These Orange Campfire Cinnamon Rolls, in partnership with Rhodes Bake N Serve, have a delicious citrus taste thanks to cooking them in the orange peel, are crazy efficient for camping with families because you have a snack (oranges) and breakfast (cinnamon rolls) all in one adorable treat AND, when using Rhodes Bake N Serv, the frozen cinnamon rolls help cool your cooler while they thaw a bit.
From the time my kids were itty bitty to now, 15 and 20, we have taken them camping each and every year. We go to state parks multiple times a summer to enjoy swimming, biking, fishing, and… campfire meals. Making cinnamon rolls in oranges is a favorite campfire treat that my kids love and I know yours will, as well.
We use Rhodes Bake N Serv Cinnamon Rolls, pack them in the cooler with the oranges, and bake these orange cinnamon rolls the first or second day out. The rolls will thaw a bit, just perfect for cutting in half, and be just right for baking in the fire.
How many cinnamon rolls does this make?
If you are using smaller oranges, you’ll be able to cut the rolls in half and use one half per half an orange = 6 small oranges = 12 small rolls
If using large oranges, use a full roll per half an orange = 3 oranges = 6 large rolls
“orange” campfire cinnamon rolls:
- Empty an orange. Either by spoon or mouth. Just get those empty!
- Insert a Rhodes cinnamon roll. Or half a roll, if using smaller oranges.
- Wrap the orange in foil leaving a “tent” on the top to allow for the roll to expand.
- Set on top of hot coals that have been spread out a bit in the fire. If using half of a roll, bake about 15-20 minutes. If using a full roll, go for the full 20.
- Top with the cream cheese frosting provided in the package.
These can also be baked in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Just like anything made in the campfire, there is sooo much room for under-baking, over-baking, smoky flavor, and more. Frankly, that is the fun of cooking on the campfire.
However, to try to ensure these campfire cinnamon rolls work as well as possible for you here are the steps I take:
- Build a large fire and cook my main meal on it and let the fire burn down to coals.
- I spread the coals out a bit to form a single layer but still close to each other.
- I have the kids carefully (help small ones!) set the oranges on top of the coals and time about 15 minutes. At that point, you can take a peek at one and see if it has risen and is starting to brown. If yes, yay! It should be done in a few minutes. If no, pull the coals together even tighter around the oranges to create greater heat. And then hope.
I’m totally kidding, this almost always works. One time the coals burned out too much and we simply started another fire and had to wait for the next batch of coals to try again. Hey, it’s camping.
This is 1/2 of a cinnamon roll in a smaller orange. You can see that it comes up from the top of the orange quite a bit so be sure to leave a nice “tent” for that action to take place.
If you give this fun campfire recipe a try, do tell us about it. Better yet, tag us @miznelliebellie or use #NBRecipeChallenge so we can feature you!
Thanks so much, Trish!
Holly, thanks for stopping by! Nellie’s ten years older than me, and I’m in my mid twenties…So you’re right between us! The orange does transfer some flavor, but not a ton.
This is total genius! I love this idea…… :)
Not sure how old you are, I’m early 30s but I could be a sister. I have a ton of potential nieces and nephews if you’re in the market for them too (I have five children). About the recipe, does the orange transfer any flavor to the cinnamon roll? I love the orange flavor of the canned version, but I usually make them from scratch. Using an orange would help keep them similar in size too.
We just didn’t think of it. Let us know how it turns out!
Why not use the orange flavored Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in the oranges? Would it be “too much” orange flavor? Just curious before I try because I love the orange icing on the orange ones. I love this. Thanks for sharing!
Okay — I’ll apply but I’m afraid I’m old enough to be your mom and I don’t think you need another mother — but I can be very immature so it might work. The only problem is I won’t move but I could be your internet sister but then the other problem is that you wouldn’t have any help with the blog. And I really think as far as having any technical knowledge I’d be pretty useless. But I’m a great cheerleader and listener so if you need someone to gripe to I’ll listen. All in all I can adopt both of you and be the mediator :-) I love the orange and cinnamon rolls. I bet the aroma was scrumptious. It would go great with a deep roast coffee. Yummy!!