Introduction
Hey there, friends! Ever find yourself gathered around a crackling campfire, the stars starting to peek out, and suddenly that sweet tooth kicks in? Or maybe you’re just looking for the easiest dessert EVER for a backyard BBQ or a cozy night in. Well, let me tell you, I’ve got just the thing that brings back warm, happy memories of simple pleasures and delicious treats: Campfire Peach Dump Cake in a Foil Packet!
Forget fussy desserts or hauling a ton of dishes outdoors. This recipe is pure magic, requiring almost zero effort and cooking up into gooey, warm, peachy perfection right in a single foil packet. It’s so simple, you might just find yourself making it even when there’s no campfire in sight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable (Think pre-measured dry ingredients!)
- Crowd-pleasing
- Minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this gem is almost as easy as making it! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (21 oz) peach pie filling: This is the heart of our dessert! It’s already sweet and thickened, making it super simple. Grab your favorite brand!
- 1 box yellow cake mix: Any standard box will do the trick. You won’t be following the box directions, just using the dry mix straight up.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Butter makes everything better, right? Melting it helps it drizzle evenly over the cake mix, creating that lovely crumbly topping.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Peach and cinnamon are a match made in heaven! It adds a touch of warmth and spice that elevates the whole dessert.
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving: Because is there anything better than warm fruit dessert with cold, melting ice cream? I think not!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness happening! This is where the “dump” in dump cake comes in, and the foil packet makes it extra special.
First things first, grab a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18×24 inches, or two pieces layered). Fold up the edges slightly to make a kind of bowl shape. This will be your cooking vessel!
Next, open up that can of peach pie filling and simply dump it right into the center of your foil bowl. Spread it out a little bit.
Now, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the peach filling. Don’t stir it in! Seriously, resisting the urge to stir is key here.
Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as you can over the dry cake mix. Then, sprinkle that lovely cinnamon all over the top.
Carefully bring the edges of the foil up and seal it tightly, creating a secure packet. Make sure there are no gaps for steam or deliciousness to escape!
Now, for the fun part! Place the foil packet directly on a grate over medium-hot campfire coals or on a preheated grill over medium heat. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the topping looks golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The time can vary depending on your heat source, so keep an eye on it! You might carefully peek inside after 20 minutes.
Using oven mitts or tongs, carefully remove the hot packet from the heat. Let it sit for a minute before carefully opening (watch out for hot steam!). Spoon the warm peach dump cake into bowls and serve immediately, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is super forgiving and fun to customize! Feel free to get creative:
- Fruit: Not a peach fan? Try cherry pie filling, apple pie filling, or even canned berries! You can also use a can of sliced peaches in syrup (drained slightly) and add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water before adding the cake mix.
- Cake Mix: While yellow is classic, a spice cake mix or even a white cake mix works too. A butter pecan cake mix would be divine!
- Add-ins: Stir in some fresh berries with the peaches, sprinkle chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are great!) over the top before sealing, or even add a handful of chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence.
- Spice: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can also be added with the cinnamon for more warm spice flavor.
Tips for Success
This is truly a hard recipe to mess up, but here are a few pointers to ensure perfection every time:
- Use Heavy-Duty Foil: It’s sturdier and less likely to tear under heat, preventing leaks. If you only have regular foil, use two layers.
- Seal Tightly: A good seal traps the steam, which helps cook the cake mix topping and makes the filling bubbly.
- Monitor the Heat: Campfire heat can be unpredictable. Try to place your packet over medium coals, not direct flames, which can scorch the bottom. On a grill, medium heat is perfect.
- Be Patient (but Cautious!): Let it cook until the topping looks done. When opening the packet, always do so away from your face to avoid steam burns.
- Prep Ahead: You can measure out the dry cake mix and cinnamon into a zip-top bag at home. When you’re ready to cook, just open the can of peaches, put it all in the foil, add the melted butter, and cook!
How to Store It
Honestly, this dessert is so good warm that you probably won’t have many leftovers! But if you do, let it cool completely. You can transfer it from the foil packet into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or even back in a foil packet on low heat.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got (quick) answers!
Q: Can I make this in the oven instead of a campfire or grill?
A: Absolutely! Skip the foil packet and grease an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish. Dump the peaches, sprinkle the cake mix, drizzle the butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: The top should look golden brown and the peach filling should be bubbling up around the edges. You can carefully (so carefully!) open the packet a tiny bit to peek.
Q: Do I need to grease the foil?
A: Nope! The melted butter helps prevent sticking, and the pie filling is moist enough.
Easy Campfire Peach Dump Cake in a Foil Packet
Equipment
- heavy-duty aluminum foil or two layers of regular foil
- Grill or campfire grate
- Oven mitts or tongs for handling hot packet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can peach pie filling 21 oz
- 1 box yellow cake mix standard size, dry mix only
- 0.5 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- vanilla ice cream optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the foil: Grab a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18x24 inches, or two pieces layered). Fold up the edges slightly to make a kind of bowl shape.
- Add the peach filling: Open the can of peach pie filling and dump it into the center of the foil bowl. Spread it out a little.
- Sprinkle the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the peach filling. Do not stir.
- Add the butter: Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon: Sprinkle the cinnamon all over the top.
- Seal the packet: Carefully bring the edges of the foil up and seal it tightly, making sure there are no gaps.
- Cook: Place the packet directly on a grate over medium-hot campfire coals or on a preheated grill over medium heat. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it and peek after 20 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove the hot packet using mitts or tongs. Let sit for a minute before opening (watch for steam). Spoon into bowls and serve immediately, optionally with vanilla ice cream.