07/06/2026
🌲 Bush Doughnuts Over the Fire – Pure Campfire Chaos & Deliciousness! 🔥
There’s nothing funnier than watching kids try their hand at bush doughnuts over the campfire. They usually end up somewhere between partially uncooked dough and fully cremated… but that’s all part of the hilarity! A generous drizzle of maple syrup does an excellent job of disguising any cooking “adventures.” 😂
I volunteer as a Joey Leader with the Manjimup Scouts, and it’s one of our favourite winter activities with the Joey Scouts. This weekend at our Farm Stay, we gave the classic simple 2-ingredient recipe a tasty upgrade with seven ingredients. They cooked a little more evenly this time and the flavour was next level.
The key lesson? Cooking over hot coals (not flames) is important, so an established fire really helps. It’s a slow, patient process that takes a minimum of 20 minutes per doughnut, perfect for keeping everyone entertained around the fire!
Here’s our modified recipe if you want to give it a go on your next campfire:
Bush Doughnuts – Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp extra baking powder (this really helped with the rise!)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp butter or oil (makes them less sticky when rolling into a long “snake”)
• ¾–1 cup milk (or water if you’re keeping it super simple)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
Optional toppings: Cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of icing sugar.
Method:
1. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar) in a bowl. Rub in the butter/oil until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually add the milk (and vanilla if using) and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overwork it — keep it rustic!
3. Divide into portions and roll each into a long snake shape (thinner = better cook). Twist onto a sturdy stick.
4. Hold over hot coals (not direct flames) and rotate slowly and patiently until golden brown all over and cooked through. This can take 20–25 minutes depending on your fire.
5. Slide off the stick, roll in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy while warm!
Highly recommend trying them on your next camp or farm stay!
