When the sun sets and the campfire crackles, there’s nothing quite like the inviting scent of warm apples mingling with cinnamon in the air. This Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats transforms a serene evening into a delicious memory, effortlessly combining the joy of outdoor cooking with the comforts of home-baked desserts. Imagine gathering around the fire, savoring the sweet and slightly tart delight of caramelized apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture – it’s a treat that brings everyone together under the stars.
Not only is this recipe super simple to whip up, but it’s also easily customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re craving a classic flavor or a fruity twist, it’s a crowd-pleaser that sparks joy in both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into this charming dessert that promises both ease and delightful flavors, perfect for your next camping adventure or backyard gathering.
Why is Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats a must-try?
Comforting flavors: The delightful blend of sweet apples and warm cinnamon captures the essence of home in every bite.
Effortless preparation: Simply mix, layer, and seal in foil for a hassle-free dessert with minimal cleanup.
Customizable options: Swap out apples for your favorite fruits or try unique toppings like chocolate drizzle for a twist!
Memory-making moments: Comes to life around the campfire, perfect for creating memories with family and friends.
Ideal for all ages: Its familiar flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults, sparking joy at every gathering.
Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
• 3 large apples – Provides the sweet and tart base; use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Imparts a warm spice essence; substitute with nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances overall flavor; don’t skip this for a balanced taste.
For the Oat Topping
• 1/2 cup rolled oats – Adds texture and crunch; can replace with quick oats for a finer texture.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar – Contributes sweetness and a rich flavor; substitute with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Aids in binding the topping; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free variation.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness to the topping; can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Essential Cooking Supplies
• Aluminum foil – Essential for cooking and sealing the packets; ensures that the flavors meld perfectly while cooking.
Create a delicious Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats that everyone will cherish!
How to Make Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil
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Prepare the Foil: Cut two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. This will create a sturdy base for your apple crisp packets, ready to hold in all that deliciousness!
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Mix Apple Filling: In a sizable bowl, toss together the sliced apples, half the ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Coat them evenly to ensure every piece is bursting with sweet, spiced flavor.
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Prepare Oat Topping: In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well blended, achieving a crumbly mixture that will create a delightful crunch.
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Assemble Foil Pack: Lay one strip of foil flat, and begin layering by placing half of the apple mixture in the center, followed by half of the oat topping. Repeat this for a second packet using the remaining ingredients for double the yum!
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Seal Packets: Fold the foil edges over the mixture, pinching them tightly to create well-sealed packets. This step is crucial to keep all that steam inside while cooking, helping the apples become tender and flavorful.
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Cook Over Fire: Place the prepared foil packets over the campfire coals or grill, cooking for about 30-35 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking, and get ready to enjoy that incredible scent wafting through the air!
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Check for Doneness: After the time is up, carefully open one packet to check if the apples are tender and the oats are golden brown and crispy. If they need more time, simply reseal and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
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Serve: Let the packets cool slightly before gently opening them. For a delightful touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top, making it a dreamy end to your outdoor feast!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Campfire Apple Crisp
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Apple Choice: Select a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor and optimal texture in your Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats.
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Lemon Juice Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice to the apple filling to enhance flavor and prevent browning, ensuring fresh-tasting apples.
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Sealing Technique: Make sure to seal the foil packets tightly to trap the steam inside. This ensures the apples cook evenly and become tender.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time; check the first packet after 30 minutes. If the apples aren’t tender, reseal and cook a bit longer.
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Avoid Steam Burns: Be cautious when opening the foil packets as hot steam will escape. It’s best to open them away from your body to prevent burns.
Make Ahead Options
These Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during outdoor adventures! You can prepare the apple filling and oat topping up to 24 hours in advance. Simply slice the apples and combine them with cinnamon and salt, then refrigerate in an airtight container. For the oat topping, mix the dry ingredients and melted butter, then store it separately. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dessert, layer the apple and oat mixtures in the foil, seal the packets, and cook them over the fire. With these make-ahead tips, you can savor a comforting treat with minimal effort and just as much flavor!
What to Serve with Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats?
When the embers glow and laughter fills the air, a comforting dessert like this makes the perfect finale to your outdoor feast.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream melts delightfully over the warm crisp, balancing textures beautifully. It’s an indulgent way to elevate this simple dessert!
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Hot Apple Cider: This spiced beverage envelops you in warmth and perfectly harmonizes with the cinnamon notes of the apple crisp, creating a cozy pairing perfect for chilly nights.
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Grilled Sausages: Savory grilled sausages provide a hearty contrast to the sweet crisp, making for a satisfying dinner followed by dessert. The combination of sweet and savory keeps everyone smiling.
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Campfire S’mores: For those craving a chocolatey treat, they provide a delightful contrast to the fruity crisp. Plus, who can resist the gooey marshmallow goodness around the fire?
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds a rich twist that makes each bite extra special. It brings the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence!
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Fresh Berries: Serve a side of tart raspberries or succulent blueberries to offer freshness that cuts through the sweetness and adds a zesty finish to the dish.
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Whipped Cream: A fluffy topping adds lightness and enhances the dessert’s creaminess, making the campfire experience feel extra indulgent.
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Sparkling Water: Complement the meal with refreshing sparkling water infused with citrus. It cleanses the palate and sets the stage for enjoying that warm dessert!
Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil Variations
When it comes to making your Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats, the possibilities to customize are as endless as the night sky!
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Berry Mix: Toss in a handful of blueberries or raspberries for a pop of tangy sweetness alongside the apples. The juicy berries will meld beautifully with the cinnamon, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
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Peach Delight: Substitute some of the apples with fresh peaches or pears. The soft, juicy texture of the peaches adds a new layer of fruity goodness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top right before serving. This indulgent addition elevates the dessert to a gourmet treat perfect for special occasions.
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Maple Oats: Swap out the brown sugar for pure maple syrup in the oat topping. This will infuse your crisp with a unique, rich sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the warm spices.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for added crunch and a nutty flavor. This textural twist will create a lovely contrast to the tender apples.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the apple mixture for a subtle, spicy warmth. It adds an unexpected depth that will surprise and delight your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free alternative. This swap maintains the richness while bringing a slight coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
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Tropical Twist: Combine apples with diced pineapple or mango for a tropical spin on the classic apple crisp. This will create a warm, sunny flavor that transports you right to the beach, even if you’re camping in the woods!
How to Store and Freeze Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the dessert stays fresh and delicious.
Freezer: Unbaked foil packets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil to prevent freezer burn, ensuring you have a quick dessert ready for your next outdoor adventure.
Thawing: Thaw frozen packets overnight in the fridge before cooking them over the campfire. This ensures even cooking and perfect texture for your Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats.
Reheating: If reheating leftovers, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the oats are crisp and the apples are heated through.
Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats Recipe FAQs
What kind of apples should I use for the Campfire Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. The tartness of Granny Smith contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of Honeycrisp, making for an irresistible filling that balances perfectly with the cinnamon oats.
How should I store leftovers from the Campfire Apple Crisp?
Very! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing. This way, you can savor that delightful flavor all over again!
Can I freeze the unbaked Campfire Apple Crisp packets?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the unbaked foil packets tightly in foil to prevent freezer burn, and they will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best results.
What should I do if my apples aren’t soft after cooking?
If that happens, don’t worry! Simply reseal the foil packet and place it back over the campfire for an additional 5-10 minutes. Occasionally checking for doneness ensures you catch the point when the apples are tender and the oats are golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Definitely! You can easily modify the Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats to accommodate dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and if you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter. Always check the packaging of ingredients to ensure they meet specific allergy requirements.
Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil with Cinnamon Oats for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Foil: Cut two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a bowl, toss sliced apples, half the ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Prepare Oat Topping: Combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and melted butter until well blended.
- Assemble Foil Pack: Layer half of the apple mixture and half of the oat topping in the foil.
- Seal Packets: Fold foil edges tightly to create sealed packets.
- Cook Over Fire: Place packets over campfire coals, cooking for about 30-35 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Open a packet to check if the apples are tender and the oats are golden.
- Serve: Let packets cool slightly before opening; serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.