After dinner, when the coals are steady and mugs are set, this Dutch Oven Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake is a warm, rich, gooey camp dessert that uses the heat already going around camp.
Camp Setup Notes
Plan on a cast-iron Dutch oven with a snug lid, heat-resistant gloves, a lid lifter, and a small shovel or tongs for moving coals. A Dutch oven table, fire ring grate, or level patch near the fire makes the job easier. Keep serving simple with bowls, mugs, or insulated cups, plus sturdy spoons that can handle a soft, saucy dessert. During cleanup, let the Dutch oven cool until it is safe to handle, then scrape out any sticky edges before washing so chocolate does not harden into the corners.
Why This Works at Camp
Chocolate cherry lava cake works well outdoors because the Dutch oven gives steady surrounding heat instead of a harsh flame from one direction. The top can set while the center stays soft, which is exactly what you want from this dessert. It also serves straight from the pot, so there is no need to unmold, slice neatly, or bring extra platters. For cast iron camp cooking, that matters: fewer dishes after dinner and less time fussing while the fire is dropping.
Make-Ahead and Camp Prep Tips
Measure dry components at home and pack them in labeled bags or containers so you are not balancing boxes and measuring cups on a picnic table. If the cherry component needs chilling before the trip, keep it in the cooler where it will not get crushed. Pack a small spatula, parchment if you like easier lifting, and a dedicated dessert spoon for stirring or serving. For a car camping recipe, grouping the Dutch oven tools together in one bin saves time when dessert starts after the main cooking gear is already dirty.
Storage Tips
This dessert has the best texture when eaten warm, soon after the center turns soft and glossy. If there are leftovers, spoon them into a sealed container and cool them before putting them in the cooler. The cake will firm up as it chills, and the cherry layer may soak further into the crumb, so expect a denser texture the next day. Rewarm gently in a covered pan or eat chilled from a cup before breaking camp. Pack out any leftover liner, foil, or sticky paper towels used during cleanup.
Dutch Oven Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Tips & Questions
How do I keep Dutch Oven Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake from burning on the bottom over campfire coals?
Use coals rather than open flames, and place more heat on the lid than under the pot. Rotate the Dutch oven and the lid every so often to even out hot spots. If your fire bed is very strong, set the oven slightly away from the hottest coals and give the cake a little more time.
What is the easiest way to serve the gooey chocolate and cherry center at camp?
Serve it directly from the Dutch oven with a large spoon, reaching down through the set top so each portion gets some soft chocolate and cherry. Bowls are easiest, but mugs or insulated cups work well around the fire and help contain the saucy center.
Dutch Oven Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake
Equipment
- 10- or 12-inch Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix plus ingredients called for (usually egg, water, oil)
- 1 can cherry pie filling 21 oz
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Line Dutch oven with parchment or oil lightly.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour half the batter into the Dutch oven.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over batter. Top with half the chocolate chips.
- Pour remaining batter over the top. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips and drizzle melted butter over.
- Cover and place over medium campfire coals, adding a ring of hot coals on the lid.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cake is mostly set but center is still molten. Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Dust with cocoa if desired.