The Campfire Pie That Became Our Family Tradition

Written by: Jason Clarke

Published on August 6, 2025

Modified on August 6, 2025

Hey there, friends! Let me take you back to a chilly evening under a blanket of stars, a campfire crackling in the background. I was sitting around the fire with my family, the sweet smell of strawberries wafting through the air from my very first camping pies.

It’s kind of funny, but my dog was barking at a particularly stubborn squirrel, and my kid managed to spill juice all over the picnic table. That’s when I flipped open my trusty pie iron, and magic happened.

These camping pies are the kind of treat that makes for memories you’ll hold onto forever. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll realize just how SO GOOD these little pudgy delights can be.

Get ready to impress your crew with something UNREAL, because these camping pies are not just a late-night snack; they’re a full-on celebration of summer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for hungry campers
  • Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have in the pantry
  • Freezer-friendly—make a few extra for those lazy days
  • Kid-approved and nostalgia-filled—everyone’s going to love ‘em
  • A creative twist on traditional campfire treats!
The Campfire Pie That Became Our Family Tradition

Ingredients Needed and How to Make It

Ingredients Needed

  • Base:
  • 2 slices of white bread (the fluffier, the better!)
  • Spreadable butter (softened for easy spreading—don’t skip this!)
  • Toppings:
  • 1/4 cup strawberry pie filling (the sweeter, the better—home-cooked or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese (adds that creamy magic)
  • 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar (to sprinkle on top for sweetness)

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Pie Iron

First things first, spray both sides of your campfire pie iron with nonstick cooking spray. Trust me—you don’t want any sticky situations here! This keeps everything sliding out easily later on.

Step 2: Assemble the First Side

Take one slice of bread, and butter one side liberally (yes, the one going on the pie iron). Lay that buttered side down on your pie iron. Then, spread your strawberry pie filling right on top. Go ahead and make it pretty, and don’t be shy—you want to taste that sweet goodness in every bite!

Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness

Dollop a few spoonfuls of whipped cream cheese over the pie filling. This little trick turns your camping pie into a creamy explosion of flavors!

Step 4: Top It Off

Butter one side of your second slice of bread and place it butter-side up on your lovely creation. Now your gooey masterpiece is all set to be sealed in.

Step 5: Cooking Time

Close your campfire pie iron and gently place it over hot coals. Let it cook for about 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds on each side, so a total of 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when that bread turns golden brown and starts smelling out of this world!

Step 6: Serve and Sprinkle

Carefully pull that puppy off the fire, open up the pie iron, and admire your creation. Transfer your pudgy pie to a plate and give it a sprinkle of powdered sugar. ENJOY that warm, campfire magic!

How to Store It & Expert Tips

How to Store It

These camping pies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (I know, right?), you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Want to store them longer? Wrap them up and toss them in the freezer for up to a month. Just reheat them in a toaster oven to bring back the crispy goodness!

Expert Tips

  • Make-ahead hack: Pre-assemble your fillings in advance so you can whip ‘em out at the campfire!
  • Flavor boosters: Try swapping the strawberry filling for other fruity flavors like blueberry or pie cherry. Seriously, you can’t go wrong!
  • Cooking over flames: If your fire pit is extra hot, keep an eye on those pies, as they can cook faster than you’d think!

Conclusion

Camping pies are not just treats—they’re a taste of nostalgia wrapped in summer magic, perfect for gatherings and those “let’s just sit by the fire” moments. It’s hard to mess these up, and that’s exactly why they work. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, make these delicious pies, and share them with your cousin who never shows up empty-handed. And hey, did you add your own spin? I wanna hear it!

FAQ Section

Are camping pies only for dessert? Real talk—no way! You can fill these with just about anything. Think savory fillings like ham and cheese for a hearty option. The sky’s the limit!

What can I use instead of whipped cream cheese? Here’s the deal: If you don’t have whipped cream cheese on hand, try using regular cream cheese mixed with a little powdered sugar to sweeten it up.

If you’re still craving something sweet, check out my other dessert blog post on Dubai Chocolate Brownies—they’re absolute chaos in the best way!

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