pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven – Easy Campfire Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic desserts with a rustic twist, few things are more rewarding than baking a pineapple upside down cake in a pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven. This rich, gooey treat combines caramelized pineapple slices and buttery brown sugar topping with a moist, fluffy cake base — and when it’s cooked outdoors or in a cast iron dutch oven, it turns into an irresistible showstopper.

Whether you’re planning a camping trip or want to recreate that campfire baking magic at home, this guide will walk you through every step. You’ll learn not just how to bake the cake, but also how to master dutch oven cooking for desserts.

New to dutch oven cooking? Learn the fundamentals from Lodge’s Dutch Oven Cooking Guide — it’s packed with beginner tips and techniques for perfect results every time.

Before you even light your coals, it’s smart to understand how heat, equipment, and preparation methods affect your cake. You’ll also need to consider safe food handling, especially if you’re camping — check out this USDA guide on safe cooking and storage for practical tips.

Why Bake in a pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven?

Baking in a pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven isn’t just for savory stews or artisan breads — it’s also a fantastic method for desserts:

• Even heat distribution ensures your cake bakes uniformly
• The lid traps steam, which helps retain moisture
• Cast iron promotes perfect caramelization of the sugary pineapple topping
• Ideal for outdoor or campfire cooking — no electric oven needed

A Sweet Slice of History pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven

The pineapple upside down cake originated in the early 1900s and became a staple in American households during the mid-century. The addition of canned pineapple rings and maraschino cherries gave it a unique look and flavor. Baking it in a cast iron dutch oven adds a rustic, smoky touch that modern ovens just can’t match.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following tools:

• 12-inch cast iron dutch oven with lid
• Lid lifter or heatproof gloves
• Charcoal briquettes or campfire coals
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Heat-safe trivet or bricks for stability

Ingredients List

Topping

• ½ cup butter (or margarine)
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings
• Maraschino cherries

Cake Batter

• 1 box yellow or pineapple cake mix
• 1⅓ cups water
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• Optional: substitute part of the water with reserved pineapple juice

Preparing the pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven

To avoid sticking and ensure even baking:

• Grease the bottom and sides of your dutch oven thoroughly
• You can also line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper
• Preheat with coals before pouring in your cake batter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt butter in the dutch oven over medium heat or with bottom coals
2. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter
3. Arrange pineapple rings on top of the sugar; place a cherry in the center of each
4. Prepare cake mix according to box instructions — replace some water with pineapple juice if desired
5. Gently pour the batter over the pineapple layer
6. Place coals beneath and on top of the oven (see charcoal tips below)
7. Bake for 30–45 minutes, checking doneness with a clean knife or toothpick
8. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then carefully flip onto a serving plate

Charcoal and Campfire Cooking Tips

When baking in a dutch oven:

• Use a 3:1 ratio of coals on top to bottom (e.g., 24 on top, 8 below)
• Rotate the lid and base every 15 minutes for even cooking
• Avoid opening the lid too often to maintain temperature
• Wind, altitude, and humidity can affect bake time — be flexible

For more tips on open-fire cooking, check out the National Park Service’s Campfire Cooking Tips.

Serving Suggestions pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven

Serve your pineapple upside down cake:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• With whipped cream and fresh mint
• Sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave or rewarm the entire cake in a low oven or dutch oven

Variations to Try

Mix it up with these creative ideas:

• Banana upside down cake
• Coconut-pineapple twist
• Gluten-free or vegan versions using alternative mixes
• Or try this incredibly light and fluffy snow cake recipe for a cool-weather dessert alternative

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just slice it thinly and ensure it’s well-drained to avoid soggy cake.

How many coals do I use for baking?
For a 12-inch dutch oven, use 8 underneath and 16–24 on top, depending on conditions.

Why did my cake stick to the pan?
It may have cooled too much before flipping. Make sure to invert it while still warm and greased.

Can I bake this indoors?
Absolutely. Use a cast iron skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bonus Tips for Perfect Results

• Substitute rum extract or a splash of dark rum for a flavor boost
• Sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon into the topping for texture
• Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness (internal temp: 200–210°F)

Final Thoughts

Baking a pineapple upside down cake in a pineapple upside down cake in dutch oven blends nostalgia, flavor, and a touch of campfire charm. Whether you’re cooking over hot coals or in your backyard grill, this dessert brings warmth and wow factor to any gathering.

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