Campfire Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Making a pineapple upside-down cake over a campfire can be a fun and delicious outdoor cooking experience. Here’s a simplified recipe for a campfire version of this classic dessert:

Ingredients:

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
• Maraschino cherries

For the cake batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

• Prepare the Topping:
  • In a cast-iron skillet or a campfire-friendly pan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over your campfire or on a camp stove.
  • Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until it dissolves, creating a caramel-like sauce.
  • Arrange pineapple rings on top of the caramel in the skillet, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. You can also add more cherries around the pineapple rings for extra flavor and decoration.
• Prepare the Cake Batter:
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, cream the softened 1/2 cup of butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can do this by hand or with a campfire-friendly mixer if available.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients (butter and sugar mixture) alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
• Assemble and Cook:
  • Carefully pour the cake batter over the pineapple and caramel topping in the skillet. Spread it evenly.
• Cooking Over the Campfire:
  • Place the skillet on a grate or over the campfire at medium-low heat. You’ll want a consistent, medium heat to ensure the cake cooks evenly.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the heat. You can also create an improvised campfire oven by placing hot coals on top of the lid.
  • Check the cake periodically by inserting a toothpick or a knife into the center. When it comes out clean, the cake is done. This should take around 25-30 minutes, but cooking times may vary depending on your campfire’s heat.
• Serve:
  • Once the cake is done, remove it from the campfire and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Carefully invert the skillet onto a serving platter, so the pineapple side is facing up.
  • Slice and serve your delicious pineapple upside-down cake!

Enjoy your campfire dessert! Remember to exercise caution when cooking over an open flame and have the necessary campfire cooking tools and safety precautions in place.

Next time you’re at Madison Campground sitting by the fire, try out this recipe!