Nothing beats warm shortbread at camp. Easy Camp Citrus-Lime Shortbread Bites come off the cast-iron skillet with crisp edges, a tender middle, and a bright hit of citrus that pairs perfectly with a mug of coffee after a long morning outside.
This is a great make-ahead dessert for cooler weather or sunny shoulder-season trips. Mix the dough at home, pack it in a sealed container, then press it into a lightly greased skillet when you’re ready to bake. Set the pan over a steady bed of coals (or a low grate) and rotate it now and then so it browns evenly without scorching—cast iron holds heat, so a gentle fire does the best work.
Once it’s cooled a bit, cut into small squares for easy sharing around the picnic table, or slice larger pieces for a simple lakeside treat. They travel without crumbling, don’t melt in the sun, and cleanup stays straightforward—just a quick wipe and you’re back to watching the fire.
Easy Camp Citrus-Lime Shortbread Bites
Equipment
- 10-inch cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in flour, lime zest, orange zest, and salt to form a soft dough.
- Press dough evenly into a well-greased skillet.
- Score the dough into bite-sized squares with a knife.
- Bake over medium campfire coals, covered loosely with foil, for 15–18 minutes, rotating often, until just golden at the edges.
- Cool 5 minutes, then break along the score lines and serve.