A Sweet Tradition Around the Campfire
Apple fritters have a way of bringing everyone closer to the fire. The sound of dough meeting hot oil, the scent of cinnamon, and the anticipation of something sweet turn a simple dessert into a shared evening ritual.
This is my campfire version, made with apple pieces wrapped in crescent dough and fried in a deep Dutch oven. The quantities below provide a practical small batch based on the original method and should be treated as a proposed standardized recipe, not a claim that I measured the original batch in exactly this way.
Ingredients: Approximately Eight Fritters
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple
- 1 refrigerated 8 ounce package of crescent roll dough
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
- Neutral frying oil, enough for a safe depth in the Dutch oven
- Powdered sugar for serving
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and a quarter teaspoon vanilla
Equipment
A deep, stable Dutch oven, appropriate frying basket or spider strainer, thermometer rated for frying, tongs, and a fire setup that allows careful control of heat. Keep the pot well below its maximum capacity, and keep water away from the hot oil.
Method
- Peel and dice the apples. Toss with cinnamon.
- Separate the crescent dough into portions, gently pressing seams together where needed.
- Place a small spoonful of apples and a little applesauce in each portion. Seal all edges firmly.
- Heat the oil to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit, checking with a thermometer. Keep a stable, controlled heat source and never leave the pot unattended.
- Fry a few fritters at a time, turning carefully until golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. Cooking time will vary with size and oil temperature.
- Lift from the oil, drain, and let cool briefly. Dust with powdered sugar, or whisk together the optional glaze and drizzle over the fritters.
Hot oil is a serious burn and fire hazard, particularly at a campfire. Keep children outside the cooking area and do not attempt to extinguish an oil fire with water.
Originally published October 26, 2021. This edited recipe clarifies the original approach and offers suggested measurements for testing.
