There’s something magical about desserts cooked in a Dutch oven. The gentle, even heat and rustic presentation make even the simplest recipes feel special. This Dutch oven apple crisp combines tender, cinnamon-scented apples with a buttery oat crumble, baked until golden and bubbling. Whether you make it over a campfire or in your kitchen oven, it’s the kind of dessert that turns chilly evenings into cozy memories.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this apple crisp during a fall camping trip. We were deep in the woods, the air crisp and cool, and the only light came from our campfire. I layered the apples and crumble into my trusty Dutch oven, placed the lid on top, and let the magic happen over glowing coals. The result? A warm, fragrant crisp that had everyone asking for seconds — and that smoky undertone made it unforgettable.
Perfect for Gatherings
Just like my Grandma’s Secret Oat Topping Apple Crisp, this one is perfect for feeding a crowd. The Dutch oven’s generous size means you can easily serve 8–10 people, making it ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy nights in with friends.
Flexible Cooking Options
While this recipe shines when cooked over an open flame, it’s just as easy to prepare in a home oven. I often make it on my stovetop-to-oven Dutch oven when I’m not in the mood for campfire cooking, similar to how I adapt my Golden Cinnamon Crumble Apple Crisp for indoor baking.
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Dutch Oven Apple Crisp for Cozy Fall Nights
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dutch Oven Apple Crisp for Cozy Fall Nights is a rustic, crowd-pleasing dessert. Sweet cinnamon apples bake under a buttery oat topping until golden and bubbling — perfect for chilly evenings, whether at home or over a campfire.
Ingredients
8 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. Peel, core, and slice apples, then toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
3. Lightly butter the Dutch oven. Spread apples evenly in the bottom.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering completely.
5. For campfire baking: Place Dutch oven over medium coals and add coals to the lid. Bake 30–40 minutes, rotating occasionally.
6. For oven baking: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool slightly before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For a richer flavor, brown the butter before adding to the topping.
If cooking over a campfire, rotate the pot every 10 minutes for even heat.
Can be made gluten-free with GF flour blend and oats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Dutch Oven Apple Crisp, Fall Apple Dessert, Campfire Apple Crisp, Rustic Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples – Use a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Lemon juice – Keeps apples fresh and adds brightness.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling without overpowering it.
- Brown sugar – Adds richness and caramel notes to the topping.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg – The classic apple spice duo.
- All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling and structure the crumble.
- Old-fashioned oats – For that rustic crisp topping.
- Unsalted butter – Brings the crumble together and adds that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice 8 medium apples. Toss them in a large mixing bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Set aside while you make the topping.
2. Make the Oat Crumble
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble in the Dutch Oven
Lightly grease the Dutch oven with butter. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples.
4. Baking Options
- Over a Campfire: Place the lid on the Dutch oven and set over a bed of hot coals. Place additional coals on top of the lid for even heating. Bake 30–40 minutes, rotating occasionally.
- In a Home Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
5. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. This dessert is amazing straight from the Dutch oven, paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pro Tips for Dutch Oven Apple Crisp
- Use a liner or parchment if baking over an open flame for easier cleanup.
- For deeper flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the topping.
- Keep the apple slices uniform so they cook evenly.
Recipe Variations
Maple Pecan Dutch Oven Crisp
Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the topping.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for a delicious, celiac-friendly treat.
Campfire Cinnamon Whiskey Crisp
Add 1–2 tablespoons cinnamon whiskey to the apple filling for a warm, spiced kick.
Serving Ideas
This dessert pairs perfectly with spiced whipped cream or cinnamon ice cream. Much like my Extra Streusel Apple Crisp, it’s a recipe that begs for second helpings.
Nutrition Snapshot
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 16g |
FAQ – Dutch Oven Apple Crisp
Can I use canned apples?
Yes, but fresh apples give the best texture. If using canned, drain them well before adding.
What size Dutch oven should I use?
A 5–6 quart Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe.
How do I keep it from burning over a campfire?
Keep the heat moderate and rotate the pot often for even cooking.
Conclusion
This Dutch Oven Apple Crisp for Cozy Fall Nights is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and joy to chilly evenings. Whether you’re making it in the great outdoors or in your own kitchen, the combination of tender apples, buttery oat topping, and rustic presentation will make it a recipe you return to again and again.