Campfire Apple Pie Packets: Your Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Outdoor Dessert
Embrace the joy of outdoor cooking with these incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious Campfire Apple Pie Packets! Imagine tender, spiced apples infused with butter and brown sugar, all perfectly baked in foil over a grill or open flame. It’s an effortless dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgic charm to any meal, whether you’re camping under the stars or enjoying a backyard BBQ.
An Effortless Dessert for Your Grill or Campfire
There’s something truly special about preparing meals outdoors, and grilled desserts add a unique flair to any gathering. While savory dishes often dominate the grill, sweet treats prepared over an open flame or charcoal add an unforgettable touch to your culinary adventures. These Apple Pie Packets are a fan-favorite for a reason: they are incredibly easy to assemble, require minimal cleanup, and consistently deliver a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like a slice of homemade apple pie, but with an added smoky essence from the grill.
Perfect for summer cookouts, autumn bonfires, or even a cozy evening in your backyard, these packets offer a convenient way to enjoy a classic dessert without the fuss. The individual portions make serving a breeze, ensuring everyone gets their own personal pie experience, hot and fresh off the heat source. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful culinary memory.
Why You’ll Love These Campfire Apple Pie Packets
- Incredibly Simple: With just a few basic ingredients and a roll of foil, you can create a gourmet-tasting dessert in minutes.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooked and often served directly in the foil, these packets drastically cut down on dishwashing, making them ideal for camping or outdoor entertaining.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors to suit individual preferences, from adding different spices to various dried fruits and nuts.
- Versatile Cooking: While perfect for the grill or campfire, these packets can also be baked in a conventional oven, offering flexibility regardless of the weather or your cooking setup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a warm apple dessert, and the individual packet presentation adds a fun, interactive element to serving.
Essential Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Packets
Making these apple pie packets is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your experience and ensure a consistently delicious outcome:
- Flavor Enhancements: While simple apple, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon are divine, don’t hesitate to experiment with additions. Dried cranberries or raisins add a lovely tartness and chewy texture. For a nutty crunch, chopped pecans or walnuts are excellent choices. Consider a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor profile, or a tiny splash of vanilla extract for a gourmet touch.
- Scaling for Your Crowd: This recipe is designed for a single serving, making it incredibly easy to scale up or down. Whether you’re making one for yourself or dozens for a large family reunion, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of packets you need. Each person gets their own perfectly portioned, personalized dessert.
- Create an Interactive “Baked Apple Bar”: Turn dessert into an event! Set out all the prepared ingredients—sliced apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, various dried fruits, nuts, and perhaps some caramel bits or chocolate chips. Let your guests assemble their own foil packets with their preferred toppings. Then, simply grill them to order, allowing everyone to enjoy a customized, warm dessert. This is fantastic for parties and family gatherings.
- To Peel or Not to Peel: We often leave the apple peel on for a texture similar to traditional fried apples, which also retains more nutrients and fiber. However, if you prefer a smoother texture or simply don’t enjoy the peel, feel free to peel your apples before slicing. The choice is yours!
- Choosing the Right Apples: Not all apples are created equal for baking. While you can use your favorite, some varieties hold up better and offer superior flavor when cooked. Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith are excellent choices. Granny Smith offers a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Fuji and Honeycrisp provide a good balance of sweet and firm texture.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Packets in the Oven? Absolutely!
The beauty of foil packet recipes lies in their adaptability. Any recipe designed for the grill or campfire can almost always be successfully transferred to your conventional oven. For oven baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the securely wrapped apple packets on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and to make them easier to handle. Bake for approximately 15 to 25 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary depending on your oven, the type of apple, and how thick your slices are. A good indicator of doneness is when the apples are tender when pierced with a fork (carefully open a packet to check). The apples should be soft but not mushy.
This makes these packets a fantastic, simple dessert to enjoy year-round, regardless of whether you have access to outdoor cooking. They are truly great for campouts, BBQ parties, or just a cozy night in. My husband, for instance, eagerly awaits his packet, ready to dig into the warm, spiced apples. If you’re a fan of classic fried apples, you are going to absolutely adore these! They pair wonderfully with a hearty meal like Pulled Pork BBQ, providing a sweet and satisfying finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dessert. The simplicity of the list belies the rich, comforting flavors you’re about to experience.
- Apple: The star of our show! One medium-sized apple per packet is usually perfect. Choose a firm, crisp variety that holds its shape when cooked.
- Butter: A tablespoon of salted butter adds richness and helps create that irresistible saucy glaze.
- Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apples, adding warmth and a classic “apple pie” aroma.
- Dried Cranberries or Raisins (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor and chewiness. Dried cranberries bring a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional): If you love a little crunch and nutty flavor, these are a fantastic addition.
How to Make Campfire Apple Pie Packets: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to create your own individual apple pie packets:
- Prepare Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for indirect cooking or ensure your grate is set at least 4-6 inches above the charcoals to prevent burning.
- Foil Preparation: Cut a 12×18-inch sheet of heavy-duty nonstick foil. If you don’t have nonstick foil, you can use regular aluminum foil and lightly spray one side with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent the apples from sticking during baking. This is a crucial step for easy serving and cleanup.
- Assemble the Packet: Core and slice your apple (remember, you can peel it or leave the skin on). Place the apple slices on the nonstick side of the foil. Evenly distribute the butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon over the apples. If using, add your dried cranberries (or raisins) and chopped pecans (or walnuts) now.
- Securely Wrap: Bring the long sides of the foil together over the apples and fold them over several times to create a tight, double-fold seal. Then, fold the short ends in the same manner. It’s important to seal the packet securely to trap the steam and juices, allowing the apples to cook thoroughly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Leave a little room inside the packet for heat expansion; don’t make it too tight.
- Grill to Perfection: Carefully place the sealed packet directly on the preheated grill grate. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 15 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on your grill’s heat and apple type, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are tender when gently squeezed or pierced.
- Remove and Serve with Caution: Using a grill-safe spatula or tongs, carefully remove the hot packet from the grill and transfer it to a plate. Exercise extreme caution when opening the packet, as there will be a burst of hot steam that can cause burns. We love serving these packets directly in their foil, which keeps them warm and captures all the delicious juices. Before diving in, gently stir the apples around in the bottom of the packet to coat them in the sweet, buttery sauce. And then, enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Pie Packets
While delicious on their own, these Campfire Apple Pie Packets truly shine with a few simple additions:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm apples is a classic pairing that cannot be beaten. Drizzle the extra juices from the foil packet over the ice cream for an added layer of flavor.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a generous spray from a can adds a light, airy contrast.
- Caramel Sauce: A swirl of caramel sauce takes these packets to an even more decadent level.
- Granola: For a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some granola on top before serving.
- Cheddar Cheese: For those who love the sweet and savory combination, a small slice of sharp cheddar cheese pairs surprisingly well with warm apples.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Apples not soft enough: If your apples are still firm after the recommended cooking time, reseal the packet and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically. Thicker apple slices or firmer apple varieties might require more time. Ensure your heat source is consistent.
- Apples too mushy: This usually happens if the apples are sliced too thinly or cooked for too long. For future batches, try slightly thicker slices or reduce the cooking time. Using a firmer apple variety can also help.
- Foil leaking: Double-check your seals before cooking. If using standard foil, ensure you’ve used heavy-duty foil and sprayed it well to prevent sticking, which can lead to tearing.
- Burning on the outside, undercooked inside: Your heat source might be too high. For grills, reduce the heat or move packets to a cooler spot on the grate. For charcoal, ensure the grate is high enough above the coals.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover apple pie packets are a rare occurrence, but if you do have any, they store well. Once cooled, you can transfer the apples to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a microwave, or for a crispier texture, place them back in a foil packet and reheat on the grill or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Craving More Delicious Grill & Campfire Recipes?
If you loved these apple pie packets, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of recipes perfect for your grill, campfire, or even your slow cooker:
- Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Grilled Steak with Steakhouse Butter
- Easy Method for Grilling the Best Pork Ribs
- Hearty Grilled Hot Dog and Potato Packets
- Savory Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets
- Creamy Garlic Potato Packets
- Grilled BBQ Pork Potato Packets
- Classic Hamburger Hobo Packets
- Old-Fashioned Fried Apples
- Crispy Fried Apple Pies
Originally published: June 2012
Updated with new photos & republished: August 2020
Campfire Apple Pie Packets
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10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
1
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 1 ½ Tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon dried cranberries or raisins, optional
- 1 Tablespoon chopped pecans, optional
Instructions
- Preheat grill (to medium heat). Cut a 12 x 18-inch sheet of nonstick foil.
- Place apple slices on foil along with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and dried cranberries.
- Wrap packet securely with double-fold seals, allowing for a bit of room for heat expansion.
- Place packet on grill; cover and cook for about 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Be careful when removing from the grill; it will be very hot! Also, use caution when opening packets because there will be hot steam.
- We serve right in the packets. There will be juices on the bottom of the packet so gently stir the apples before taking a bite.
Video
Notes
- This would be fun to set up as a baked apple bar. Set all the ingredients out for your guests and let them top with whatever they like. This is delicious put into a bowl and a little ice cream served on top! I will take the extra juices from the foil packet and drizzle it over the ice cream.
- Use your favorite apple here. I used a Fuji apple since it’s a little tart and a little sweet.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Calories:
381kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
57g
|
Protein:
1g
|
Fat:
19g
|
Sodium:
108mg
|
Fiber:
6g
|
Sugar:
46g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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