Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler (Camping Recipe)

ByHeather Painchaud
Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the magic of a warm Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler cooked over the campfire.

A plate of apple crumble topped with whipped cream is served on a wooden board. Two gold spoons are placed beside it, reminiscent of a Dutch oven peach cobbler. Red apples and a rolling pin are in the background, along with newspaper pages.

This easy, rustic dessert combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, golden-brown topping that’s perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center.

Whether you’re winding down after a day of hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the great outdoors, this campfire classic is the ultimate sweet treat. Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream (if you’re feeling fancy) or straight from the pot with a spoon—either way, it’s camping comfort food at its best!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

A close-up of a black bowl filled with warm apple cobbler, reminiscent of a dutch oven peach cobbler. A portion is scooped out, revealing a mix of baked apple filling and golden-brown crust. A black spoon rests inside the bowl, with red apples and a wooden surface visible in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler is the ultimate camping dessert. It’s ridiculously easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor.

A baked apple crisp dessert topped with a dollop of whipped cream in a black skillet, reminiscent of a classic Dutch oven peach cobbler. Its placed on a wooden table with red apples and utensils nearby, while a newspaper serves as a rustic placemat.

It’s a crowd-pleaser—whether we’re camping with family, friends, or a troop of hungry scouts, everyone will be asking for seconds. And let’s be honest, any recipe that lets us enjoy dessert under the stars without a sink full of dishes is a winner in our book.

We love an easy Dutch oven cobbler! Be sure to check out our Dutch oven peach cobbler, blueberry cobbler bake, or chocolate cherry cobbler recipe for more delicious camping desserts.

A plate of apple crumble topped with whipped cream sits on a table strewn with newspaper pieces and two gold spoons. Reminiscent of a Dutch oven peach cobbler, the dessert showcases baked apples beneath a perfectly crumbly topping.

Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler

Dutch oven cooking is all about simplicity and delicious flavors, just like this dump cake recipe. The key to a great cobbler is layering dry ingredients, like dry cake mix, over the moist filling ingredients and allowing them to bake with a consistent heat.

When you place the Dutch oven over the coals, make sure to put some at the bottom of the Dutch oven and some on top. Once you place the lid on, let the cobbler bake while you enjoy the campfire.

A stick of butter and just a little bit of patience will reward you with a sweet treat perfect for any camping trip. Even a boy scout could master this classic camp dessert!

A glass bowl of sliced apples and syrup sits on a wooden board, alongside essentials for a Dutch oven peach cobbler: a cup of flour, three apples, butter in a small dish, and birch logs—all arranged on newspapers atop the wooden surface.

Ingredients

  • Apple pie filling (though if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade apple pie filling is a stellar option)
  • Package of spice cake mix
  • Butter, melted

Instructions

1. Line your cast iron Dutch oven with parchment paper, optional but makes cleanup a breeze.

A black bowl filled with sliced, cooked apples in a syrupy sauce sits on a wooden surface with a newspaper underneath, evoking the rustic charm of a Dutch oven peach cobbler. In the background, two red apples and a piece of wood are partially visible.

2. Empty the apple pie filling into the lined Dutch oven.

A black mixing bowl filled with flour sits on a wooden table, suggesting the start of a homey recipe. Beside it, a red apple and a newspaper await, perhaps hinting at inspiration for the perfect Dutch oven peach cobbler to come.

3. Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the apples and press down firmly.

A close-up of a round black baking dish filled with a creamy batter mixture, reminiscent of preparing a Dutch oven peach cobbler. The surface is uneven and lightly textured with small chunks. The dish rests on a wooden surface with newspaper beneath, and apples are partially visible to the side.

4. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring it’s mostly covered. It’s okay if some dry mix peeks through around the edges.

A freshly baked apple crumble in a black skillet rests on a wooden table. Nearby are red apples, a birch bark, and scattered newspaper pages. Golden utensils lie beside the skillet. Much like a dutch oven peach cobbler, the crumble’s surface is golden and crispy.

5. Place the lid on the Dutch oven and bake the cobbler over hot coals for about 50 minutes.

A skillet dessert with a crumbly golden-brown topping, reminiscent of a Dutch oven peach cobbler, is garnished with a swirl of whipped cream at the center. It rests on a wooden surface with part of a newspaper visible underneath.

6. Dish up the warm cobbler with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar.

A black pot sits on the wooden surface, its partially cooked peach cobbler boasting a fluffy brown topping and a creamy white center. A black spoon rests inside. Nearby, two red apples, birch logs, and a newspaper with French text complete the rustic scene. .

Tips & Tricks

  • Alternatively, you can bake the cobbler in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.
  • Lining the Dutch oven with parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also prevents the cobbler from sticking, ensuring you get every delicious bite.
  • Maintaining the right temperature is crucial. Too hot, and you’ll burn the bottom; too cool, and you’ll be waiting forever. A good rule of thumb is to place about 8 charcoal briquettes under the Dutch oven and 16 on top to achieve approximately 350°F.
  • While apple is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to try other fruit fillings like peach, cherry, or blueberry. Mixing fruits can also lead to delightful surprises.
  • For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter.
  • Melting the butter beforehand ensures even distribution over the cake mix, leading to a consistent, golden crust.
A plate of apple crisp topped with whipped cream sits on a wooden table, reminiscent of a hearty dutch oven peach cobbler. Two gold spoons accompany the dish. A red apple and newspaper add a cozy touch to the scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh apples, peel and slice about 6 medium apples. Toss them with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour to create your own filling. Keep in mind that fresh apples may release more juice, so the cobbler might be a bit saucier.

How do I know when the cobbler is done?
The cobbler is ready when the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean (without batter), you’re good to go.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers to keep them fresh. You can reheat portions over the campfire or in a portable camping oven until warmed through.

A plate of apple cobbler topped with whipped cream is shown on a table. Two gold spoons rest beside it. In the background are red apples and a rolling pin. Text reads: Dutch Oven apple cobbler and campfirefoodie.com.

So, next time we’re out in the wild, let’s treat ourselves to this delightful Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect sweet ending to a day of adventure. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in campfire cooking—just watch out, or they might start requesting it every night!

Happy camping and even happier eating! If you love this recipe please give it a five star review and help us share it on Facebook or Pinterest.

A plate of apple crumble topped with whipped cream is served on a wooden board. Two gold spoons are placed beside it, reminiscent of a Dutch oven peach cobbler. Red apples and a rolling pin are in the background, along with newspaper pages.

Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler

Author: Heather Painchaud
There’s nothing quite like the magic of a warm Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler cooked over the campfire.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Dutch Oven
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 21-ounce cans of apple pie filling
  • 1 15.25-ounce package of spice cake mix
  • ¾ cup butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Line your cast iron Dutch oven with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
  • Empty the apple pie filling into the lined Dutch oven.
  • Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the apples and press down firmly.
  • Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring it’s mostly covered. It’s okay if some dry mix peeks through around the edges.
  • Place the lid on the Dutch oven and bake the cobbler over hot coals for about 50 minutes.
  • Dish up the warm cobbler with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating