Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe | Weber Kettle Grill – Burn Pit BBQ

There’s something about cooking outdoors in the fall that makes everything taste better. And grilling isn’t just for burgers, ribs, and brisket.

This Grilled Apple Crisp is an easy dessert you can make right on your charcoal grill. Fresh apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a buttery oat crumble come together in a cast-iron skillet for a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or a weekend cookout.

We’re making this recipe on a 22-inch Weber kettle grill using indirect heat. No oven required!

Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe

Cooking Method: Charcoal Grill, Indirect Heat

Grill Temperature: 350°F

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the apple filling

• 6 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the buttery oat crumble topping

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For serving

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce (optional)

How to Make Grilled Apple Crisp

Step 1: Set up your Weber kettle for indirect grilling

Prepare your 22-inch Weber kettle grill for indirect cooking at approximately 350°F.

Arrange your lit charcoal on two sides of the grill, leaving the center open for indirect heat. Place the cooking grate over the charcoal and close the lid.

Adjust the vents to maintain a steady temperature around 350°F.

Tip: A small chunk of applewood can add a subtle smoky flavor. Don’t overdo it. A little smoke goes a long way with desserts.

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately ¼-inch-thick slices.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

Lightly grease a 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet with butter, then spread the apple mixture evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Make the homemade crumble topping

The crumble is what makes this dessert special. You want a buttery, slightly crunchy topping that turns golden brown while the apples soften underneath.

The secret to a great crumble: Use cold butter rather than melted butter. Those small pieces of butter melt during cooking and help create a golden, crisp topping instead of a dense layer.

Step 4: Grill the apple crisp

Place the cast-iron skillet in the center of the cooking grate, away from the direct heat of the charcoal.

Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 35–45 minutes at 350°F.

Rotate the skillet halfway through cooking if one side of the grill is running hotter than the other.

The apple crisp is ready when:

The apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

The filling is bubbling around the edges.

The oat crumble is golden brown and lightly crisp.

If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil until the apples finish cooking.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Carefully remove the skillet from the grill using heat-resistant gloves.

Allow the apple crisp to rest for 10 minutes. This gives the filling time to thicken slightly.

Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to take it up another notch.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp on the Grill

Choose the right apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor that balances the sweet topping. Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and hold their shape well. Using a combination of both is a great option.

Keep the heat indirect. The goal is to bake the dessert using circulating heat inside the grill, not cook the bottom of the skillet directly over the charcoal.

Don’t over-smoke the dessert. Fruit absorbs smoke easily. A small piece of applewood is plenty, and you can skip the wood entirely for a more traditional apple crisp.

Don’t rush the crumble. Cold butter and a loose topping help create the texture you’re looking for.

Let it rest before serving. The apple filling will thicken as it cools slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make apple crisp on a charcoal grill?

Absolutely! A charcoal grill like the Weber kettle works much like an outdoor oven when set up for indirect heat. Maintain a temperature around 350°F and cook until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

Do I need a cast-iron skillet?

Cast iron is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and holds up well on a charcoal grill. You can also use a grill-safe metal baking pan.

Should I peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer, more traditional apple crisp texture. However, you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic dessert.

Can I prepare apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the apple filling and crumble separately and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to grill, assemble everything in the skillet and cook. The crumble can also be frozen ahead of time.

How do I keep the bottom from burning?

Make sure the skillet is positioned away from direct charcoal heat. If your grill has hot spots, rotate the skillet halfway through cooking and monitor the temperature.

Can I make this for Thanksgiving?

Definitely. Grilled apple crisp is a great Thanksgiving dessert, especially when your oven is already full of turkey, stuffing, and side dishes.

More Easy Recipes for Your Next Cookout

Looking for more ways to put your grill to work? Check out our collection of simple grilling and BBQ recipes, including smoked meats, easy side dishes, and backyard favorites.

Explore more recipes at Burn Pit BBQ.

Make Your Next Cookout Better

At Burn Pit BBQ, we believe great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner or firing up the grill on a Saturday afternoon, we’re here to help you make something delicious.

Explore our BBQ rubs and seasonings and discover simple ways to bring more flavor to your next cookout.

Have you tried making dessert on your charcoal grill? Let us know how it turned out and share your favorite grilled dessert in the comments!