Imagine peeling back a crinkly foil packet to reveal bubbling, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden oat crumble – and then dropping a big scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. That melting moment? That’s exactly what these Campfire Apple Pie Packets deliver, every single time.
Whether you’re gathered around an actual campfire, firing up the backyard grill, or just heating up the oven on a Tuesday night, this recipe is pure magic. It’s one of those desserts that feels totally special but takes barely any effort to pull off.
And the best part? Your kids can help make them. No baking skills required. Just mix, wrap, and cook.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
These apple pie foil packets have become a go-to in our family, and once you make them the first time, you’ll understand why.
They’re incredibly versatile – you can make them over a campfire on a summer trip, on the grill at a backyard cookout, or in the oven any night of the week. No special equipment, no fancy technique.
They’re also totally kid-friendly to assemble. There’s something just so satisfying about wrapping up your own little dessert packet and waiting for it to come out warm and golden.
Plus, the cleanup is basically nothing. You eat straight out of the foil. Done and done.
What Makes This the Perfect Party Dessert
If you’re hosting any kind of summer get-together – a birthday cookout, a neighborhood block party, a camping trip with the extended family – these foil packets are genuinely one of the best desserts you can serve.
You can prep them ahead of time and have them ready to go on the grill when it’s time for dessert. Each packet is its own individual serving, which means no slicing, no plating drama, and no fighting over the last piece.
And when you open that foil and the warm cinnamon-apple smell hits everyone? You will officially be the host of the year.
Grill, Campfire, or Oven – All Three Work Beautifully
One of the most common questions I get about this recipe is: do I really need a campfire? Absolutely not! These work just as well three different ways:
On the grill: Preheat to medium heat and cook your packets for about 8–12 minutes. Perfect for a backyard party when the grill is already going.
Over a campfire: Place the packets directly on the grate or near the coals. Cooking time varies depending on the heat of your fire, so check around the 10-minute mark.
In the oven: Preheat to 450°F and bake on a cookie sheet for about 15 minutes. This is the most consistent method if you want guaranteed results every time.
Whichever method you choose, just give the packets about 10 minutes to cool before you dig in. They will be extremely hot inside – trust me on this one.
The Best Apples to Use for Apple Pie Packets
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking, so let’s talk apples for a second.
Granny Smith is my personal favorite and the most reliable for this recipe. They hold their shape beautifully during cooking and have that tart edge that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon perfectly.
Other great options include Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and Braeburn. Any of these will give you a delicious result.
The one apple to avoid: Red Delicious. They tend to get mealy and watery when baked, which is the last thing you want in your packet.
As for peeling – totally optional. I personally skip it to save time, and my kids have never once complained about the skins being there. You do you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the great news – the ingredient list is short, simple, and totally pantry-friendly. You most likely already have most of this at home.
For the Apple Mixture:
- 2 medium to large apples, diced into approximately 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup quick cook oats (old-fashioned oats work too – they’ll just be a bit chewier)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
You’ll also need: Non-stick aluminum foil (about 4 sheets, each approximately 12×18 inches), and vanilla ice cream for serving!
A Note on Cornstarch
Cornstarch is what helps that apple mixture get thick and saucy instead of watery – just like in a real apple pie filling. I always use it and highly recommend it.
That said, if you’re mid-camping trip and realize you forgot it, don’t panic. You can absolutely make these without it. The filling will be a little more juicy and less thick, but still completely delicious.
How to Make Campfire Apple Pie Packets – Step by Step
This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes of hands-on time. Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Get your heat source ready.
Preheat your grill to medium heat, prep your campfire, or preheat your oven to 450°F. Also go ahead and cut your four pieces of non-stick foil, about 12×18 inches each.
Step 2: Make the apple mixture.
In a medium bowl, combine your diced apples with the lemon juice first – this keeps them from browning. Then add the cornstarch, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces. Stir it all together until the apples are well coated. Set this bowl aside.
Step 3: Make the crumb topping.
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix it together, then add your cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbles. This is your irresistible crispy topping!
Step 4: Assemble your packets.
Lay one piece of foil flat and spoon half of the apple mixture right onto the center (make sure the non-stick side is facing up and touching the food). Sprinkle half of the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
Step 5: Seal tightly – twice.
Fold up the foil into a tight packet, making sure all sides are sealed closed. Then wrap the whole thing in a second sheet of foil for extra security. Repeat with the remaining apples and topping to make your second packet.
Step 6: Cook!
Place packets on your grill or campfire for 8–12 minutes, or on a cookie sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and serve.
Remove from heat and let the packets rest for about 10 minutes – they will be very hot inside! Carefully open each packet (stand back a little for the steam), then top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Pie Packets Every Time
After making these more times than I can count, here are the tips that make the biggest difference:
Always use cold butter in both the apple mixture and the crumb topping. Cold butter is the secret to getting that topping to crisp up instead of just melting into a soggy mess.
Double-wrap your packets every time. This is not optional! One layer of foil is not enough to prevent leaks or burning on the grill or campfire. Always use two layers.
Don’t skip the 10-minute rest. I know, I know – the smell coming out of those packets is absolutely torture. But the filling inside is volcanic. Give it time to cool just slightly before opening.
Make the packets ahead of time. If you’re doing this for a party or camping trip, you can assemble the packets several hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Super convenient!
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture if you want an extra warm, cozy flavor. It plays beautifully with the cinnamon.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve made the classic version, here are some fun ways to mix it up:
Pear Apple Packets: Swap out one of the apples for a ripe pear. The pear adds a lovely sweetness and a slightly different texture that pairs beautifully with the oat crumble.
Caramel Apple Packets: Drizzle a tablespoon of caramel sauce over the apple mixture before adding the crumb topping. When it cooks, it creates this incredible sticky caramel layer. Absolutely dreamy.
Add Dried Cranberries: Toss a small handful of dried cranberries into the apple mixture for a little tartness and color. Great for fall parties and Thanksgiving gatherings!
Make It Gluten-Free: Simply swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for a gluten-free flour blend. Easy swap, same great result.
What to Serve With Apple Pie Packets
Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice and for very good reason – that cold, creamy scoop melting into the warm cinnamon apples is just perfection.
But if you want to switch things up a little, here are some other delicious options:
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lighter, airy touch. Salted caramel ice cream takes the whole thing to a whole new level of indulgence. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top makes it feel extra fancy. Or even a spoonful of vanilla yogurt for a slightly healthier spin.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it doesn’t happen often in my house!), here’s how to handle them:
Let the packets cool completely, then transfer the filling into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop the filling into a small oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it for 60–90 seconds. Add fresh ice cream on top when serving again and it tastes almost as good as the first time!
Perfect for These Occasions
These apple pie packets are one of those recipes that just fits everywhere. Here are some of my favorite times to make them:
Summer camping trips where everyone gathers around the fire. Backyard barbecues and cookouts. Birthday parties with a fall or harvest theme. Thanksgiving potlucks (make-ahead and grill right before dessert!). A cozy weeknight dessert when you want something warm and special without much effort.
Honestly? Any occasion where you want to make people happy and look like a total rockstar host – these are your secret weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without a grill or campfire?
Yes! The oven method works perfectly. Preheat to 450°F and bake for about 15 minutes on a cookie sheet. Same great result, zero campfire required.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope! The apple skin softens beautifully during cooking and most people can’t even tell it’s there. Skipping the peeling saves time and keeps more fiber in your dessert.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely – just multiply everything and make as many packets as you need. This recipe scales up perfectly, which makes it ideal for parties.
Can I prepare the packets ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the packets, keep them in the refrigerator, and cook them when you’re ready. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold going in.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
No problem! You can leave it out entirely. The filling will be a little more liquid-y, but still totally delicious. Alternatively, a teaspoon of all-purpose flour can act as a substitute thickener.
Campfire Apple Pie Packets
Ingredients
Apple Mixture:
- 2 medium to large apples, diced into approximately 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold butter, cut into approximately 1/8-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup quick cook oats (old-fashioned oats also work; texture will be slightly chewier)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into approximately 1/8-inch pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, or preheat your oven to 450°F. Cut four sheets of non-stick aluminum foil, each approximately 12×18 inches in size.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced apples and lemon juice. Add cornstarch, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces. Stir well to combine. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix together. Add cold butter pieces and cut into the mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles.
- Place half of the apple mixture onto the center of one sheet of non-stick foil, making sure the apple mixture is touching the non-stick side. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Fold the foil up into a tightly sealed packet, making sure all sides are securely closed. Wrap the packet a second time with another piece of foil. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to make a second packet.
- Place packets on grill or campfire grate and cook for approximately 8–12 minutes, or place packets on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes. Grill and campfire times are approximate since heat levels vary.
- Remove packets from heat. Allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes – the inside will be very hot. Carefully open foil packets (watch for steam). Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.
Notes
- Best apples for baking: Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, or Braeburn. Avoid Red Delicious – they become mealy when baked.
- Peeling the apples is optional. The skin softens during cooking and most people don’t notice it.
- Cornstarch can be omitted if not available. The filling will be thinner but still delicious.
- Always double-wrap packets to prevent leaks and burning, especially on the grill or over a campfire.
- Packets can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook. Add 1–2 extra minutes to cooking time if cooking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 60–90 seconds.
