Campfire Dutch Oven Chocolate Pudding Cake

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A birthday celebration on a camping trip inspired me to get creative with baking in my campfire dutch oven. The result was this delicious, gooey chocolate pudding cake. Not a camper? No problem! You can easily bake it in your oven.

Prep time: 10 min

Cook time: 30 min

Serves: 6

Special equipment

• Cast iron camping dutch oven

• Dutch oven liner/foil pan to fit

• Charcoal briquettes

• Lid lifter and/or heat-resistant gloves

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 cup flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa

• 2 tbsp butter melted

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 tsp vanilla

Topping

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cocoa

• 1 cup boiling water

Directions

1. Get your charcoal briquettes white hot. Depending on the size of your dutch oven, you'll need about 24 briquettes -- 12 for on top and 12 for underneath (aim for 350F).

2. Line your dutch oven to make cleanup easier. A foil pan works well - press it in to fit.

3. Mix together the cake ingredients and put the batter in the pan inside the oven.

4. Mix together the topping and sprinkle over the batter.

5. Pour the boiling water on top and put your lid on the dutch oven.

6. Place about 12 briquettes close together on the ground, away from anything flammable (right next to the campfire ring is a good spot). Place your dutch oven on top. Carefully evenly space your other 12 briquettes on the lid. Bake your cake for approx. 30 min. Lift the lid periodically to check for doneness. When done, the cake will be set, and all the gooey pudding is on the bottom.

To bake it in an oven instead, assemble your ingredients as above in a 9-inch baking pan and bake at 350F for about 30 min.

Zhuzh it up!

• Prep in advance! Before you head out camping, measure and mix together your dry cake ingredients in one container, and your topping mixture in another. At the campsite, melt the butter and boil your water while your briquettes heat up. Now you're ready to go!

• This recipe is easily doubled for a larger crowd.

• This cake is delicious on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or yogurt.

Recipe adapted from the Chocolate Cobbler at dancearoundthekitchen.com