When it comes to Dutch oven recipes, braising is often the first technique that comes to mind. However, these cast iron pots are equally well-suited for creating sweet treats. Have you ever used a Dutch oven to bake desserts? If not, don’t worry – we’re here to change that! A Dutch oven is a heavy, enamel or cast iron pot with a tight-fitting lid, ideal for searing meat, braising roasts, and baking homemade bread.
Its unique design allows it to maintain a consistent temperature over time, making it perfect for slow-cooked meals. But what many people don’t know is that Dutch ovens can also be used to make delicious desserts! With the right recipes, you can create a variety of sweet treats using your Dutch oven. From banana cakes to decadent chocolate brownies, we’ve collected 30 mouth-watering Dutch oven dessert ideas for you to try at home.
Lemon Blueberry Biscuits
Kickstarting our biscuit journey is the 18-minute Lemon Blueberry Biscuits recipe, which boasts an extraordinary flaky and airy texture courtesy of the strategic combination of baking soda and egg. The crowning glory of these delectable treats lies in their show-stopping glaze, infused with a whisper of tartness from the judicious use of grated lemon peel.
Upside Down Pineapple Cake
The presentation of this dessert is nothing short of captivating, with the intricate arrangement of pineapple rings and halved cherries atop a light and airy cake. The crowning glory, however, is the rich caramel sauce that subtly balances the bold flavors of the pineapple and the delicate texture of the cake, creating a harmonious union that’s sure to tantalize the senses.
Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake
Indulge your cravings with this scrumptious Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake that overflows with rich, velvety goodness from the combination of cherry pie filling, dark chocolate chips, and decadent chocolate cake mix. The secret to its incredible texture lies in the unexpected addition of a can of lemon-lime soda. When you take a bite, the cake practically melts away like butter, leaving you craving more.
Peach Cobbler
Get ready to indulge in the quintessential summer treat: a mouth-watering Peach Cobbler recipe that’s sure to become your new go-to dessert. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this peach-filled delight will transport you to a world of pure bliss, rendering all other desserts mere afterthoughts.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Indulge in a sweet treat that combines the richness of chocolate and the creaminess of peanut butter – perfect for fans of both. This delectable cake recipe boasts an impressive simplicity, requiring just six essential ingredients to bring it all together. Take it to the next level by adding as many Reese’s Pieces as your taste buds dictate.
Pumpkin Delight
Indulge in the sweet delight of this pumpkin pie all year round! The whipped concoction boasts a delicate pumpkin essence that’s sure to win over even the most discerning young palates. However, don’t get too caught up in the excitement – keep a close eye on the heat applied to the crust, as it can swiftly turn from golden brown to burnt.
Dump Cake
While dump cakes and cobblers share similarities, the key difference lies in their toppings – a cake-like layer sets apart a dump cake from its cobbler counterpart. This simplicity is what makes this four-ingredient Dump Cake with cherries so appealing. However, don’t let the ease of preparation fool you; this dessert still manages to deliver a subtle woody flavor and pleasant almond aromas, making it a delightful treat for anyone.
Cinnamon Roll
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of something citrusy and spicy with this delectable Cinnamon Roll, where the perfect harmony of textures awaits. The airy and fluffy dough, infused with a gooey filling, provides an irresistible foundation for the sweet and woody topping that elevates each bite to a sublime experience.
Mississippi Mud Cake
Experience the thrill of indulging in a richly textured, intensely chocolatey mud cake that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike on your next camping adventure. The harmonious union of velvety chocolate and crunchy pecans elevates this treat to new heights, making it an unforgettable dessert for your outdoor escapades.
Strawberry Rhubard Crisp
The combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberry is a match made in heaven, elevating this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp recipe to new heights. The addition of a crunchy oat topping adds a satisfying texture that complements the flavors perfectly. To take it to the next level, serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm, comforting dessert.
S’Mores Cake
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors by combining S’Mores Cake with the unmistakable crunch of graham crackers and the rich, velvety smoothness of Hershey’s chocolate bars. The synergy between these ingredients yields a truly unique dessert experience, where the nutty undertones of the graham crackers perfectly complement the gooey marshmallows and indulgent melted chocolate.
Easy Blackberry Cobbler
Indulge in the delightful world of cobblers, where sweet and tangy flavors combine to create a culinary masterpiece. These delectable desserts boast savory fruit fillings that tantalize the taste buds. In this particular recipe, blackberries take center stage, injecting a burst of flavor into every bite. As you savor each succulent morsel, the subtle tartness adds depth and complexity to the overall experience.
Texas Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler, a classic dessert known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile, has a special claim to fame – it was officially declared Texas’ state cobbler in 2013. The combination of juicy peach filling and crispy crust is the perfect remedy to brighten up a gloomy day, providing a much-needed mood boost after a stressful period.
Caramel Apple Pie
Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors in this caramel apple pie, where the sweetness of fresh apples takes center stage. The aroma is bright and clean, with subtle undertones that tease the senses. Meanwhile, the warmth of cinnamon adds a depth and richness to the overall flavor profile, perfectly complemented by the velvety smoothness of the luscious caramel icing.
Marshmallow Cheesecake
Indulge in the sublime experience of a cheesecake elevated by the tender sweetness of marshmallows. The velvety texture of the cheesecake is beautifully balanced by the richness of delectable chocolate ganache and the crunch of graham cracker bits, guaranteeing a taste sensation that will transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Apple Dump Cake
Dutch ovens are ideal for preparing recipes that involve combining multiple ingredients and allowing them to cook harmoniously together. One such recipe is the dump cake, which boasts a distinctive characteristic – its cake-like topping sets it apart from traditional cobblers. For this particular recipe, you can utilize a super moist white cake mix in conjunction with Sprite or lemon soda, resulting in an aroma reminiscent of freshly baked apples that will fill your kitchen or campsite.
Monkey Bread
Indulge in the sweet charm of this Monkey Bread, a classic snack or dessert that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, camping adventures, or whenever the mood strikes. The recipe relies on biscuit dough as its foundation, but feel free to repurpose leftover biscuit dough if you have some stashed away. With its sticky, delectable goodness, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Cowboy Creme Brulee
Indulge in the velvety smoothness of Cowboy Creme Brulee, a dessert that defies comparison to traditional puddings or custards. The secret to its luscious texture and deep flavor lies in the strategic use of Mascarpone cheese, which elevates this treat to new heights.
Bread Pudding With Whiskey Cream Sauce
The essence of any bread pudding hinges on the spices used, as each one adds its distinct flavor profile. In this particular recipe, subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg mingle harmoniously together. However, it’s the whiskey cream sauce that truly elevates the dish, infusing it with a rich, velvety texture and an unmistakable je ne sais quoi.
Pecan Pralines
As we delve into the world of baked goods, it’s time to indulge in some sweet treats that satisfy our cravings. Pecan Pralines are a delightful addition to this culinary journey, offering an irresistible aroma reminiscent of the forest. The combination of mildly floral, slightly buttery, and distinctly sweet flavors from the pecans is truly a treat for the senses.
Double Chocolate Cake
Indulge in this decadent Double Chocolate Cake, where every bite is a delight for the senses. The secret to achieving its signature richness lies in carefully controlling the cooking temperature using charcoal briquets, allowing the chocolatey goodness to shine through with a subtle tang from the cocoa.
Hazelnut Triple Berry Pie
This pie recipe’s unique flavor profile is characterized by a harmonious balance of sweet and tart notes. The union of blackberries and blueberries yields a succulent taste that is neither overpoweringly sweet nor cloying. The berries’ natural acidity is further enhanced by the addition of raspberries, while the hazelnuts introduce a rich, nutty flavor that complements the fruit perfectly.
Raspberry Cake
Raspberries are a versatile fruit that not only shine in sweet treats but also bring a pop of color and flavor to cakes. One classic example is this quick and easy Raspberry Cake recipe, which makes the most of fresh raspberries’ tender texture, soft consistency, and mildly crunchy bite. The sweetness of the cake is beautifully balanced by the bright, slightly tart flavor of the raspberries, making it a perfect pairing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars
Indulge in the delightful union of mint and chocolate by baking a batch of irresistible Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars. The perfect treat for those who crave the classic combination, these scrumptious bars feature crushed Oreos and an abundance of colorful M&M’s – feel free to add as many as your heart desires!
Gluten-Free Seven-Layer Brownies
Looking for a gluten-free treat? Look no further than this Seven-Layer Brownie recipe, crafted with a combination of vanilla, eggs, melted butter, and gluten-free brownie mix. This indulgent delight is comprised of seven distinct layers, each one boasting its own unique flavor profile.
From the subtle sweetness of coconut flakes to the richness of chocolate chips, the crunch of toffee bits, the earthy undertones of pecans, and the creamy texture of condensed and evaporated milk, every bite is a masterclass in contrasting flavors. With chopped pecans adding a satisfying crunch to each layer, this brownie is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Banana Bread
Indulge in a scrumptious Banana Bread that’s effortlessly whipped up and baked to perfection in your trusty Dutch oven. This moist and fluffy treat is heavily infused with the sweet, ripened flavors of bananas, making it an absolute delight for banana enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to prepare by whisking all ingredients together – no need for complicated mixing methods or multiple rising agents like baking powder.
Homemade Deep Fried Oreos
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these Deep-Fried Oreos, boasting a satisfying crunch from the outside and a delightful chewiness within. When coated with a sweet glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, this Oreo dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Strawberry Shortcake
To achieve a sublime strawberry shortcake, it’s essential to use fresh strawberries. The key to unlocking this dessert’s potential lies in preparing the strawberries in advance. This involves gently combining the sliced strawberries with sugar to create a sweet and syrupy mixture that’s ready for baking into your shortcake.
Key Lime Cheesecake
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this show-stopping key lime cheesecake recipe. A symphony of flavors and textures unfolds on your palate, as the richness of creaminess mingles harmoniously with the zestiness of tangy and tart notes, all balanced by a touch of sweetness. Every bite is a masterclass in dessert perfection, sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Simple Biscuits
Savor the simplicity of making delicious Dutch oven biscuits with just six essential ingredients. The absence of complexity is what makes this recipe truly appealing. By combining flour, baking powder, unsalted butter, milk, and honey, you’ll be rewarded with a sweet surprise in every bite.
The bottom line
Savoring sweet treats around a campfire is an integral part of any camping adventure. Imagine indulging in warm, gooey, and utterly divine desserts under the starry night sky with a steaming mug of hot cocoa by your side. To make these moments even more special, I’ve curated a collection of 30 delectable Dutch Oven dessert recipes that will elevate your outdoor escapades to new heights.