Technically, summer is almost over, but the heat is here to stay, at least for a while. That means more splashing around the water, movies in the backyard, dinners outside on the back patio and campfires. Campfires set the stage for happy memories. Some of the best ones are at the beach with friends gathered around a roaring fire, listening to the sound of the waves crashing, sharing stories under the moonlight. Even when a trip to the seaside is not on the calendar, there is always plenty of reason to celebrate with a cake, especially one with a touch of whimsy. Vanilla sponge cake, mocha whipped cream, cookie “logs,” candy “flames,” chocolate pebbles,” butter + graham cracker “sand” are the makings of the cutest Campfire Cake.
Those were my rockstar days. I have settled down quite a bit since then, but still know how to get cahrazy, as in baking this cake. Every step is fun. There is so much to do. My little sweetheart was happy to help and she makes everything more special. We sure made a loud racket, bashing the candies to a powder against the kitchen countertops! It was FUN (and cheap therapy). This is how the “flames” for the campfire are made.
The candy is crushed, then the powder is sprinkled onto a piece of foil and sent to melt in the oven. It morphs into a bubbly goo in no time. Daisy loved watching the candy magic happen.
The hardest part is making the cake. Boxed cake mix works well. You could just grab your keys, zoom to the market and just buy a ready-made sponge cake. I like to make mine from scratch using my favourite sponge cake recipe. Daisy loves to help me and the result is always a winner. Do whatever works best for you.
Campfire Cake
10 each Jolly Ranchers hard candies – red, yellow, blue
2 Tb cocoa powder
Remove from oven and let the candy cool completely til solid, about 15 minutes.
Break into shards and set aside.
Toast pecans in a dry nonstick pan for about 5 minutes.
Set aside to cool.
Pour heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
Add coffee, powdered sugar, vanilla and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.
Whip until fluffy.
Slice each of the 2 cakes into half horizontally to create 4 layers.
Frost with whipped cream in between the layers and around the cake.
Place Piroline cookie “logs” on top, with their tips connecting in the middle
of the cake.
Insert a few shards of candy “flames” in between those tips in the center.
Decorate with candy rocks around the sides of the cake.
Sprinkle crushed graham cracker “sand” around the cake and on top.
Break pecans over the top.
Insert a few chocolate mushrooms here and there.
Sprinkle with cocoa.
Chill until ready to serve.
This mocha-sponge Campfire Cake has it all – looks, class and good taste. Even after summer is long gone, you will look for an excuse to bake it and find everyone rushing to gather around the fire.
Hi CoCo, love the theme of this cake and how wonderful to be able to bake together with your little Daisy. Did you change something about your site? maybe you did earlier and I did not notice, anyway looks great!
Hi, Cheri.
Yes, I love baking w my li'l sweetheart!
You have a good eye – I changed the header w a new sketch I did. Daisy was the inspiration for the “twins.” Hope you like it. xo
Howdy Coco,
Wow, what a great idea for a cake. Gosh, my kiddos would've loved making this when they were Daisy's age!! Although, I don't think any of the candy would've made it on the cake but, rather into their plump toddler tummies. You're such a creative baker… I'll just have to try making your Vanilla Sponge cake. Have a great weekend!
J
What a stunning cake Ms Coco!
I just adore that topping of fire!
Have a wonderful weekend!
This has got to be one of your cutest ideas! Love the logs and flames… It must be so much fun being Daisy… having you as her mum!
Ooft this is such a creative idea 😀
I would totally be up for it any time of the day though, not just night 😛
Delicious!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
What a fun idea!My kids would love this cake!
Cute idea. I was a girl scout for 8 years! Loved it. Had the best leaders which makes all the difference. I actually led a girl scout troop when I was in my early twenties- to give back. Had a blast!