Campfire Camping Cake: Chocolate Camping Birthday Cake
I created this Campfire Camping Cake after seeing so many adorable camping-themed cakes online and wanting something fun but still realistic for home bakers.
This version keeps things simple while delivering that full campsite vibe—gooey chocolate cake, creamy frosting, cookie “dirt,” wafer log firewood, and a little frosting river running through the scene. It’s playful without being complicated, and that’s exactly why I love making it.
Every time I serve this cake, it becomes the centerpiece of the table. Kids love spotting the campfire and trees, and adults appreciate the rich chocolate flavor underneath it all. Whether you’re planning a camping birthday, outdoor party, or just want a creative dessert, this cake brings cozy camp vibes right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun but achievable: Looks impressive while using simple decorating techniques.
- Rich chocolate flavor: Moist cake with smooth chocolate frosting everyone enjoys.
- Beginner friendly: No fondant or advanced piping required.
- Highly customizable: Add tents, animals, or extra trees if you’d like.
- Perfect for themed parties: Great for camping birthdays, summer gatherings, or outdoor celebrations.
Pro Tips
- Chill cake layers before frosting for cleaner decorating.
- Use hot coffee in the batter to deepen chocolate flavor.
- Apply a thin crumb coat first, then frost smoothly.
- Crush cookies finely for realistic “dirt.”
- Add decorations after frosting sets slightly.
- Insert wafer logs gently so they don’t crack.
- Pipe trees last so they stay crisp.
- Let cake sit 15–20 minutes before slicing.
FAQs
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes—two boxes of chocolate cake mix work great.
What makes the river blue?
Tint vanilla buttercream with blue food coloring.
How far ahead can I make this?
Bake and frost one day ahead. Decorate the day of serving.
Do I need special piping tips for trees?
A basic star tip works perfectly.
Can I freeze this cake?
Freeze unfrosted layers only. Decorated cake is best fresh.
Campfire Camping Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly stir in hot coffee or water. Batter will be thin.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Stack cake layers with frosting between. Frost entire cake smoothly.
- Press crushed cookies onto the top for dirt.
- Pipe a blue frosting river across the surface.
- Arrange wafer cookies in a small pile for the campfire.
- Add marshmallows and candy flames in the center.
- Pipe green trees around the edges and add candy rocks if using.
- Chill briefly, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Swap chocolate cake for vanilla if preferred.
- Add graham cracker crumbs for extra campsite texture.
- Toy tents or animals can be added for kids’ parties.
