Campfire Brownies: Easy, Gooey Desserts for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

There’s something magical about camping—the fresh air, the starry nights, and the cozy campfire where everyone gathers to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. And what better way to end a day of outdoor adventures than with a deliciously gooey, chocolatey dessert? Campfire brownies are the perfect solution! Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit around the campfire.

Making brownies while camping might sound like a luxury, but with the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy rich, fudgy brownies in no time—no oven required! Let’s dive into how to make these easy, gooey campfire brownies that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why Campfire Brownies?

There are many reasons why campfire brownies are the ideal dessert for your camping trip:

• Easy to Make: You don’t need an oven or complicated equipment. All you need is a campfire and some basic ingredients.
• No Mess: Campfire brownies can be made in a cast-iron skillet, Dutch oven, or even in foil, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Customizable: Just like regular brownies, you can add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or marshmallows.
• Perfect for Sharing: These gooey brownies are great for family or group camping trips because they’re easy to make in large batches and everyone loves them!

Whether you’re craving something sweet after a hike or need a treat to share around the campfire, campfire brownies are a must-have dessert for your outdoor adventure.

Ingredients for Campfire Brownies

For the simplest campfire brownies, all you need are a few basic ingredients. But feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to make it your own!

Ingredients:

• 1 box of brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter if you prefer)
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional, for extra gooeyness)
• 1/2 cup nuts (optional, walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great)
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for a s’mores-inspired twist)
• Butter (for greasing your pan or Dutch oven)

Equipment:

• Cast-iron skillet, Dutch oven, or heavy-duty foil
• Tongs or heat-resistant gloves for handling the hot pan

How to Make Campfire Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Campfire or Grill

Before you start making brownies, you’ll need to prepare your campfire or grill. You’ll want a medium heat—not too hot, as you don’t want the brownies to burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. If you’re using a Dutch oven, arrange the hot coals beneath and on top of the oven for even heat distribution. If you’re using a cast-iron skillet, simply place it over the fire or on a grill grate.

Step 2: Mix Your Brownie Batter

In a bowl, prepare your brownie mix according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves adding eggs, oil, and water. Stir until smooth, then fold in any chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins you’re using. This is your base batter for the brownies.

Step 3: Grease Your Cooking Vessel

Grease your cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the brownies from sticking. If you’re using foil, lightly grease the foil before adding the batter. If you’re cooking with a Dutch oven, make sure it has a well-fitting lid for the best results.

Step 4: Pour the Brownie Batter

Once your pan is ready, pour the brownie batter into the skillet or Dutch oven, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using foil, simply spoon the batter into the center of the foil and wrap the sides around to create a boat-like structure.

Step 5: Cook the Brownies Over the Fire

Now comes the fun part! Place the skillet or Dutch oven over the campfire (or on the grill) and cook the brownies for about 20-25 minutes. Check them at the 15-minute mark and rotate the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cooking time can vary depending on how hot your fire is, so keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done!).

If you’re using foil, you can place the wrapped brownie boat directly on the campfire coals. Just be sure to flip it occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional)

Once the brownies are almost done, you can sprinkle some mini marshmallows on top and let them melt for a s’mores-inspired finish. Alternatively, you can drizzle chocolate sauce or sprinkle more chocolate chips on top for extra gooey goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the brownies are baked to perfection, remove them from the fire and let them cool slightly. Cut them into squares, serve with a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy them as is. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Tips for Perfect Campfire Brownies

• Keep the Heat Low and Even: The key to perfectly baked campfire brownies is maintaining a steady, moderate heat. Too high of a heat can burn the edges while leaving the center undercooked.
• Add Mix-ins: Get creative with your brownies by adding your favorite extras like marshmallows, caramel chips, or even candy bars like Snickers or M&Ms. These extra bits will melt into the brownies for a fun twist!
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have one, a cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking. If you don’t have a skillet, a Dutch oven is a great alternative, as it can hold a lot of batter and provides excellent heat distribution.
• Use the Toothpick Test: To avoid undercooked brownies, always check with a toothpick to make sure they’re done. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the brownies are ready.

Why Campfire Brownies are Perfect for Camping

Campfire brownies are the ideal camping dessert for several reasons:

• Easy to Make: They require very few ingredients and no fancy equipment, making them a perfect recipe for the outdoors.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite mix-ins to make your brownies uniquely yours—chocolate chips, nuts, marshmallows, or even candy bars!
• Quick to Prepare: With a cook time of just 20-25 minutes, you can enjoy warm, gooey brownies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Brownies are a dessert that everyone in the family will love. And since they’re easy to make in large batches, you can feed a crowd without any hassle.