Pudgy pies are a nostalgic family favorite, and for good reason! These warm, gooey treats are perfect for a chilly evening around the fire or a family camping trip. Like my savory campfire grilled cheese or campfire pizza, these sweet pudgy pies come together with just a few ingredients and a pie iron – a cast iron cooking tool that closes clamshell style around any stuffed bread.
Pudgy Pies (also spelled as Pudgie Pie) are the ultimate fireside dessert! I learned how to make them in Girl Scouts and quickly became the Pudgy Pie maker in our family when we went camping. They’re so simple, anyone can make them!
For campfire pudgy pies, I like to keep it simple by using canned pie filling. Everyone in the family loves choosing their favorite—apple, peach, strawberry, or cherry—and layer it between two slices of buttered bread in the pie iron. The stuffed pudgy pie is then held over an open flame until golden brown and delicious on the outside and melty on the inside.
Just like my Walking S’Mores or Butterscotch Pie in a Bag these campfire pies are a fun and simple dessert twist for parties or family gatherings.
As much as I love making homemade pies, campfire pudgy pies give you the same taste and texture but with hardly any of the effort. Canned pie filling is not the only shortcut that make these super simple. Instead of making a homemade pie crust, slices of buttered bread create a delectable crust while also making it a portable dessert.
Tips from my Test Kitchen
Get creative with your fillings: the variety of pie fillings you an use are endless. And you don’t have to choose just one. Add half blueberry and half lemon for a zesty treat.
Get decadent: Don’t want to go fruity, try adding chocolate chips, peanut butter, marshmallows, or caramel sauce inside your bread.
Top it off: These pies are piping hot and perfect for À la mode, or try them with a dollop of my homemade whipped cream.
Think outside the box: pie iron recipes don’t all have to be sweet. Try something savory like a grilled cheese, pizza, or stuffed hashbrowns.
Round vs. Square pie irons: I prefer the round pie irons over square. They are slightly smaller and allow for an even cook.
More Campfire Recipes
Pudgy Pies
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 slices bread
- 1 can pie filling your choice: apple, peach, strawberry, blueberry
Instructions
- Open pie maker. Optional: spray with cooking spray for easy release2 tablespoons butter
- Spread butter on one slice of bread and place butter side down in the pie maker. Add ¼-⅓ cup pie filling to the center of the bread. Butter a second slice of bread and place on top, butter side up. Close pie iron and lock. Using your hands or a butter knife, peel excess bread.8 slices bread, 1 can pie filling
- Place over fire for approximately 2-3 minutes. Rotate and toast the other side over the fire for 2+ minutes. To check desired doneness, position pie iron parallel to the ground and open 1-2 inches. When it is golden brown, remove from the heat and open one side of the pie iron and gently turn over to release the pudgy pie onto a plate to cool before serving.
Julie’s Tips
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
