Looking for a unique and delicious dessert to make on your next camping trip? The image shows a perfect example of a campfire cake baked directly inside an orange peel.
This simple, ingenious method creates a surprisingly moist and flavorful cake with a subtle citrus aroma. It’s a fun and easy treat that’s perfect for a night under the stars.
Why It Works
Cooking a cake inside an orange peel over campfire coals is not just a novelty; it’s a clever way to bake in the outdoors. The orange peel acts as a natural baking vessel, protecting the cake from burning while it bakes. The heat from the coals slowly cooks the batter, and the steam trapped inside the foil-wrapped orange keeps the cake incredibly moist. The best part? As the orange heats up, a delicate orange flavor infuses the cake, creating a tasty dessert with minimal cleanup.
How to Make a Campfire Cake in an Orange
Making these cakes is a simple process that anyone can do.
Materials
- Oranges: Firm, navel oranges are best. Choose ones with a thick peel.
- Prepared Cake Mix: Any boxed cake mix will work. Chocolate cake mix is a classic choice and pairs well with the orange flavor.
- Aluminum Foil: Heavy-duty foil is ideal.
- A Spoon or Knife: For scooping out the orange fruit.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Start by cutting the top off each orange. Use a spoon or a knife to carefully scoop out the fruit, leaving the thick, hollow peel intact. You can save the fruit for a healthy snack or make a fruit salad to enjoy later.
- Fill with Cake Mix: Prepare your cake batter according to the box instructions. Pour the batter into each hollowed-out orange, filling it just a little more than halfway. Be careful not to overfill, as the cake will expand as it bakes.
- Wrap in Foil: Place the cut-off orange tops back on the filled oranges. Tightly wrap each orange in a double layer of aluminum foil. This will protect the orange from direct heat and trap the steam inside.
- Bake in the Coals: Place the foil-wrapped oranges directly on the hot embers of your campfire. Avoid putting them in the active flames. Let them cook for about 20 minutes. You can turn them a few times to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Carefully remove an orange from the coals. Unwrap it and use a toothpick or a small stick to poke the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, rewrap it and put it back in the coals for a few more minutes.
Once they’re finished, let them cool a bit before digging in with a spoon. You’ll be left with a warm, moist, and delicious cake that tastes like a campfire adventure.
