๐ Backcountry Apple Dump Cake: A Sweet Outdoor Delight! ๐๏ธ
History:
The Backcountry Apple Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert with a history that’s as comforting as the dessert itself. While it doesn’t have a specific origin story, it’s a popular recipe among outdoor enthusiasts and campers. This cake’s charm lies in its ease of preparation and the way it brings people together to enjoy a warm, gooey treat in the great outdoors.
Components:
This mouthwatering dessert requires just a handful of basic ingredients, making it a favorite among campers and hikers:
- Apples: Typically, you’ll need a few medium-sized apples, like Granny Smith or Fuji, peeled, cored, and sliced. ๐๐
- Cake Mix: A box of yellow cake mix is the primary dry ingredient that forms the cake’s base. ๐ฐ
- Butter: You’ll need melted butter to drizzle over the cake mix for that golden, buttery goodness. ๐ง
- Cinnamon and Sugar: These are often sprinkled over the apples to add a delightful hint of spice and sweetness. ๐
- Nuts (Optional): Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be added for extra texture and flavor. ๐ฅ
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Campfire: If you’re making this outdoors, start by setting up your campfire or camp stove and getting the heat to a moderate level. Make sure you have a good, sturdy cooking surface. ๐ฅ
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Assemble the Ingredients: Take a sturdy, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven. Add the sliced apples to the bottom of the skillet. Sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar for flavor. ๐๐
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Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples. It’s called a “dump cake” because you simply dump the mix on top. ๐ฐ
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Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring even coverage. The butter will soak through the cake mix as it bakes. ๐ง
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Cook It Up: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and place it over the campfire, making sure it’s not directly in the flames. Let it cook for around 30-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown, and the apples are tender. โฒ๏ธ
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Optional Nut Topping: If you’re using nuts, add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
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Enjoy: Once the cake is cooked to your satisfaction, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect camping treat! ๐ฆ
Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time can vary depending on the heat of your campfire or stove. Typically, it takes around 30-45 minutes to bake the Backcountry Apple Dump Cake. However, this may vary, so keep an eye on it and use a toothpick or fork to check if the cake is done. Enjoy your rustic dessert in the great outdoors! ๐๏ธ๐ฒ๐
๐ Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Backcountry Apple Dump Cake ๐ฐ
While the Backcountry Apple Dump Cake is a delicious outdoor dessert, it’s essential to be aware that it’s not the healthiest option due to its sugar and calorie content. Here are some approximate nutrition facts and a few health considerations:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, without ice cream):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 30-35 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Health Information:
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Calories: The Backcountry Apple Dump Cake is relatively high in calories, primarily due to the cake mix and butter used. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
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Fat: This dessert contains a significant amount of fat, mainly from the butter and cake mix. While fat is an essential nutrient, consuming too much saturated fat can have adverse health effects. Moderation is key.
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Sugar: The sugar content is notably high, thanks to the sugar in the cake mix and any additional sugar you might add. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
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Fiber: The dessert offers a modest amount of dietary fiber from the apples, which is a positive aspect for digestion and overall health.
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Protein: It provides minimal protein, as it’s not a protein-rich dessert.
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Portion Control: To make it a bit healthier, you can consider smaller portion sizes and perhaps use less sugar and butter.
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Variations: You can make healthier versions of this dessert by using whole-grain cake mix or almond flour and reducing the amount of sugar and butter. You can also consider using sugar substitutes if you’re looking to cut down on the sugar content.
Remember that while the Backcountry Apple Dump Cake isn’t the healthiest dessert, it can be a delightful and comforting treat when enjoyed in moderation. It’s best suited for special occasions or outdoor adventures, where the experience and taste take precedence over nutritional concerns. ๐๐ฐ๐
