BBQ Peanut Butter Apple Crisp Recipe: Garden Gathering

I’ve uncovered the perfect dessert for your next backyard gathering: BBQ Peanut Butter Apple Crisp. Trust me, this isn’t your ordinary apple crisp! The combination of sweet apples with savoury peanut butter creates magic, while cooking it on the grill adds a smoky depth you can’t get from your oven. I love how the turbinado sugar caramelises on top, creating a crunchy contrast to the tender fruit. But what really makes this recipe special? Well, that’s where things get interesting…

Why You’ll Love this Barbecue Peanut Butter Apple Crumble

There are three incredible reasons you’ll fall in love with this BBQ peanut butter apple crisp. First, it converts ordinary backyard gatherings into memorable dessert experiences – you’ll be right on trend with outdoor dessert cooking, which is huge this season! Second, it’s secretly packed with health benefits from fresh apples and natural peanut butter, giving you protein and fibre while you indulge. Who doesn’t love feeling good about dessert?

Finally, I’ve found that cooking this crisp over the barbecue adds a subtle smokiness that stovetop versions just can’t match. The way the peanut butter caramelises against that grill heat is nothing short of magical. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to make apple crisp indoors again!

What ingredients are in Barbecue Peanut Butter Apple Crumble?

To create this stunning outdoor dessert sensation, you’ll need a fairly straightforward collection of ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular.

The combination of peanut butter with fresh apples might sound unusual to some, but trust me, the sweet-savoury balance is absolutely divine when kissed with a touch of barbecue smoke. Most of these items are likely already nestled in your pantry or fridge, waiting to be transformed.

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter-flavour shortening
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup turbinado sugar, divided
• 4-5 apples (Macintosh, Granny Smith, or Golden Delicious work brilliantly)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water

When selecting your apples, do consider the variety carefully. Granny Smiths offer that perfect tartness that stands up wonderfully to the sweet crumble topping, while Golden Delicious provides a more mellow sweetness.

For the best textural experience, I recommend using natural peanut butter rather than the heavily processed varieties, it creates a more rustic crumble with genuine nutty depth.

And while turbinado sugar gives that lovely caramel undertone, you could substitute brown sugar in a pinch. The barbecue element doesn’t change our ingredients, just enhances them to something rather special.

How to Make this Barbecue Peanut Butter Apple Crumble

Converting this charming dessert for outdoor cooking is easier than you might think, and the subtle smokiness from the barbecue enhances the humble apple crumble into something rather special.

To begin, prepare your crumble topping by cutting 120g of peanut butter and 60g of butter-flavoured shortening into 65g of flour and 65g of the turbinado sugar until you achieve that perfect crumbly texture. You’ll want to use two knives or a pastry blender for this job—getting your hands in might seem tempting, but the warmth can melt the fats and change your texture completely.

For barbecue cooking, you’ll want to set up your grill for indirect heat, aim for a steady temperature of about 180°C. If you’re using a Kamado-style BBQ, simply position the heat deflector plate beneath your baking dish. For other BBQ types like the Ozpig with an oven attachment or a Pit Barrel Cooker, make sure you’re creating that lovely oven-like environment.

While your BBQ preheats, peel, core and slice your 4-5 apples, then arrange them in a cast iron skillet or a BBQ-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the apples with 5g of ground cinnamon, 2.5g of grated fresh lemon rind, and the remaining 50g of sugar. The lemon adds a bright note that balances the smoky flavours brilliantly.

Pour over 30ml of lemon juice and 30ml of water, then generously cover the apples with your prepared crumb mixture.

Now for the magic, place your skillet or dish on the indirect heat zone of your BBQ, close the lid, and allow it to bake for approximately 45 minutes. The benefit of BBQ cooking is that lovely hint of smokiness that infuses the dessert—particularly wonderful with the peanut butter elements. You might consider adding a small chunk of apple wood for an extra dimension of flavour. Using Holm Oak Smoking Chips can enhance the smokiness further.

You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling begins bubbling around the edges. Do remember that BBQ temperatures can fluctuate more than conventional ovens, so keep an occasional eye on your crumble.

Once done, remove it carefully using heat-proof gloves and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting gloriously over the top? Heavenly.

Barbecue Peanut Butter Apple Crumble Substitutions and Variations

To adapt this vegan peanut butter apple crisp for BBQ cooking:

For Monolith Kamado BBQ:

• Use the Baking method with indirect heat.
• Set up for indirect cooking at 350°F (approximately 180°C) with a heat deflector.
• Place the crisp in a cast iron skillet or foil pan.
• Close the lid and bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

For Ozpig & Big Pig Stoves:

• Use the Oven Baking method with the Oven/Smoker attachment.
• Preheat to medium-high heat (approximately 350°F or 180°C).
• Place the crisp in a cast iron dish with a lid or covered foil pan.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking occasionally.
• Add a few wood chips for a smoky flavour if desired.

For Pit Barrel Cooker:

• Use the Indirect Roasting method.
• Set up for indirect cooking at medium heat.
• Place the crisp in a foil pan or cast iron skillet.
• Position away from direct flame.
• Cover and cook for approximately 40-45 minutes. The Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Drum Smoker is perfect for this dish due to its compact size and easy setup.

Optional BBQ Variations:

• Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the apple mixture.
• Include 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika in the topping.
• Use smoked turbinado sugar if available.
• Add a handful of chopped pecans to the topping mixture.

What to Serve with Barbecue Peanut Butter Apple Crumble

Now that you’ve perfected cooking your BBQ peanut butter apple crumble, let’s discuss what goes perfectly alongside this warm, comforting dessert.

For side dishes, I’m a huge fan of serving vanilla bean ice cream – the contrast between hot crisp and cold cream is simply magical!

A dollop of coconut whipped cream makes a delicious dairy-free option that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

As for drink pairings, I find that a cup of strong black coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

If you’re feeling festive, try apple cider (hot or cold) which echoes the apple flavours, or even a small glass of bourbon for the adults.

The caramel notes in the liquor dance wonderfully with the turbinado sugar and cinnamon in your crumble.

Final Thoughts

While we’ve travelled through all aspects of this delicious dessert, I can’t help but reflect on why BBQ peanut butter apple crisp has become one of my favourite recipes to share.

There’s something magical about the way the smoky outdoor cooking enhances these familiar flavours.

I love watching friends’ surprised expressions when they take that first bite – the unexpected combination always sparks conversation.

That’s what recipe enjoyment is really about: creating moments of connection.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply treating your family on a Tuesday evening, this dessert brings warmth and comfort with minimal fuss.

The beauty of this crisp is its adaptability – it welcomes your personal touches while remaining foolproof in execution.

Give it a try. I promise you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Prepare This BBQ Peanut Butter Apple Crisp in Advance?

Waiting for the perfect moment? I’d suggest you can prepare in advance! Make the crumb topping and slice your apples separately, storing them properly. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

How Long Will Leftovers Stay Fresh and What’s the Best Storage Method?

I would store your leftover peanut butter apple crisp in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For freshness tips, reheat in the oven before serving.

Is This Recipe Suitable for Cooking Directly on a Grill?

I wouldn’t recommend direct grilling for this recipe. Instead, consider dessert modifications like using a cast-iron skillet on indirect heat or wrapping in foil packets using standard grilling techniques.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of conventional varieties?

Worried about the flavour difference? I’d recommend using natural peanut butter! It works perfectly in this vegan apple crisp, though you might notice a slightly less sweet, more authentic nutty taste.

What Temperature Should the Barbecue or Oven Be Set To?

I’d set your oven to 180°C for this apple crisp. While the recipe doesn’t specify grill temperature, you’ll want similar heat settings if using a barbecue with indirect cooking method.