When the fire’s already going and you want a quick, sweet finish without hauling out a full dessert setup, Campfire Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings makes after-dinner prep simple. The apple rings toast briefly over steady heat, gaining a caramelized edge while remaining tender enough to eat with fingers, forks, or from a camp mug.
Best Uses Around Camp
- Serve them after dinner while coals are still hot, especially on nights when you want a campfire dessert that does not require mixing bowls or a long bake time.
- Use them as a small car camping dessert when the cooler has a few apples left and the camp kitchen is already packed down for the evening.
- Make a small batch for a trailhead snack after a short hike, then wipe the skillet clean before the rest of the evening cooking starts.
Prep Ahead Suggestions
Measure the cinnamon sugar mixture at home and pack it in a small lidded container or zip-top bag so it is ready when the fire settles. Apples hold their texture best when sliced at camp, but you can wash them ahead and pack them where they will not get bruised in the cooler or food bin. If you need faster service after dinner, bring a small cutting board, a sharp knife, and a container for cores and scraps so the apple rings can be prepped in one spot and the sweet coating stays separate until cooking time.
Camp Equipment Notes
A cast iron skillet works well because it gives the apple rings steady contact heat and catches any sugary drips before they hit the fire. A camp grate over coals also works if you are careful with turning and spacing. For a camp stove recipe approach, use a skillet over medium-low heat and keep the heat gentle so the sugar toasts instead of scorching. Pack tongs or a thin spatula for turning, plus paper towels or a scraper for cleanup. Enamel mugs, small bowls, or plates all work for serving, and a quick soak in warm water after dinner helps loosen sticky spots before breaking camp.
Storage and Leftovers
These apple rings are best eaten soon after cooking, while the edges are still lightly crisp and the centers are warm. Leftovers can go into a sealed container in the cooler, but the texture will soften as the sugar pulls moisture from the fruit. If you do save extras, rewarm them briefly in a skillet rather than letting them sit near the fire. Pack out peels, cores, and any sticky napkins with the rest of your trash so the camp kitchen stays tidy overnight.
Campfire Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings FAQ
How do I keep Campfire Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings from getting soggy or messy at camp?
Slice the apples shortly before cooking and keep the cinnamon sugar separate until the rings are ready for the skillet or grate. Cook over steady coals or moderate stove heat so the outside has time to toast. If the pan gets syrupy, wipe it between batches or the next round may soften instead of browning.
Can Campfire Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings be assembled ahead and finished after dinner?
You can prep the dry coating ahead, but the apple rings should usually be cut at the campsite for the best texture. Whole washed apples travel better than sliced fruit, and they take up less cooler space. After dinner, core and slice only what you plan to cook, then serve the rings right away while they are warm.
Campfire Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings
Equipment
- Campfire grill grate
- Long-handled tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 large apples firm, any variety
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Slice apples horizontally into 1/2-inch thick rings. Use a knife or small cookie cutter to remove the cores from each ring.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
- Brush both sides of each apple ring with melted butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the apple rings, pressing lightly so it adheres.
- Place apple rings on a campfire grill grate over medium heat, about 6 inches above the coals. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until warm and lightly caramelized, turning carefully with tongs.
- Serve warm as a sweet, energizing snack.