Campfire Donuts: How to Make Them Perfectly Every Time

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Campfire donuts are a classic camping treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying the great outdoors. These delicious donuts can be made in a variety of ways, from using canned biscuit dough to making the dough from scratch. They can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet over an open flame or in a Dutch oven, making them a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on any camping trip.

One of the best things about campfire donuts is that they are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. All you need is some biscuit dough, oil, and sugar to create a delicious treat that everyone will love.

Whether you are camping with your family or just enjoying a weekend getaway with friends, campfire donuts are a great way to add some sweetness to your trip. So why not try making them on your next camping adventure and see for yourself how delicious they can be?

History of Campfire Donuts

Campfire donuts, also known as “fried dough,” have been a popular treat for centuries. The exact origin of campfire donuts is unknown, but they are believed to have been brought to the United States by Dutch settlers in the 19th century. The settlers called them “oliebollen,” which translates to “oil balls.”

During World War I, campfire donuts became a staple food for soldiers because they were easy to make and transport. The Salvation Army made and served donuts to soldiers in the trenches, and the treat quickly became associated with the war effort.

In the 1930s, campfire donuts became a popular food at state fairs and carnivals. They were typically served with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and were often referred to as “elephant ears” or “beaver tails.”

Today, campfire donuts are still a popular treat at outdoor events and camping trips. They are typically made by frying dough in hot oil and then coating them with sugar or other toppings. Some people even fill them with jam or other sweet fillings.

Campfire donuts have a rich history and continue to be a beloved treat for people of all ages.

Ingredients and Equipment

Making campfire donuts requires some basic ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• Canned biscuit dough: You can use any brand of canned biscuit dough for this recipe. The dough is usually sold in tubes of 8-10 biscuits each.

• Vegetable oil: You’ll need enough oil to fill a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Vegetable oil works well because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

• Sugar and cinnamon: These ingredients are used to make a simple coating for the donuts. You can adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to your liking.

Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet: A large cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking campfire donuts. It can withstand high heat and distributes it evenly.

• Tongs: You’ll need a pair of tongs to flip the donuts and remove them from the skillet.

• Cutting board: You can use a cutting board to cut the biscuit dough into smaller pieces.

• Ziplock bag: A large ziplock bag can be used to mix the sugar and cinnamon and coat the donuts.

That’s all you need to make campfire donuts! It’s a simple recipe that can be made with just a few basic ingredients and equipment.

Preparation Process

Dough Making

To make campfire donuts, you’ll need to start by making the dough. There are a variety of recipes available online, but most involve combining flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and some form of liquid (such as milk or buttermilk) to create a sticky dough.

One popular recipe involves combining flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk in a large bowl and stirring until a sticky dough forms. Once the dough is mixed, it should be covered and allowed to rest for about 10 minutes before shaping.

Frying

Once the dough has rested, it’s time to start frying. To fry campfire donuts, you’ll need a large cast-iron skillet and some vegetable oil. Fill the skillet with enough oil to submerge the donuts, and heat it over the campfire until the oil is hot.

Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. This should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Be sure to keep an eye on the donuts as they cook to prevent burning.

Glazing

After the donuts have been fried, it’s time to add some flavor. One popular way to do this is by glazing the donuts with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk. To make the glaze, simply whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until a smooth, pourable mixture forms.

Once the glaze is ready, dip the fried donuts into the mixture and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Be sure to let the glaze set before serving.

Topping

It’s time to add some toppings to your campfire donuts. Some popular options include sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even bacon bits. To add toppings, simply sprinkle them over the glazed donuts while they’re still wet.

Overall, making campfire donuts is a fun and delicious activity that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings. With a little bit of preparation and some basic equipment, you can create a batch of warm, fresh donuts that are sure to please everyone around the campfire.

Safety Precautions

When making campfire donuts, it’s important to take safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a safe location: Set up your campfire in a safe location that is away from trees, shrubs, low-hanging branches, and anything that can catch fire. The campfire should be at least 25 feet away from structures. If there are any fire restrictions in your area, make sure to follow them.

• Build a fire pit: Build a fire pit on gravel or dirt instead of grass. Use a fire ring, rocks, or bricks to encircle the fire pit to keep the fire from spreading. Make sure to clear the area around the fire pit of any debris or flammable materials.

• Keep water nearby: Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case the fire gets out of control. Use sand or dirt to put out the fire if you don’t have water.

• Use proper tools: Use long-handled tongs or skewers to handle the donuts and keep a safe distance from the fire. Avoid using plastic or wooden utensils that can melt or catch fire.

• Dress appropriately: Wear clothes made of natural fibers like cotton or wool that can protect you from sparks. Avoid wearing loose clothing that can catch fire.

• Supervise children: Keep children away from the fire and supervise them at all times. Teach them about fire safety and the dangers of playing with fire.

By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy making campfire donuts without any accidents or injuries.

Variations of Campfire Donuts

If you’re looking for a twist on the classic campfire donuts, there are several variations to try. Here are two popular options:

Vegan Version

For those who follow a vegan diet, there’s no need to miss out on the fun of campfire donuts. A simple swap of ingredients can make this treat vegan-friendly. Instead of using refrigerated biscuit dough, try using a vegan-friendly dough option. Some popular options include:

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (original flavor)
• Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits
• Immaculate Baking Co. Organic Flaky Biscuits

To make a vegan-friendly cinnamon sugar mix, combine organic cane sugar and ground cinnamon in a brown paper bag. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients before adding the donuts.

Gluten-Free Version

For those with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, there are also options to enjoy campfire donuts. Instead of using traditional biscuit dough, try using a gluten-free option. Some popular options include:

• Pillsbury Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls
• King Arthur Gluten-Free Baking Mix
• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Biscuit Mix

To make a gluten-free cinnamon sugar mix, combine gluten-free powdered sugar and ground cinnamon in a brown paper bag. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients before adding the donuts.

No matter your dietary restrictions, there’s a campfire donut variation for everyone to enjoy.

Storing and Reheating

Properly storing and reheating your campfire donuts is essential to keep them fresh and delicious. Here are some tips to help you out:

Storing

To keep your campfire donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container or a storage bag and put them in a freezer or fridge – depending on when you plan on using them. If you’re keeping them at room temperature, they must be stored in a cool, dry place. Also, keep in mind that the donuts shouldn’t be left at room temperature for longer than 2 days.

Reheating

Reheating your campfire donuts is easy and can be done in several ways. Here are some of the best methods:

• Microwave: Place the donuts on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 10-15 seconds.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat them for 5-10 minutes.

• Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place your donuts in the pan along with an ice cube or a generous sprinkle of water. Heat them for 2 minutes.

• Campfire: Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over the campfire until bubbles form. Place the donuts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Remember that reheating donuts can make them dry and hard, so it’s important to rehydrate them before reheating. If your donuts are stale, you’ll need to use some form of water or steam to rehydrate them.

Final Thoughts

Campfire donuts are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any camping adventure. With just three simple ingredients and ten minutes of your time, you can create a tasty snack that everyone will love.

Whether you choose to make your campfire donuts in a cast iron dutch oven, a camp frying pan, or over a camp stove with hot oil for an extra crispy finish, the process is simple and straightforward. Just heat up some oil, poke a hole in the middle of your biscuit dough, and fry until golden brown.

One of the best things about campfire donuts is that they can be customized to suit your tastes. You can sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar, drizzle them with icing, or even add your favorite toppings like chocolate chips or sprinkles.

So, next time you’re planning a camping trip, be sure to add campfire donuts to your menu. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone and are the perfect way to end a day spent exploring the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hillbilly donut?

A hillbilly donut is a type of fried dough that is made by wrapping biscuit dough around a stick and cooking it over a campfire. It is also known as a “campfire donut” or “bannock on a stick.”

What are Amish donuts made of?

Amish donuts, also known as “Dutchies,” are made from a sweet dough that is rolled out and cut into circles. The circles are then fried in oil until golden brown and coated in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

What is an Eskimo donut?

An Eskimo donut, also known as “akutaq,” is a traditional Alaskan dessert made from a mixture of animal fat and berries. The mixture is whipped together until it forms a dough-like consistency and is then shaped into small balls.

What are the long twisty donuts called?

The long twisty donuts are called “churros.” They are a Spanish dessert that is made by piping dough into hot oil and frying until golden brown. They are then coated in sugar and cinnamon.

How do you make campfire donuts?

To make campfire donuts, you will need biscuit dough, cinnamon, sugar, and oil for frying. First, mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a large ziploc bag and shake to mix. Then, heat oil until little bubbles start forming and it’s just about to boil.

Pull apart each biscuit in half and roll into 2 round dough circles, poking a hole into each. Fry the dough circles in the oil until golden brown, flipping once. Remove from the oil and immediately place them in the bag with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Shake to coat evenly.

What are some variations of campfire donuts?

Some variations of campfire donuts include adding toppings such as chocolate, caramel, or powdered sugar. You can also add fillings like jelly or cream cheese. Another variation is to use different types of dough, such as pizza dough or croissant dough, to create different flavors and textures.