Camp-stove apple crisp with toasted oat crumble
Soft cinnamon apples topped with a separately toasted oat crumble for a crisp finish without an oven.
Timing is an estimate. Camp stove output, wind, cookware and ingredient temperature affect how quickly a dish cooks. Use the visual cues and safe-temperature advice in the recipe.
Most skillet “campfire crisps” turn soft when the topping is cooked under a lid. This method avoids that: toast the oat crumble first, soften the apples in the same pan, then put the crisp topping on at the table.
Firm, tart-sweet apples such as Braeburn, Pink Lady or Granny Smith hold their shape. Slice them evenly so the thinner pieces do not collapse before the thicker ones soften. If the apples are very tart, add another teaspoon of sugar at the table rather than changing the whole batch.
Camp-stove apple crisp with toasted oat crumble
Soft cinnamon apples topped with a separately toasted oat crumble for a crisp finish without an oven.
Ingredients
- 4 firm apples (about 700 g / 1½ lb), cored and cut into 1 cm / ⅜ in slices
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- 25 g (1 oz / 2 tbsp) light brown sugar
- 1 g (½ tsp) ground cinnamon
- 80 ml (⅓ US cup) water
- 75 g (2½ oz / ¾ US cup) rolled oats
- 40 g (1½ oz / ⅓ US cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 50 g (1¾ oz / ¼ US cup, lightly packed) light brown sugar
- 55 g (2 oz / 4 tbsp) butter
- Pinch of salt
How to make it
- Set a 25 cm / 10 in skillet on a stable camp stove over low heat. Add the oats, flour, 50 g brown sugar, butter and salt. Stir continuously for 8–10 minutes until the butter has coated the dry ingredients and the crumble is golden, fragrant and cooked through. Transfer to a clean bowl.
- Put the apple slices, lemon juice, remaining 25 g brown sugar, cinnamon and water in the same skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 8–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Remove the lid. If liquid pools in the pan, simmer uncovered for 1–2 minutes until syrupy. Take the pan off the flame.
- Spoon the toasted crumble over the warm apples and serve. The topping stays crisp because it is toasted separately rather than steamed under a lid.
Use a camp stove outdoors on a stable, level surface, away from dry grass and tent fabric. Never cook inside a tent, vehicle or enclosed shelter.
