Looking for an easy campfire dessert? Grab sliced bread, your favorite pie filling, and a pie iron — we’re making Cherry Mountain Pies.
I tested several mountain pie variations and began with a savory pizza mountain pie. Today’s recipe is a sweet finish: Cherry Mountain Pie. The best part is how adaptable it is — use cherry, apple, blueberry, peach, or any canned or homemade pie filling you love. A strawberry-rhubarb filling would be incredible, too.
If you haven’t tried a mountain pie, you’re in for a treat. I grew up making these and they remain my favorite campfire dessert. Fillings can be sweet or savory, and the combinations are nearly endless.
Below I cover what a mountain pie is, how to make one, and offer filling ideas so you can get creative at your next campout.
More recipes to enjoy around the campfire:
- BLT Potato Salad
- The BEST Veggie Dip
- Salted Caramel Crumb Bars
- Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups
- Really Good Seasoned Pretzels
What is a Mountain Pie?
“Mountain pie” is one of several regional names for this campfire classic — you may also hear hobo pies, iron pies, pudgy pies, campfire pies, or camper pies. The concept is simple: place a filling between two slices of buttered bread and close them in a long-handled metal iron (usually cast iron). Hold the iron over hot coals until the bread is toasted and the filling is heated through. The result is a warm, handheld pie that’s perfect for camping or backyard fire pits.
Fillings range from savory to sweet. If you want more inspiration, try any canned pie filling or get adventurous with meats, cheeses, spreads, or breakfast fillings.
How do You Make a Mountain Pie?
The method is straightforward and portable — ideal for camping. For this Cherry Mountain Pie all you need is bread, cherry pie filling, and a pie iron.
Use a cast-iron pie iron if you can — it withstands high heat and cooks evenly. Traditional irons are square, but circular and double sandwich irons are also available. Many cooks prefer starting with a cold or warm iron; a preheated iron can brown the bread too quickly and leave the center cool. Try both methods and use what works best for your fire.
Lightly spray the pie iron with cooking spray or butter the bread. Place one slice of bread in one side of the iron, spread about 1/4 cup of cherry pie filling evenly, and top with the second slice of bread. Close the iron and hold over hot coals, turning occasionally so the pie browns evenly. Cook time is typically 5–7 minutes depending on the heat of your fire and how close the iron sits to the coals. Check frequently to avoid burning.
When the bread is golden and the filling is hot, remove the pie from the iron and let it cool a few minutes — the filling retains heat and can be very hot immediately after cooking. Once cooled slightly, enjoy your warm cherry mountain pie.
Serve as dessert after a savory mountain pie meal, or make a variety for a fun, customizable campfire menu.
That’s it — simple, delicious, and easy to adapt. Try different combinations and find your favorites.
Other filling ideas:
Get creative — mountain pies are perfect for using pantry items, leftovers, and combinations you love. Some ideas to try:
- Canned pie fillings (apple, blueberry, peach)
- Ham and cheese
- Nutella with berries or banana
- Pulled pork
- Buffalo chicken
- Cheesesteak
- Reuben-style fillings
- Breakfast: scrambled egg with cheese and sausage or bacon
- Grilled vegetables with melted cheese
- Caprese: tomato, mozzarella, and basil
Use whatever you have on hand and mix sweet and savory ideas for a tasty campfire spread.
That’s a wrap!
If mountain pies are new to you, I hope this walk-through inspires you to try them. Cherry Mountain Pies are an easy, crowd-pleasing campfire dessert — and they’re a delightful way to end a meal cooked over the fire.
Enjoy!
LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?
Join the mailing list to receive recipes, projects, and ideas by email, and follow along on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes posts.
Connect with Michael on Social: Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter
Have you tried this recipe? Share your photos and tag the recipe source to show how you enjoyed your mountain pie.
Cherry Mountain Pie
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 1/4 cup cherry pie filling
- cooking spray or butter
Instructions
-
Spray the pie iron with cooking spray or butter the bread.
-
Place one slice of bread in the iron, add the cherry pie filling, then top with the second slice and close the iron.
-
Cook over hot coals, flipping occasionally, until the bread is golden and the filling is hot, about 5–7 minutes. Check often to prevent burning.
-
Remove from the iron and allow the pie to cool a few minutes before serving.