Apple Cobbler Over a Fire
One of the most delicious and comforting treats you can make over a fire is an apple cobbler. Whether you’re camping, picnicking, or just enjoying a backyard bonfire, apple cobbler is the perfect dessert to top off your night and a Sawed After favorite. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking equipment, you can make a warm, sweet, and satisfying cobbler that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Gather Your Ingredients and Utensils
Ingredients
– 4Qt Dutch oven
– Dutch Oven Parchment Liners
– Heat-resistant gloves or tongs
– Fireproof cooking surface, such as a grate or metal stand
– Firewood and kindling
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixing bowl
– Cutting board
– Knife
– Spatula
– Spoon
Prepare Your Fire Pit and Equipment
Choose Your Fire Pit Location
Choose a level, open area away from any flammable materials, such as dry leaves or grass.
At Sawed After, we enjoy cooking over a Breeo X Series smokeless campfire. The quality of craftsmanship and the many accessories that are available provide a cooking experience that is unmatched.
Pick Your Preferred Firewood
Hardwoods: We use our very own Sawed After North American Hardwoods. Oak, Cherry, Hickory, and Maple are great choices for cooking over a fire. They burn hot and evenly and produce a nice bed of hot coals that can be used to cook your cobbler.
Fruit woods: Fruit woods like apple, cherry, and peach are also great hardwoods that can be used to cook a cobbler over a fire. They burn hot and produce a sweet, fruity aroma that can enhance the flavor of your dessert.
Nut woods: Nut woods like pecan and walnut can add a rich, nutty flavor to your cobbler. However, they can also burn hot and fast, so be careful not to use too much.
Prepare Your Cooking Equipment
Place your Dutch oven your cooking surface and arrange your firewood around it. Use heat-resistant gloves or tongs to adjust the position of the cooking surface and firewood as needed.
Mix the Batter and Prepare the Apples
Mix Your Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add milk and melted butter and mix until smooth.
Peel and Slice Your Apples
Peel and slice your apples into thin pieces.
Add Spices and Sweeteners
Add sliced apples to the batter and mix until the apples are coated. Add nutmeg and any additional sweeteners, such as brown sugar or honey, to taste.
Assemble the Cobbler and Place it Over the Fire
Create Layers with Batter and Apples
Pour the batter and apple mixture into the Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet, layering it as needed.
Place Cobbler on the Cooking Surface
Cover with the lid and place the Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet directly on the cooking surface.
Add Coals and Begin Cooking
Add hot coals to the lid of the Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet. Cook for 30-45 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the top is golden brown and the apples are soft, remove from the fire and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious apple cobbler cooked over an open fire!
Monitor the Cobbler and Adjust the Heat Accordingly
Cooking an apple cobbler over a fire can be a fun and rustic way to enjoy a delicious dessert. However, it’s important to monitor the cobbler and adjust the heat as needed to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
Check on Your Cobbler Regularly
As your cobbler cooks over the fire, make sure to check on it regularly. Use a pair of tongs to lift the lid of your Dutch oven and check the progress of your dessert. You don’t want it to burn or overcook!
Adjust the Heat as Needed
If you notice that your cobbler is cooking too quickly or starting to burn, adjust the heat by moving it further away from the fire or adding more coals to the fire to raise the temperature. If it’s not cooking fast enough, move it closer to the fire or add fewer coals.
Rotate the Cobbler for Even Cooking
To ensure that your cobbler cooks evenly, rotate the Dutch oven occasionally to ensure that all sides cook evenly. This will help prevent any burnt or undercooked spots and ensure a perfectly cooked apple cobbler.
Serve and Enjoy Your Delicious Apple Cobbler
Once your apple cobbler is cooked to perfection, it’s time to remove it from the fire and serve it up for everyone to enjoy.
Remove the Cobbler from the Fire
Using a pair of heat-resistant gloves or mitts, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the fire and set it on a heat-safe surface. Be careful not to burn yourself or spill the hot dessert!
Allow to Cool Slightly Before Serving
Give your cobbler a few minutes to cool before serving it up. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to dish out. You can also add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious and decadent dessert.
Add toppings or serve as is!
Serve your apple cobbler as is, or add toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce. Get creative with your toppings and experiment with different flavors to take your cobbler to the next level.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Apple Cobbler Over a Fire
Want to take your apple cobbler game to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks for perfecting your dessert over a fire.
Experiment with Different Sweeteners and Spices
Try experimenting with different sweeteners and spices to give your apple cobbler a unique flavor. You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of cardamom to spice things up. Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier twist.
Use a Dutch Oven for Even Cooking
Using a Dutch oven will ensure that your cobbler cooks evenly over the fire. The thick cast iron will distribute heat evenly and prevent any hotspots or burnt spots. It’s also easy to clean and transport to your next camping trip.
Try Adding Other Fruits or Nuts to the Cobbler
If you want to mix things up, try adding other fruits or nuts to your cobbler. You can add pears, peaches, or berries for a delicious mixed fruit cobbler. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for some added crunch and flavor. Get creative and see what delicious combinations you can come up with!
Cooking Apple Cobbler over a fire is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the outdoors and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. With a few basic ingredients and some simple equipment, you can make a dessert that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques to make your apple cobbler even more delicious. So, the next time you’re sitting around a campfire, give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of homemade apple cobbler.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit for the cobbler?
A: Absolutely! While apple cobbler is a classic, you can use any fruit you like for this recipe. Try peaches, blackberries, or even a mixture of different fruits for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Q: What type of firewood should I use for cooking?
A: When cooking over a fire, it’s important to use hardwoods, fruitwoods, or nutwoods. These woods will burn hotter and longer than softwoods like pine or cedar, which can produce more smoke and soot.
Q: How do I know when the cobbler is done?
A: The cobbler should be golden brown and bubbling when it’s done. You can test it with a toothpick or knife to make sure the batter is cooked through. If it comes out clean, the cobbler is ready to eat!
Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular oven?
A: Yes! While cooking over a fire is a fun way to make this recipe, you can also bake it in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cobbler for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.