Campfire Pineapple Upside Down Cakes(A Girl Scout Camp Favorite)
Campfire Pineapple Upside Down Cakes are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert perfect for outdoor adventures. Combining sweet pineapple rings, brown sugar, and buttery cake batter cooked in tuna cans, this treat offers a nostalgic flavor with caramelized fruit and moist cake. Ideal for camping, picnics, or backyard fun, it’s a portable, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
- Prepare the tuna can by removing the paper label and washing thoroughly.
- Place 1 pat of butter in the bottom of the can.
- Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, a pineapple ring, and a little of the juice into the can.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of cake batter on top of the pineapple ring.
- Cover the can tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in campfire coals for about 15 minutes until the cake is cooked through and caramelized.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter. If you don't have brown sugar, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can be a good substitute. To make it extra indulgent, use a flavored cake mix such as lemon or chocolate. For a fun twist, try adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter or topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cakes warm directly from the can for a fun camping experience. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. This dessert also complements other campfire treats like the Treasured Macadamia Wreath Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
These campfire cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to two days. To reheat, wrap in foil and place over the campfire coals for a few minutes, or use a microwave if available.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Campfire Pineapple Upside Down Cakes(A Girl Scout Camp Favorite) contains roughly 980 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 101g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While the Jiffy yellow cake mix works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or even lemon for a refreshing twist. Just keep in mind that different flavors might change the overall taste of the cake, so choose one that you enjoy.
How can I ensure the cake cooks evenly?
To ensure even cooking, make sure the campfire coals are well distributed and not too hot. Rotate the can occasionally during cooking to prevent any one side from burning. If you're using a grill, placing the can on indirect heat can also help achieve a more uniform bake.
What if I don’t have a tuna can?
If a tuna can isn't available, you can use any small, heatproof metal container that can withstand the heat of the campfire. Just make sure it has enough depth to hold the cake batter and toppings. A small baking dish wrapped in aluminum foil can also work as a substitute.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).