Look, I love s’mores as much as the next person, but sometimes you want a camp dessert that doesn’t leave you covered in sticky marshmallow fluff. After a long day of hiking, pitching a tent, and smelling like bug spray, these campfire baked apples are exactly what I crave. They take almost zero effort, require absolutely no dishes, and taste like a warm slice of apple pie straight out of the coals.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest — most campfire desserts are either too complicated or require ingredients that are a pain to haul into the woods. Baked apples over a campfire are different. They use simple pantry staples, come together in minutes, and cook right in the coals while you’re relaxing with your favourite drink. They feel indulgent without being fussy, and that’s exactly what camping food should be.
They’re also naturally customisable — swap fillings, adjust sweetness, or make them vegan without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re camping with kids or cooking for fellow adults around the fire, this recipe always hits the mark. Serves 4.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work beautifully)
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar (approx. 50g)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (approx. 57g)
- 4 tablespoons rolled oats (approx. 20g) (optional, for a crumble-like filling)
- 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (approx. 30g) (optional)
- A handful of raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Optional toppings to serve: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How to Make Campfire Baked Apples
Instructions
- Prep your fire: Get your campfire going and let it burn down to a steady bed of hot coals — this gives you even, gentle heat without scorching your apples.
- Core the apples: Using a knife or apple corer, remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact so the filling stays put. Leave about half an inch at the base.
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl or zip-lock bag, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Give it a good mix.
- Stuff the apples: Spoon the filling generously into each cored apple. Top each one with a tablespoon of cubed butter — this is what makes everything melt together into something truly irresistible.
- Wrap in foil: Place each stuffed apple on a double layer of heavy-duty foil. Wrap tightly, sealing the edges so no steam escapes.
- Cook over the campfire: Nestle the foil packets directly into the hot coals or place them on a grill grate over the fire using long metal tongs or heat-resistant campfire gloves. Cook for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Check for doneness: Carefully unwrap one packet with your tongs and gloves (watch out for steam!) — the apple should be tender and the filling caramelised and bubbling.
- Serve and enjoy: Open the packets, add your favourite toppings, and dig in right from the foil.
Tips for the Best Campfire Baked Apples
Choose apples that are firm and hold their shape when cooked — Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are top picks for campfire desserts because they don’t turn to mush. If you’re cooking for a crowd, prep the stuffed apples at home before leaving and keep them in a cooler until you’re ready to cook. That’s meal prep done right.
For a vegan campfire baked apple, simply swap the butter for coconut oil — it works just as well and adds a subtle tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with the cinnamon.
Don’t have a campfire? These work brilliantly in a standard oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30–35 minutes. So yes, you can enjoy your foil packet baked apples even on a rainy day at home.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this easy campfire dessert recipe is how flexible it is. Try swapping the oats for crushed graham crackers, add a spoonful of peanut butter, or toss in some mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired twist. You really can’t go wrong.
Share the Love!
If this campfire baked apples recipe made your trip a little sweeter, save this pin to your camping recipes board on Pinterest so you can find it again on your next adventure. And don’t forget to share it with friends and family — because good food is always better when it’s shared around the fire.
