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I think we can all agree one of the best parts of camping is most definitely the food. Food can be such a fun part of any trip, but it’s also way too easy to fall off the healthy-eating wagon when the mind is in vacation-mode.
S’mores, hot dogs on sticks…why, I ask you, are these our campfire must-haves? You probably answer, because they’re yummy? Because they’re easy? Because they’re tradition? Hey! I have an idea. Why not start a new tradition? Campfire Caramel Apples! Super easy, fun AND they will keep your pants fitting when the trip’s over.
Let’s be honest, though. The apples in this recipe are irrelevant. They’re simply an excuse to get to the real yumminess here…the caramel.
But not just any caramel! This is a healthed-up caramel alternative just as tasty as the real stuff.
The great thing about the caramel is you’ll make it ahead of time. Doing your food prep pre-trip gives you a vacation from cooking DURING the trip. More time for adventures! And while the campfire apples are amazing with the caramel sauce, you can also use raw apples. Simply slice them up and dip away! No campfire? No problem! Bake the apples in the oven instead.
For the Caramel Sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 c fat free milk
- 1/2 c coconut palm sugar
- 1 TBS water
- 1 TBS cornstarch
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Optional:
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch of sea salt
For the Campfire Apples, you’ll need:
- apples
- apple slicer
- aluminum foil
- chopped walnuts
To make the caramel sauce:
Bring the coconut palm sugar, corn starch, and water to a boil in a small saucepan (if using salt, add it now, too). Add the milk and lemon juice.
Simmer for 20 minutes or until sauce gets pretty thick (might need more or less time, but somewhere around 20 minutes should do it). Keep stirring so it doesn’t burn. Pour the sauce in a small glass jar and store in the fridge so it’ll set up nicely.
To make the campfire apples:
Use an apple slicer to core and slice your apples. Toss the core and then put all the slices back together so each apple looks whole again. Double wrap them in aluminum foil, twisting it at the top so you’ll have a nice handle for grasping from the top (and to make your bowl for later). Do not puncture the foil.
Give your campfire a little time to make some nice coals before starting. Place the apples directly on the coals. Roast for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the apples seem a little softer when pushed.
Open the foil packs from the top so the foil becomes your bowl. Pour the caramel and some crushed walnuts over the top and dig in!
Here’s grandbaby Amelia beating the last of the caramel from the jar. Eli, watch and learn, buddy. This is very serious business, people.
Campfire Caramel Apples have the Grandkid Seal of Approval.
This is such an easy snack to make in bulk and share with your friends or camping neighbors! Believe me, you will be the hit of the campground. Or the backyard fire pit…
And one last look… YUM.
