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Picture this: you’re huddled around a crackling campfire, the stars twinkling overhead, and the aroma of a delicious cake wafting through the air. Sound like a dream? It’s not—it’s the magic of the Campfire Cake!

The Campfire Cake has been a beloved tradition for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Its origins are a bit hazy (much like the smoke from the campfire), but one thing’s for sure: it’s a dessert that brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, the Campfire Cake is a sweet way to end a day in the great outdoors.

What is a Campfire Cake?

So, what exactly is a Campfire Cake? It’s a scrumptious dessert baked using the warmth of a campfire, steeped in delicious tradition, and loved by outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. It’s not just a cake, it’s an experience. It embodies the atmosphere of togetherness, the closeness to nature, and the charm of time-honored traditions.

A Campfire Cake can be paired with a variety of tasty complements to enhance its delectable flavor. For a fruity twist, pair it with roasted berries or a dollop of tart lemon curd. If you’re more indulgent, you can’t go wrong with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich, dark chocolate sauce.

Campfire Cake Ingredients

Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious dessert:

Cake:

1 Oreo Cookie cake mix – This prepackaged mix makes it easy to achieve a delicious and moist Oreo-flavored cake base.

3 Eggs – These are necessary for structure and lift.

1/2 cup Vegetable oil – Apart from keeping the cake moist, the oil also helps to blend all the flavors together.

1 cup Water – This is to dilute the cake mix and provide the right consistency.

Frosting:

4-5 cups Powdered sugar (sifted) – This sweetens the frosting and gives it a light and smooth texture.

1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla – Vanilla enhances the flavor of the frosting.

2/3 cup Vegetable shortening – This is used to create a fluffy and creamy frosting.

1/2 cup Cocoa powder – Adds a rich chocolate taste to the frosting.

5 Tbsp. Milk – Helps to blend all the frosting ingredients together for a smooth consistency.

Decorations:

Tootsie Rolls – These can be molded into various shapes for creative decorations.

Jolly Ranchers (or other hard candy) – These add beautiful color and extra flavor to your cake decorations.

Bits of Homemade Sugar Glass – You can make it look like a cake on fire!

How to Make Campfire Cake

1. Start with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep your baking pans. You can do this by spraying two 9-inch round pans with a non-stick spray or line them with parchment paper.
3. Combine your Oreo Cookie cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water in a large bowl. Stir until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Pour the well-mixed batter into your prepped pans and place them in your preheated oven. Bake for about 26 minutes. Your cake will be perfect when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
5. For the frosting, in another large mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening until it’s smooth.
6. Mix in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
7. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and alternate with milk. If the frosting looks dry, add a tad bit more milk; if it’s too soft, add another 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
8. Now for the fun part! Take your Tootsie Rolls and roll them in your hands until they soften, stretch them to resemble logs. These will be used as decorations.
9. Crush your red, yellow, and orange hard candies, spread them on a non-stick mat, and bake for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, these will resemble your fire.
10. Frost your cake layers generously and stack them. You can also add a crumb coat if needed.
11. Create a small mound in the center of the cake to act as the base for your logs. Arrange the Tootsie Roll logs in a crisscross pattern over the mound.
12. Finally, add your candy “flames” around and between the logs to give the illusion of a roaring campfire.

Tips for Making This Recipe

1. Measure Correctly: Baking is a science, and the measurements need to be accurate. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother, more evenly mixed batter, ensure that all of your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
3. Check Cake Doneness: While the recipe suggests baking for 26 minutes, oven temperatures can vary. It’s always a good idea to start checking a few minutes early. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
4. Cool Completely Before Frosting: It’s essential to let the cakes cool completely before applying the frosting. If the cakes are still warm, the frosting will melt and create a mess.
5. Patience with Candy Fire: Melting and cooling the candy to resemble fire needs patience. Ensure you let it cool completely to get that sharp, jagged look.
6. Let The Cake Rest: After frosting and decorating the cake, allow it to rest for a while. This allows the flavors to meld together and the frosting to set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I only eat Campfire Cake during a campfire?

Campfire Cake can be enjoyed beyond the confines of a traditional campfire setting. While the name may evoke images of toasting marshmallows under the stars, the delicious flavors and delightful presentation of Campfire Cake make it a versatile treat suitable for various occasions.

So, while the charm of enjoying Campfire Cake by a crackling fire is undeniable, feel free to indulge in this delectable treat wherever and whenever the mood strikes. Let the essence of the great outdoors enhance your culinary experience, no matter where you choose to savor this delightful dessert.

What other hard candies can I use for a Campfire Cake?

If you’re wondering about the different types of hard candies that you can use for making a campfire cake, here are some delightful options for you! Toffee is an exceptional choice. By incorporating pieces of toffee or toffee chips into your cake, you’ll bring in that rich, buttery sweetness, and a satisfying crunch that contrasts well with the soft cake layers and frosting.

Another interesting hard candy choice is peppermint bark. Its crushed bits can infuse a refreshing minty flavor to your cake along with a hint of chocolate, creating a festive and indulgent touch to your dessert.

Butterscotch candies can also add a unique touch. When crushed and sprinkled over your cake, they offer a creamy, caramel-like sweetness that pairs well with the other components of your cake, bringing a comforting and nostalgic flavor to each bite.

Lastly, for a warm and spicy kick, consider using crushed cinnamon hard candies. This will add a unique twist to your traditional flavors, elevating the overall taste of your cake. These alternative hard candies not only allow you to customize your campfire cake according to your preferences but also surprise your guests with new and exciting flavor combinations.

What other ingredients can I add to the frosting?

For added depth of flavor, consider almond extract. If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy mixes, lemon or orange zest could be an exceptional choice. You could also opt for melted chocolate for a rich, chocolatey touch. For a hint of lush creaminess, cream cheese would be excellent. Need more natural sweetness? Honey or maple syrup would be perfect. Remember, the choice is yours to make.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed making this recipe and savoring the moments it brought with it. The campfire cake is not just a confection, but a delightful blend of memories, laughter, and the great outdoors.

If you’ve whipped up this yummy dessert, please do share how it turned out! Post a photo of your creation and let us know how you enjoyed the process. Also, don’t forget to rate the recipe to let others know how much you enjoyed this delightful treat! Happy camping and baking!

Campfire Cake is Now Your Most Favorite, Right? You’ll Want to Try These Delights, too:

Instant Pot Cookie Butter Cheesecake

APPLE DUMP CAKE – Dump, Bake and Eat

Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Thank you for sharing!