My dad enjoyed few desserts. For him, they needed to be simple and not very sweet. This uncomplicated cake, which he dubbed hobo cake because making it at campfire represented the simple life of a hobo, was one of his favorites. We enjoyed it at the campfire as well as around the comfort of our fireplace. You don’t have to be an accomplished baker to make this cake; it’s very easy and quite tasty. You can top each serving with a dollop of crème fraîche to bring it into the present time.

　　

Ingredients

makes one 12-inch cast-iron-skillet cake

　　1 tablespoon unsalted butter

　　2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

　　1 cup granulated sugar

　　3/4 cup packed brown sugar

　　1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

　　1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

　　3/4 cup canola oil

　　2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

　　1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

　　1 teaspoon baking soda

　　1 teaspoon baking powder

　　1 large egg, beaten

　　1 cup buttermilk

　　

Step 1

Prepare a medium heat fire (a 4-second fire) in a wood-fired oven or cooker, or prepare a campfire with a grate for cooking over indirect heat. Grease a cast-iron skillet with the butter, then dust with flour.

　　

Step 2

Combine the flour, sugars, nutmeg, salt, and oil in a bowl. Stir to blend. Transfer 1/2 cup of this mixture to a small bowl and stir in the cinnamon and walnuts. Set aside to use for the topping.

　　

Step 3

Add the baking soda and baking powder to the remaining flour mixture, then add the egg and buttermilk. Stir to blend. Pour into the prepared pan and sprinkle with the topping. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

　　Reprinted with permission from Wood-Fired Cooking: Techniques and Recipes for the Grill, Backyard Oven, Fireplace, and Campfire by Mary Karlin, copyright © 2009. Photography copyright © 2009 by Ed Anderson. Published by Ten Speed Press.