Baking Cake In A Camper: A Quick Guide

how to bake a cake in camper oven

Baking a cake while camping is a fun activity and a great way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion. It can be challenging due to limited space and equipment, but with some creativity and a few simple tips, it is possible to bake a delicious cake in a camper oven. Here are some methods and equipment to consider for your next camping trip.

Characteristics Values
Oven type Camp oven, RV oven, Dutch oven
Oven tools Pizza stone, double skillet, parchment paper, disposable cake decorating pastry bags, cake tin, roasting trivet, wire rack, air bake cookie sheet
Preparation tools Mixing bowl, saucepan, spatula, wooden spoon, fork, whisk
Ingredients Cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, butter, milk, water, chocolate chips, fruit, ice cream, whipped cream
Time Preparation time: 5-10 minutes; Cook time: 45-60 minutes

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Use a pizza stone to distribute heat evenly

Baking a Cake in a Camper Oven: Using a Pizza Stone to Distribute Heat Evenly

Baking a cake in a camper oven can be challenging due to uneven heat distribution, resulting in burned or undercooked spots. A simple solution to this problem is to use a pizza stone, which helps distribute heat more evenly. Here's how you can use a pizza stone to bake a perfect cake in your camper oven:

Choose the Right Pizza Stone

Select a pizza stone that fits comfortably inside your camper oven. It should be slightly smaller than the oven's interior dimensions to allow for proper airflow and heat circulation. You can find pizza stones in various materials, such as ceramic or cordierite stone, designed for optimal heat distribution. Make sure to choose a heat-safe option that can withstand high temperatures.

Prepare the Pizza Stone

Before using your pizza stone, it's crucial to preheat it along with your camper oven. Place the pizza stone in the oven during the preheating process to ensure it heats up gradually. Avoid putting a cold pizza stone into a hot oven, as this could cause it to crack. Additionally, avoid using soap or oils to clean the pizza stone, as this can affect its performance and cause smoking or staining. Instead, use a scraper to remove any residue, and if needed, catch drips with tinfoil.

Use the Pizza Stone for Even Baking

Once your pizza stone is heated, it's time to bake your cake. Place the pizza stone on the lower rack of your camper oven, directly over the metal plate that covers the flame. This placement ensures that the stone distributes heat evenly to your cake batter. Place your cake pan directly on the pizza stone, allowing the batter to cook and rise evenly before the top of the oven sets the batter and forms a crust.

Maintain Consistent Oven Temperature

The pizza stone not only distributes heat evenly but also retains heat. This helps stabilise the oven's temperature, creating a consistent baking environment. Remember to keep most of the heat coming from the top of the oven rather than the bottom when using a camp oven. Adjust the coals accordingly to maintain the desired temperature.

Tips for Success

  • Use tinfoil: Place tinfoil over the pizza stone to catch any drips or spills, making cleanup easier and preventing food from baking onto the stone.
  • Preheat properly: Always preheat your pizza stone and oven together for the best results. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating, which may include preheating at the highest temperature for a specific duration.
  • Flour the stone: If you're baking directly on the pizza stone, sprinkle flour or cornmeal on it to prevent your cake from sticking.
  • Rotate your cake: Just like with any baking, remember to rotate your cake pan halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking and prevent hot spots.

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Try a pressure cooker cake

If you're looking for an easy, hands-off approach to baking a cake in a camper oven, consider using a pressure cooker. This method is especially useful if you don't have access to a traditional oven or want to avoid turning on the oven during hot weather. Here are the steps to bake a delicious pressure cooker cake:

  • Prepare your cake batter according to your favourite recipe or a boxed cake mix. You won't need to make any adjustments to the batter.
  • Choose a baking pan that fits inside your pressure cooker. You can use a metal, Pyrex glass, or silicone baking pan. Grease the pan with cooking spray, shortening, or butter, and dust it with flour.
  • If you're using a stove-top pressure cooker, remove the gasket and whistle. Place a metal stand or wire rack at the bottom of the cooker, and spread 1.5 cups (300 g) of salt evenly in the bottom. This salt layer will insulate the cooker since you won't be using water.
  • Preheat the empty pressure cooker on high for 2 minutes. Lower the cake pan into the cooker, put the lid on, and reduce the heat to medium. Bake the cake for 5 minutes, then turn the heat to low and continue baking according to your recipe's instructions.
  • To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the centre. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready! If not, continue baking and check again in 3 to 5 minutes.
  • If you're using an electric pressure cooker, pour 1 cup of water into the insert and place a metal trivet at the bottom. Lower the filled cake pan onto the trivet, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.
  • Put the lid on the cooker and seal it shut. Set the cooker to the cake or high setting, and adjust the temperature based on the type of cake you're making. For a light, moist cake, use the "Less" setting, and for a dense cake or brownie, use the "More" setting.
  • Set the bake time for half of the normal baking time specified in your recipe. The pressure cooker can bake the cake more efficiently than a traditional oven.
  • Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the centre. If it's not ready, put the lid back on and continue baking for a few more minutes.
  • Let the cake cool for 5 minutes before removing it from the pressure cooker. Enjoy your freshly baked pressure cooker cake!

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Bake a stovetop steamed cake

Baking a cake in a camper oven is a great option when you don't have access to a traditional oven. Stovetop steamed cakes are a popular method for cooking cakes in countries where ovens aren't common household appliances. This method involves steaming the cake, which makes it incredibly moist and delicious, and ensures that the cake never dries out, cracks on top, or turns out dry.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted (or use unsalted butter and a pinch of salt)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Utensils:

  • Large Dutch oven
  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Cooking spray or butter
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk

Method:

  • Cut a piece of foil about 18 inches long and shape it into a coil or a "snake" about 1 inch thick. Place it in the bottom of your Dutch oven.
  • Add water to the Dutch oven until it reaches about 3/4 of the way up the coil. This is important to ensure that the cake pan doesn't touch the water.
  • Grease the bottom and sides of the 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter. Line the pan with a cut-out round of parchment paper, then spray or butter the parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, sift and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, butter, water, espresso powder (if using), vanilla, and sour cream.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Do not over-mix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  • If your Dutch oven has a self-basting lid with dimples or spikes, place a sheet of parchment paper or foil over the top of the pot before putting the lid in place. This will prevent water from dripping onto the cake.
  • Place the cake pan on top of the coil in the Dutch oven.
  • Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
  • Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and steam the cake with the lid on until it is firm to the touch in the center. This should take around 23-30 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and remove the lid. Allow the cake to cool in the Dutch oven until the pan is cool enough to handle.
  • Transfer the cake pan to a wire rack and run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake.
  • Invert the cake onto a plate and remove the parchment paper. Invert the cake again onto another plate.
  • Sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar, or serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

Your stovetop steamed cake is now ready to be enjoyed!

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Use a double skillet to create a stovetop oven

If you're looking to bake a cake in a camper oven, a double skillet can be used to create a stovetop oven. This method is perfect for those who don't have access to an oven or microwave but still want to bake a delicious cake. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a double skillet to create a stovetop oven for baking a cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Double Skillet

The first step is to get your hands on a double skillet. This is a essential item for any camper's kitchen. The two pans in a double skillet can be used independently or clicked together with a heat diffuser to create a stovetop oven. Look for a cast-iron double skillet, which is built to last a lifetime. Short-handled skillets are usually easier to store. Grease the double skillet with butter or oil to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Now, it's time to prepare your cake batter. You can use your own recipe or a boxed cake mix—most cake recipes should work with this method. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl until you have a smooth batter. If you're making a chocolate cake, you can add cocoa powder to the batter for that extra chocolatey flavour.

Step 3: Cook the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the greased double skillet. Make sure the skillet is warm before adding the batter. Place the skillet on your stovetop and adjust the heat to medium. Cooking times may vary depending on your cake recipe, but as a general guideline, cook the cake for around 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake and adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After about 25 minutes, open the skillet and check if your cake is done. Insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake and pull it out. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any wet batter sticking to it, your cake is ready. If there are still crumbs or wet batter on the toothpick, continue cooking the cake, checking every 5 minutes until it's done.

Step 5: Remove the Cake from the Skillet

Once your cake is cooked through, it's time to remove it from the skillet. Place a kitchen towel or oven mitt over each hand and carefully lift the cake out of the skillet. Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. You can then decorate your cake as desired or enjoy it as is!

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Line your baking tin with baking paper

Lining your baking tin with baking paper is a great way to ensure your cake doesn't stick to the tin and makes it easier to remove and clean up afterward. Here's a step-by-step guide to lining your baking tin with baking paper:

Start by tearing off a sheet of baking paper that is slightly larger than your baking tin. You want the sheet to be big enough to cover the bottom and sides of the tin comfortably.

Next, fold the sheet of paper in half and then in half again, creating a square or rectangle.

Now, fold the paper into a triangle by folding the square or rectangle diagonally. You can then fold the triangle in half again, creating an even smaller triangle.

Take this triangle and place the pointed end in the centre of your baking tin. You want the edges of the triangle to line up with the edges of the tin. If your triangle is too big, simply trim the excess paper with scissors.

Once you're happy with the size, unfold the paper, and you should have a near-perfect circle that fits the base of your tin. Grease your cake tin with butter or oil spray, and then press the paper circle into the base.

To line the sides of the tin, tear off strips of baking paper and stick them to the walls of the tin. Depending on the size of your tin, you may need two full-length strips or a few smaller ones. Ensure there are no gaps between the strips, as you want an even layer of paper covering the sides.

And there you have it! Your baking tin is now lined with baking paper and ready for your cake batter. Remember to grease the paper lightly before adding your batter for extra non-stick insurance. Happy baking!

Frequently asked questions

A cast-iron Dutch oven is a great tool to have in your camping gear. It can be used on the fire or camp stove, making it a perfect choice for outdoor cooking. Spun steel camp ovens are also a good option as they are quick to heat up and lightweight.

You will need a roasting trivet, a round cake tin or pan, oven gloves or other heat-resistant gloves, and a mixing bowl or large saucepan.

Pre-weigh and mix your ingredients before leaving home to save space and weight in your camper. You can also pre-mix dry ingredients and store them in reusable silicone bags.

Camper ovens tend to have hot and cold spots, so it is recommended to use a heat distributor, such as a pizza stone, to help distribute the heat more evenly.

It is recommended to use a cast iron scrubber set to safely clean your Dutch oven. You can also line the bottom of the oven with parchment paper or disposable Dutch oven liners to simplify cleanup.

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