Alright, let’s talk about camping, or more specifically, the best part of camping: the desserts! I’ve always been a firm believer that a good campfire needs some good sweets to go with it. So, I decided to try out a few “make-ahead” camping dessert recipes. You know, the kind you can whip up at home before you head out, so you’re not stuck trying to bake a cake over a campfire.
My Dessert Lineup
I wanted a mix of things, some that could handle being out in the wild, and others that needed a bit more TLC (and maybe a cooler). After some serious deliberation (and a lot of drooling over recipes), I decided to go with the following.
- Strawberry Pecan Salad: Okay, I know, a salad isn’t exactly a dessert, but hear me out! This thing is sweet, crunchy, and just darn refreshing after a day of hiking. Plus, it’s pretty healthy, so I could indulge in other treats without feeling too guilty.
The Prep Work
First, I started with the Strawberry Pecan Salad. I washed and sliced a bunch of fresh strawberries, toasted some pecans in a pan (gotta get that extra flavor!), and made a simple dressing. I packed the strawberries, pecans, and dressing separately, figuring I’d toss them together at the campsite. Smart, right?
The Camping Trip
Fast forward to the actual camping trip. After setting up the tent and getting a nice fire going, I got my dessert ready. For the Strawberry Pecan Salad, I just dumped the strawberries, pecans, and dressing into a bowl and gave it a good mix. Easy peasy.
The Verdict
The Strawberry Pecan Salad was a hit! Even the folks who were skeptical about “salad for dessert” ended up loving it. It was the perfect way to end a day of outdoor fun, and it held up surprisingly well in the cooler.
All in all, I’d say my camping dessert experiment was a success. The make-ahead strategy definitely paid off, and I discovered some new favorite treats in the process. If you’re planning a camping trip, I highly recommend giving these a try. Just remember to pack a cooler for the ones that need it!
