How to Make Pancakes Over a Fire
(…Without Burning Them)
There’s nothing quite like waking up in the fresh morning air at camp, the fire still glowing, and the smell of pancakes sizzling over the flames. But those of us who have tried it know it’s not always easy. Too often, pancakes go from raw in the middle to black on the outside in seconds flat. Don’t worry—you don’t have to settle for charred circles or sticky batter blobs. With a little know-how and the right tools, you can flip golden, fluffy pancakes right over the campfire.
Start With the Right Fire
If your fire looks like a volcano, your pancakes are doomed. Pancakes need steady, even heat—not raging flames. The trick is to build your fire early, then let it burn down to glowing coals. Coals provide steady heat without unpredictable flare-ups. Spread them evenly under your cooking surface so one side doesn’t scorch while the other side lags behind. Think of it like baking in an oven—you want consistency, not chaos.
Oil Is Your Friend
Campers sometimes forget that pancakes are delicate. Tossing batter onto a dry pan over a fire is asking for a sticky disaster. A thin coat of oil or butter keeps pancakes from welding themselves to the pan and helps create that crispy golden edge everyone loves. Don’t overdo it, though—too much grease will cause smoke and burnt spots. A folded paper towel dipped in oil works great for wiping just enough across the surface before you pour.
Control the Distance
One of the biggest mistakes people make is putting the pan directly in the flames. Fire is hot—really hot—and pancakes cook best at medium heat. Use a nice clean grate, a tripod, or even a few sturdy rocks to raise your skillet above the fire. This gives you control over how quickly the batter cooks. If the bottom browns before bubbles appear on top, your pan is too hot. Move it higher and let things slow down a bit.
Cast Iron for the Win
When it comes to campfire pancakes, cast iron skillets are almost unbeatable. They heat evenly, hold their temperature, and last forever if you take care of them. A thin, cheap pan might warp or develop hot spots, leaving you with half-burnt, half-gooey pancakes. Cast iron, on the other hand, acts like a steady anchor against the fire’s wild nature. Plus, you’ll feel like a true outdoor chef flipping pancakes in a heavy skillet over glowing coals.
Pre-Mix to Save Stress
Nothing makes a camp morning more frustrating than fumbling with flour, eggs, and milk when you’re half awake. Instead, mix your pancake batter at home. Pour it into a squeeze bottle or large plastic bag, then stash it in your cooler. At camp, just snip the corner of the bag or squeeze the bottle, and you’ve got a quick, no-mess way to pour perfect circles. Not only does this save time, but it also keeps you from burning pancakes while you dig around for the baking powder you forgot.
The Griddle Upgrade
While skillets are great, a flat griddle takes pancake cooking to the next level. You get more space, easier flipping, and a smoother surface. This is where having a high-quality fire pit with a built-in griddle really shines. Take the Chiasson Smoke Hauler Grill, for example. It’s designed for campers who want serious cooking control without hauling around a backyard kitchen. With its sturdy setup and even heat, you can lay out a row of pancakes, flip them easily, and feed the whole crew in no time. No guessing games, no charred edges—just golden, fluffy goodness.
Keep the Size Manageable
Giant pancakes may sound fun, but they’re a nightmare to cook over a fire. By the time the middle sets, the outside is usually scorched. Smaller pancakes—about the size of your palm—cook faster and flip easier. Plus, you can cook a few at once, so no one has to wait forever for breakfast. Think of them as snack-sized bites of joy that keep everyone happy while you cook batch after batch.
Watch the Bubbles
One of the simplest ways to tell if a pancake is ready to flip is to watch the bubbles. As the batter cooks, little bubbles form on the surface. Once those bubbles pop and leave tiny holes that don’t fill back in, it’s time to flip. This trick works just as well over a fire as it does on your stove at home. Resist the urge to peek too early—flipping too soon will tear the pancake and leave you with a gooey mess.
Patience Pays Off
Cooking over a fire isn’t like cooking on your kitchen stove. It takes a little longer, and that’s okay. Don’t crank up the flames to speed things along—you’ll just end up with black pancakes and raw centers. Embrace the slower pace. Enjoy the smell of the smoke, the sound of sizzling batter, and the fun of cooking outdoors. The best part of campfire pancakes isn’t just the eating—it’s the whole process.
Toppings Make It Better
Finally, don’t forget the fun part—toppings. Maple syrup is a classic, but camp pancakes are also perfect with peanut butter, fruit, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips. If you want to feel fancy, bring a jar of jam or some whipped cream. After all the work of cooking over a fire, you deserve to pile your pancakes high with something delicious.
Golden Pancakes, Happy Campers
Making pancakes over a campfire doesn’t have to end in burnt batter and frustration. With steady coals, the right gear, and a bit of patience, you can serve up golden stacks that rival any diner. Whether you’re flipping small cakes in a cast iron skillet or feeding the whole group on a Chiasson Smoke Hauler Grill, the reward is the same: fluffy, warm pancakes under an open sky. And honestly, that might just be the best breakfast in the world.
