🍏 Campfire Apple Crisp – Bubba’s Sweet Wilderness Treat

Ain’t nothin’ says “life’s good” like sittin’ ‘round a campfire with the smell of cinnamon, butter, and baked apples driftin’ through the woods. Bubba’s Campfire Apple Crisp is a quick, simple dessert that tastes just like Grandma’s oven-baked version — only smokier, cozier, and kissed by the open fire.

It’s a sweet way to wrap up a long day of fishin’, ridin’, or star-watchin’. Just a few pantry staples, a cast iron pan (or foil packet), and a warm fire — that’s all you need to make a memory.

🍎 Ingredients

For the Filling:

4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or whatever’s handy), peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter (for greasin’ the pan)
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice to keep the apples bright

For the Crisp Topping:

½ cup rolled oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

🔥 Directions

Step 1: Fire It Up

Get yourself a good bed of campfire coals — steady heat, not big flames. Set your cast iron skillet nearby to warm up.

If you’re doin’ this at home, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) — though Bubba says it always tastes better under the stars.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Rub a bit of butter in the bottom of your skillet or foil pan. Toss in your sliced apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon if you’re usin’ it. Stir it up till those apples are shiny and sweet-smellin’.

Step 3: Mix the Topping

In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingers ‘til it looks crumbly — like coarse cornmeal with little buttery bits.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Spread the oat topping evenly over your apple mix. Cover with foil (or use a lid if your skillet’s got one).

Set the skillet near the coals, not directly on top, and let it cook for 20–25 minutes. Turn it every so often for even heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and that topping’s crisp and golden.

Step 5: Serve Bubba-Style

Spoon it up warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’ve got a cooler handy. If not, it’s plenty good all by itself.

Bubba says, “If the smoke ain’t driftin’ through the trees and your spoon ain’t scrapin’ the bottom, you did somethin’ wrong.”

🪵 Bubba’s Tips

Swap apples for peaches or berries if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
Add a dash of bourbon to the apples for a grown-up twist.
If you’re cookin’ for a crowd, make individual foil packets — no plates needed.

🧊 Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which Bubba doubts), cover ‘em tight with foil and keep ‘em in the cooler. Reheat near the fire for breakfast — tastes mighty fine with coffee.

❤️ Bubba’s Final Word

“Now that’s what I call sweet country comfort — simple, smoky, and made with love. Just proves you don’t need fancy kitchens or gadgets when you’ve got good folks, good fire, and good food.”