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Fresh Apple Camping Dessert: Skillet Cinnamon Apples

A simple one-pan dessert made with fresh apples, cinnamon, butter, and a crunchy oat crumble. Cooked entirely in a cast iron skillet over a campfire or camp stove—no oven required.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium fresh apples (firm, tart-sweet variety) peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed for the topping
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional, for drizzling

Method
 

  1. Peel, core, and slice the fresh apples into 1/2-inch wedges. Keep slices uniform for even cooking.
  2. Place a cast iron skillet over medium campfire coals or a camp stove set to medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the bottom.
  3. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir gently to coat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes, until apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. While apples cook, prepare the oat crumble: In a small bowl, mix rolled oats and flour. Cut in 2 tablespoons cold butter with your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the cooked apples. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 5 minutes more, until the topping is golden and fragrant.
  6. Remove from heat. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving. Serve warm, straight from the skillet.
  7. Store leftovers in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.