Get ready to elevate your camping trips and outdoor gatherings with these 18 delicious campfire cake recipes! Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for a fun twist on traditional desserts, these mouthwatering treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic chocolate cakes to innovative creations featuring graham crackers, caramel apples, and toasted coconut, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of campfire cakes, showcasing recipes that range from easy and simple to more complex and decadent. We’ll also provide tips on how to make the most of your camping experience, including storage ideas, cooking methods, and presentation techniques to make your creations look as good as they taste.
So grab your Dutch oven or cast iron skillet, fire up the campfire, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious treats!
Classic Dutch Oven Chocolate Campfire Cake
Experience the thrill of camping with a twist! This moist and decadent cake is cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven over a campfire, making it an unforgettable treat for your outdoor adventures.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Dutch oven by placing it on the campfire grate for 10-15 minutes.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into the preheated Dutch oven and cover with a lid.
7. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Remove from heat, let cool, and serve.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Easy S’mores Campfire Cake in a Skillet
Gather around the campsite with this twist on the classic s’mores recipe, now in cake form! This Easy S’mores Campfire Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the magic of gooey marshmallows and chocolate with a moist and flavorful cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup marshmallows (mini or regular)
– 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into a 10-inch oven-safe skillet.
6. Top with marshmallows and chocolate chips.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Banana Pudding Campfire Cake with Graham Crackers
Gather ’round the campsite and treat your fellow adventurers to a decadent dessert that combines the warmth of banana pudding, the crunch of graham crackers, and the rustic charm of a campfire cake. This recipe is sure to be a hit on your next camping trip!
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campsite oven or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the banana, heavy cream, butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until smooth, then pour into a greased 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or pie dish.
4. Top with graham cracker crumbs mixed with sugar and brown sugar.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pudding is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Peel Campfire Cake with Cinnamon Glaze
Gather around the campsite and enjoy a warm, moist cake infused with the sweetness of orange peel, topped with a crunchy cinnamon glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Cinnamon glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat campfire Dutch oven or a regular oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice.
4. Add melted butter to the wet ingredients and whisk until combined.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared Dutch oven or baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cinnamon Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whisk together ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake.
Blueberry Lemon Campfire Dump Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth while camping with this easy-to-make Blueberry Lemon Campfire Dump Cake. Perfect for a cozy campsite gathering, this recipe combines the flavors of fresh blueberries and lemon zest in a moist and delicious cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 tbsp lemon zest
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire by adding wood and coals until the temperature reaches 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
5. Place the skillet over the campfire, cover with a lid, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramel Apple Campfire Cake in Foil Packets
Caramel Apple Campfire Cake in Foil Packets: A delicious treat that’s perfect for camping trips or outdoor gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 apples, sliced (depending on size)
– Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Place 1/2 cup of the mixture in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil.
5. Arrange apple slices on top of the mixture.
6. Fold the foil over the ingredients to form a packet, leaving a small opening for steam to escape.
7. Cook packets for 10-12 minutes or until cake is cooked through and apples are tender.
8. Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Upside-Down Campfire Cake
Gather ’round the campsite and delight in this moist and flavorful pineapple upside-down cake, cooked to perfection over a campfire.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Campfire heat (approximately 15-20 minutes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campsite by starting a fire and adjusting the flame to medium-high.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, egg, pineapple juice, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in crushed pineapple.
5. Grease a 6-inch cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven with butter or cooking spray.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet.
7. Place the skillet over the campfire, adjusting heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer (about 15-20 minutes).
8. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
9. Invert onto a plate and serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Peanut Butter Cup Campfire Cake
Savor the warmth of a campfire with this gooey, indulgent cake that combines the richness of peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect for a cozy night around the campsite or a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire cooking equipment (e.g., cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven) to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Pour in chocolate chips and chopped peanuts; fold until evenly distributed.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Pumpkin Campfire Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist and aromatic cake combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the warmth of a campfire. Perfect for a cozy night around the fire pit or as a seasonal treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire or oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread over cooled cake.
Red Velvet Campfire Cake in a Cast Iron Pan
Gather ’round the campsite and treat your friends to a moist, decadent cake that’s perfect for any outdoor adventure. This Red Velvet Campfire Cake is a twist on the classic recipe, cooked to perfection in a cast iron pan over an open flame.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cocoa powder, milk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into the preheated cast iron pan and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Lime Campfire Cake with Toasted Coconut Topping
Experience the warmth of campfires and tropical paradise in this moist and flavorful cake, topped with a crunchy toasted coconut crust. Perfect for any outdoor gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup lime juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (see note)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat campfire or oven to 350°F.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Combine wet ingredients in another bowl, then add melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour into greased 9×13-inch pan.
6. Top with toasted coconut flakes (see note).
7. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Note: To toast coconut flakes, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
Cherry Almond Campfire Cake with Almond Glaze
A warm and comforting dessert perfect for camping trips or cozy nights by the fire, this moist cake is infused with the sweetness of cherries and the nutty flavor of almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup cherry jam
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, and cherry jam. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before drizzling with Almond Glaze (recipe below).
Almond Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
Whisk together ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.
Maple Bacon Campfire Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Maple Bacon Campfire Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe Summary:
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors by combining the warmth of campfires with the indulgence of maple syrup, crispy bacon, and rich brown sugar. This moist cake is topped with a velvety frosting that will transport your taste buds to a cozy camping trip.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– Brown Sugar Frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and crumbled bacon.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Brown Sugar Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add brown sugar and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add heavy cream until frosting reaches desired consistency.
Lemon Poppy Seed Campfire Cake with Lemon Drizzle
Experience the warmth of a campfire in every bite with this moist and flavorful cake, infused with the brightness of lemon and the crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for a camping trip or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in poppy seeds.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely.
7. For the Lemon Drizzle, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Double Chocolate Chip Campfire Cake
Satisfy your campfire cravings with this rich and decadent cake, perfect for a warm gathering around the flames.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire grill or Dutch oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Strawberry Shortcake Campfire Cake with Fresh Berries
Gather ’round the campsite and treat your taste buds to a sweet surprise! This Strawberry Shortcake Campfire Cake is an easy, rustic dessert that combines the flavors of fresh berries and warm cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of camping-friendly cake mix (or make from scratch)
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup sliced strawberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire to medium-high heat and prepare a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
2. Mix cake mix, water, and oil in a bowl until combined.
3. Pour batter into prepared skillet and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sliced strawberries and granulated sugar.
5. Top warm cake with strawberry mixture, whipped cream, and fresh berries.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Molten Lava Campfire Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream
This decadent campfire treat is a twist on the classic s’mores, featuring a gooey chocolate cake filled with warm marshmallow and topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat campfire or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or cook over campfire for 10-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8. Melt marshmallows by placing the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or by cooking them with a torch.
9. Serve warm cake topped with melted marshmallows and vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes (or 10-15 minutes over campfire)
Gingerbread Campfire Cake with Spiced Whipped Cream
Warm up your campsite or cozy home with this delightful gingerbread cake, infused with the magic of a campfire and topped with a dollop of spiced whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the spiced whipped cream:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire or oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. Add brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan or Dutch oven.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool before topping with spiced whipped cream.
Spiced Whipped Cream:
1. Whip heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom until stiff peaks form.
2. Serve whipped cream on top of the cooled gingerbread cake.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your outdoor dining experience with these 18 delicious campfire cake recipes! From classic Dutch oven chocolate cakes to s’mores-inspired treats, and even seasonal options like pumpkin and gingerbread, there’s something for every camper. Whether you’re using a cast iron pan, foil packets, or a skillet, these easy-to-make desserts are perfect for sharing with friends and family around the campfire. With flavors ranging from banana pudding to caramel apple, and toppings galore, you’ll be sure to find the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth under the stars.
