Christine
Camping trips are a fantastic way for families to bond, enjoy nature, and create lasting memories. One unique and delightful activity to add to your camping adventure is baking. Yes, you can bake while camping, and it’s easier than you might think! Here are some creative and practical ideas to make your outdoor baking experience fun and delicious for the whole family.
Plan Ahead
Before you embark on your camping trip, plan what you’ll need for your baking adventures. Consider recipes that are simple and require minimal ingredients and equipment. Pre-measure and pack dry ingredients in ziplock bags, and bring along non-perishable items like chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit.
Dutch Oven Delights
A Dutch oven is a versatile and essential piece of camping cookware that can be used for baking a variety of treats. Here are some family-friendly ideas:
Campfire Cobbler
- Ingredients: Canned fruit or pie filling, yellow cake mix, butter.
- Instructions: Pour the fruit filling into the Dutch oven, sprinkle the cake mix on top, and dot with butter. Place the Dutch oven over hot coals, cover, and add coals on top. Bake for about 30-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
No-Knead Bread
- Ingredients: Flour, yeast, salt, water.
- Instructions: Mix the ingredients in a bowl until combined, then let it rise for a few hours. Shape the dough and place it in the Dutch oven. Bake over coals, with some coals on the lid, for about 30-45 minutes or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Foil Packet Baking
Foil packets are a camping staple and are perfect for baking individual servings. Here are a couple of easy ideas:
Banana Boats
- Ingredients: Bananas, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows.
- Instructions: Slice the bananas lengthwise, stuff with chocolate chips and marshmallows, and wrap in foil. Place on hot coals for about 10 minutes, until everything is melted and gooey.
Campfire Brownies
- Ingredients: Brownie mix, water, oil.
- Instructions: Prepare the brownie mix as directed, then spoon portions onto foil squares. Wrap tightly and place on hot coals for about 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Stick Baking
Stick baking is a fun and interactive way to get the kids involved. All you need are some sturdy sticks and a little creativity.
Twist Bread
- Ingredients: Pre-made bread or pizza dough.
- Instructions: Roll the dough into long snakes, then twist around the end of a stick. Hold over the campfire, turning slowly, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Campfire Eclairs
- Ingredients: Crescent roll dough, pudding or pie filling, whipped cream.
- Instructions: Wrap the dough around a stick, creating a hollow tube. Bake over the fire until golden and puffed. Let cool slightly, then fill with pudding or pie filling and top with whipped cream.
Solar Oven
If you want to harness the power of the sun, a solar oven is a fun and educational tool for baking. You can make your own solar oven using a cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and a piece of black construction paper.
Solar S’mores
Baking while camping adds an extra layer of excitement to your outdoor adventure. With a little preparation and creativity, you can enjoy delicious homemade treats under the stars. So gather your ingredients, light the campfire, and get ready for some memorable baking moments with your family!
- Ingredients: Graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows.
- Instructions: Assemble the s’mores and place them in the solar oven. Let them sit in the sun for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted.
Tips for Success - Safety First: Always supervise children around the campfire and hot coals.
- Keep It Simple: Choose recipes that are easy to prepare and cook in a camp setting.
- Involve Everyone: Let kids help with measuring, mixing, and assembling. It’s a great way to teach them about cooking and safety.
- Enjoy the Process: Embrace the imperfections and have fun. Baking in the great outdoors is about the experience as much as it is about the final product.
Some More Recipes
https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/recipes/baking-with-a-cast-iron-dutch-oven
https://blog.nols.edu/2015/11/06/5-incredibly-useful-backcountry-baking-techniques
https://www.takethetruck.com/blog/easy-camping-dessert-ideas
