Chocolate Orange Camp Fire Cakes

If you’re looking for a campfire activity that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these Chocolate Orange Campfire Cakes tick all the boxes. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a fantastic way for children to practise fine motor skills, learn basic cooking techniques, and understand fire safety under the watchful eye of an adult.

Best of all, they’re vegan, can be made gluten-free, and are baked right inside an orange peel for a fun, no-mess treat.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8–12 mins
Servings: 12
Vegan | Gluten-Free option

What You’ll Need

  • 1 ½ cups gluten-free or regular flour

  • 1 cup sugar

  • ½ cup cocoa or cacao powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ⅓ cup oil (coconut oil works beautifully)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

  • 1 cup cold water (or swap for fresh orange juice)

  • 6 oranges

  • Aluminium foil

  • Juicer


What To Do

  1. Get the fire ready – Light your campfire at least 30 minutes before baking so you have glowing coals (not flames).

  2. Prepare the oranges – Slice each orange in half. Juice them and/or scoop out the flesh. Save the juice if you’d like to replace the water in the recipe for extra flavour.

  3. Make the batter – In a bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add the oil, vanilla, vinegar, and water/juice. Stir until just combined.

  4. Fill the orange cups – Spoon the cake mix into half of the empty orange rinds until half full. Place the other half of the orange rind back on top like a lid and wrap tightly in foil.

  5. Bake on the coals – Place your foil-wrapped oranges directly onto the hot coals (or in a camp oven on the coals) for 8–12 minutes.

  6. Check for doneness – Cakes should be firm to the touch and spring back when pressed.

  7. Cool and enjoy – The oranges will be very hot! Let them cool for 5–10 minutes before unwrapping and enjoying your gooey, citrus-infused chocolate cake.


Making these cakes isn’t just about the eating (though, trust us, that’s the best part). It’s about creating moments, families gathered in a circle, faces lit by firelight, waiting together for something wonderful to emerge from the coals.

Long after the last crumb is gone, your child will remember the night they baked cake in an orange, under the stars, with you.


🌿 Want to make more memories like this?
If you’re interested in creating more nature-filled adventures with your baby, toddler, preschooler, or homeschooled children, come and join us for our weekly nature programs across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
👉 Click here to see what’s available

Kerrie Harth