Dutch Oven Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake A Sweet and Simple Campfire Dessert

Some of the best campfire recipes are the ones passed down through family traditions. Growing up, this apple cinnamon roll bake was a dessert my parents often made on camping trips. They cooked it in those small cast-iron cookers with long handles, and the smell of warm apples and spicy cinnamon candies drifting through the campground is a memory that has stuck with me ever since.

Years later, we tried making it in a Dutch oven, and it turned out even better. With three simple ingredients, you get gooey cinnamon rolls layered with tender apples and a sticky cinnamon glaze. It is the kind of recipe that brings people together, whether you are sharing it with family or introducing it to friends around the fire.

Choosing the Right Dutch Oven for Camp Cooking

Not all Dutch ovens are right for cooking over a campfire. The best options are cast iron with a flat bottom, thick walls for even heating, and a lid that can hold coals on top for baking. For camping, a model with sturdy legs and a handle for lifting makes it easier to control heat and move safely around the fire.

Sunnydaze 8-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Black Dutch Oven Pot with Lid and Handle - Camp Chili, Stew, and Soup Pot HEAVY-DUTY CAST IRON DESIGN: The pan is made from heavy-duty, pre-seasoned cast iron to retain heat better than other regular cookware.

Dutch Oven Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with or without icing)
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• ½ cup Cinnamon Imperials (or Red Hots)
• Nonstick spray or butter, for greasing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dutch oven

   • Lightly grease a 10–12 inch Dutch oven with butter or nonstick spray. For easier cleanup, line with parchment paper or foil.

2. Layer the ingredients

   • Place half of the cinnamon rolls (unrolled or cut into quarters) in the bottom of the Dutch oven.
   • Add a layer of apple slices, then sprinkle half of the Cinnamon Imperials on top.
   • Repeat with the remaining rolls, apples, and candies.

3. Cook over coals

   • Cover with the Dutch oven lid.
   • Place 8–10 hot coals underneath and 14–16 on top.
   • Bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating the lid and base occasionally for even heat.

4. Check for doneness

   • The rolls should be golden brown, the apples soft, and the candies melted into a syrupy glaze. Add a few more minutes if needed.

5. Serve

   • Drizzle the included icing over the warm rolls. Serve straight from the Dutch oven and enjoy.

Tips for Success

• Try swapping apples for pears or peaches for a different flavor.
• Use fewer Cinnamon Imperials for a lighter spice or more for a bold kick.
• Best served warm, but leftovers make a fun breakfast the next morning.
• Line with parchment for easy cleanup, especially in hot weather.

Dutch Oven Cooking 101

Cooking with a Dutch oven is one of the most versatile and rewarding ways to prepare meals outdoors. Its thick cast-iron walls and tight-fitting lid create even, consistent heat, allowing you to bake, roast, fry, or simmer with ease. Whether buried in hot coals, balanced on a grate, or hung over an open flame, a Dutch oven acts like a portable kitchen, giving you the ability to make everything from fresh bread to hearty casseroles to sweet desserts. It also holds heat for a long time, which makes it efficient when fuel is limited. Once you get the hang of managing coals and adjusting cooking times, the Dutch oven becomes a trusted tool that brings the comfort of home-cooked meals right to your campsite.

Conclusion

This Dutch oven apple cinnamon roll bake started as a simple family tradition and has become one of our favorite camping desserts. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to earn a place in your own campfire recipe collection.

If you enjoy sweet campfire treats, you might also like our guide on cooking a cake over a campfire. And stay tuned for our upcoming roundup of Dutch oven recipes where this one will take a well-deserved spotlight.

If You Found This Helpful, Please Share:

By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.