire apple crisp vegan?
Is it okay to use rolled oats instead of quick oats in the topping?
What can I use as a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in the recipe?
How do I cook apple crisp over a campfire without burning it?
Easy Campfire Apple Crisp Recipe for Quick Outdoor Dessert
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Mastering Campfire Apple Crisp: Advanced Tips and Variations

To master campfire apple crisp, start by choosing the right apples the tart and firm varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, MacIntosh, Cortland, or Braeburn provide excellent texture and flavor that hold up well during cooking. Using a mixture of these apples can add complexity and balance between tartness and sweetness.

When preparing the topping, prefer old-fashioned oats for a heartier, crunchier texture, while quick oats produce a softer, more delicate crisp. For vegan or dairy-free options, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative to maintain richness and crumble. Spice blends featuring cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth; you can customize further with ginger or cloves for seasonal variations.

To keep your crisp moist and flavorful, prep foil packets ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld. Adding a splash of bourbon or pure vanilla extract to the apple mixture brings deeper aroma and sophistication, but omit for family-friendly versions. For an extra special touch, serve with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.

Cooking over a campfire requires attention: place packets on hot embers rather than direct flame for gentle, even heat. Rotate packets periodically and check doneness between 15-30 minutes to prevent overcooking or burning.

Careful choice of apples, topping texture, and campfire cooking technique combine to produce a rustic yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.

How to Store Campfire Apple Crisp: Best Practices

Proper storage is key to preserving the deliciousness of campfire apple crisp. For short-term storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours to enjoy optimal freshness and safe food handling.

If you have larger quantities or want to save for later, you can freeze the crisp. Transfer cooled apple crisp into freezer-safe containers or securely wrapped foil packets. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm in an oven or grill, being careful not to overheat and dry out the fruit or topping.

When reheating, use low heat and cover to trap moisture, maintaining the crisp’s tender apples and crunchy topping. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the topping soggy and unevenly heat the filling.

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigeration	Up to 24 hours	Use airtight container; reheat gently to maintain texture
Freezing	Up to 2 months	Freeze in airtight containers; thaw overnight before warming

Following these guidelines helps maintain the flavor and texture that make campfire apple crisp a beloved outdoor dessert.

Nutritional Value of Campfire Apple Crisp

Campfire apple crisp is a comforting dessert that can be enjoyed with some nutritional benefits thanks to fresh fruit and whole ingredients. Below is a general overview of the nutritional content per serving based on 8 servings:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	311 kcal
Carbohydrates	73 g
Protein	4 g
Fat	2 g (Saturated fat 1 g)
Cholesterol	4 mg
Sodium	18 mg
Potassium	260 mg
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	49 g
Vitamin A	110 IU
Vitamin C	6 mg
Calcium	59 mg
Iron	2 mg

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Campfire Apple Crisp

What types of apples work best for campfire apple crisp?

Tart and firm apples hold up well in campfire apple crisp because they keep their shape and add a balanced flavor. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Cortland, and MacIntosh. Using these varieties helps avoid a mushy texture, ensuring each bite has a nice contrast between soft fruit and crispy topping.

Can I make campfire apple crisp vegan?

Yes, you can easily make campfire apple crisp vegan by replacing butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan margarine. These options provide similar richness and help achieve a crispy topping while keeping the recipe dairy-free.

Is it okay to use rolled oats instead of quick oats in the topping?

Rolled oats can be used instead of quick oats, but the texture of the crisp topping will be heartier and chewier. Quick oats create a finer, crumbly topping that cooks evenly over the campfire, while rolled oats take slightly longer to soften but add a more rustic feel.

What can I use as a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in the recipe?

If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply leave out the bourbon. To maintain flavor depth, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of apple cider. These ingredients create a sweet, aromatic note that complements the apples well without overpowering the dish.

How do I cook apple crisp over a campfire without burning it?

To cook apple crisp over a campfire, use a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven and position it near hot coals rather than direct flames. Cover it with a lid or foil to trap heat evenly, then cook for about 20-30 minutes. Rotate the pan occasionally to prevent burning and check for bubbling fruit and a golden topping.