Camp Fire Cupcakes

Enjoy a whimsical summer treat with these Camp Fire Cupcakes, perfect for camping trips and themed parties. With a graham cracker base, rich chocolate frosting, and marshmallow “flames,” these cupcakes capture the essence of a cozy campfire. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Camp Fire Cupcakes are the perfect combination of nostalgic flavors and playful presentation. The graham cracker crumbs and cocoa powder create a campfire-inspired base, while the fluffy marshmallows and colorful frosting mimic the flames of a campfire. They’re ideal for summer parties, camping trips, or any time you want to enjoy a fun and delicious dessert. Plus, the whole family can get involved in decorating these cupcakes, making them an interactive and enjoyable treat for everyone.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

1 box French Vanilla cake mix

1 cup whole milk

3 large eggs

1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup cocoa powder

Pretzel rods

Mini marshmallows

Toothpicks

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3-5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Yellow and orange gel food coloring

1 large piping bag fitted with a medium star tip

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions:

Prepare the Cupcakes:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

In a standing mixer, combine the cake mix, butter, milk, and eggs. Mix on medium speed until well combined.

Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 3/4 full.

Bake for 21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Divide the frosting into two bowls. Add yellow gel food coloring to one bowl and orange gel food coloring to the other.

Decorate the Cupcakes:

Mix the graham cracker crumbs and cocoa powder in a small bowl.

Assemble mini marshmallows on toothpicks by placing two marshmallows on each.

Frost each cupcake and dip them into the graham cracker mixture to create the “campfire” base.

Pipe the colored frosting in the center of each cupcake to resemble flames.

Add pretzel rods around the “fire” to mimic logs and place the marshmallow sticks on top to complete the campfire look.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 21 minutes

Serving Size: 12 cupcakes

Calories per Cupcake: 300 kcal

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute the French Vanilla cake mix for a gluten-free version and ensure that the other ingredients, such as graham crackers, are gluten-free.

Chocolate Cupcakes: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of French Vanilla to add an extra chocolatey flavor.

Vegan: Swap the butter, milk, and eggs for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil, almond milk, and flax eggs to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them again, simply bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Related Recipes:

• Alabama Fire Crackers
• REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES
• Salted Caramel Cupcakes

FAQs:

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute homemade cake batter for the cake mix if you prefer. Just be sure it’s a vanilla flavor to match the recipe’s base.

How do I make the marshmallow flames stay in place?

To make the marshmallow flames stay upright, gently insert the toothpicks into the marshmallows and place them carefully on top of the frosted cupcakes.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Mini marshmallows work best for this recipe, but regular-sized marshmallows can be cut into smaller pieces if needed.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and then bring it back to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Frost the cupcakes after thawing them.

How can I get the frosting to look like flames?

Use a piping bag with a medium star tip to pipe the yellow and orange frosting in the center of each cupcake. You can swirl the colors together to create a flame effect.

Can I use a different frosting color?

Absolutely! You can choose any color for the frosting to match the theme of your party. Red, pink, or blue frosting could work well for different themed events.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make the cupcakes more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolatey taste, you can add a bit of chocolate chips to the batter or use a chocolate frosting instead of vanilla.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking?

Ensure the oven is preheated before baking, and do not overmix the batter. If the cupcakes still sink, check your leavening agents (like baking powder) to make sure they are fresh.

Conclusion:

These Camp Fire Cupcakes are the perfect fun treat for your summer adventures. With a delicious combination of flavors and creative decoration, they’ll be the star of any event. Whether you’re hosting a camping-themed party or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon with family, these cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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