While baking in an RV can be difficult, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy home-cooked meals and treats while traveling. With your RV kitchen, you may create delectable baked products with a little forethought and imagination. Yet, it could be challenging to bake as you would at home due to small kitchens and storage space restrictions. We’ll go through advice and recipes for baking in an RV in this article. We’ll also discuss how to get around some of the difficulties of baking in a tiny space, as well as what kinds of recipes work best for RV baking.
How to Bake in an RV
Although baking in an RV can be difficult, with the appropriate advice and techniques, you can produce delectable baked products that can compete with those cooked in a conventional kitchen. Here are some pointers for baking successfully in an RV:
First, invest in a decent oven thermometer because RV ovens are infamous for being difficult to regulate. By using an oven thermometer, you can continuously check the temperature to ensure your baked items turn out perfectly.
Additionally, employ the proper size and type of bakeware. Since space is limited in an RV, it’s important to use the right bakeware for your recipes. Choose lightweight, stackable bakeware that is made for RV kitchens and fits easily in your oven.
Furthermore, preheating your oven is essential for even cooking. Once the oven is heated, keep a constant eye on the baking process. Monitor closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure your baked goods come out flawlessly.
Moreover, make modifications for altitude and weather. If you’re baking in high altitudes or areas with extreme weather, your recipes may need adjustments. Before starting, research how to modify your recipes for these conditions.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment and adapt recipes for your RV kitchen. Since every RV kitchen is unique, you may need some trial and error to find the best methods. Feel free to explore new flavors and ingredients while adjusting recipes to fit your space.
Baking recipes for an RV
The fact that you can still enjoy delectable baked goods while traveling is one of the best things about RV baking. The following four simple recipes are ideal for baking in an RV:
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies
These quick, simple, and delicious cookies are made in a skillet. A cast-iron skillet, cookie dough, and a few basic ingredients are all you need.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Half a cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- A large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Spray a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the skillet and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the skillet cookie to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Easy Banana Bread
There’s a reason this traditional dish is a fan favorite. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for something simple, this dish fits the bill.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- A large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the melted butter, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add the flour and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon buns are perfect for a leisurely morning by the campfire. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon buns right from your campsite.
Whether you’re camping in the woods or parked at an RV site, these easy-to-make cinnamon buns add a touch of indulgence to your outdoor breakfast. Enjoy the cozy campfire and treat yourself to a delightful start to the day!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Add 3 cups of flour to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long end and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
- Grease a cast iron skillet or pie iron with cooking spray.
- Place the cinnamon roll slices in the skillet or pie iron, leaving some space between each one.
- Cook over a campfire or on a portable stove for 10-15 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to make the icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Homemade Granola
Granola is a fantastic breakfast or snack option, especially when you’re on the go. In addition to being a convenient choice, it’s also packed with nutrients and can be tailored to suit your personal preferences. Moreover, making homemade granola is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to store-bought varieties.
In conclusion, homemade granola is not only easy to make but also customizable, allowing you to create a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast that’s perfect for life on the road. Whether you prefer it sweet, nutty, or packed with dried fruit, this recipe can be adjusted to your liking, making it a must-have for RV trips or busy mornings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup of chopped nuts
- 1 cup of dried fruit
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Mix the oats, nuts, and dried fruit in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, oil, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
More Recipe Suggestions for RV Cooking
Baking is one part of cooking in an RV, but you can make many more delicious dishes with limited space and equipment. Here are some easy recipe ideas to try while traveling in your RV:
- One-pot chili: A hearty chili is perfect for chilly nights and requires minimal cleanup. Adjust the ingredients to your liking, and serve it with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Foil packet meals: Cooking in foil packets is a great way to prepare an entire meal with little cleanup. You can cook anything from fish and potatoes to chicken and veggies. Simply wrap everything in foil and cook it on the grill or in the oven.
- Grilled pizza: You don’t need a conventional oven to enjoy pizza while camping. Grilling pizza is a fun and easy way to get a crispy crust and melted cheese. Grill the dough on one side, flip it, and then add your toppings.
- Breakfast burritos: These are quick and easy to make in an RV kitchen. Scramble some eggs, cook breakfast sausage, and add cheese and veggies. Wrap everything in a tortilla for a tasty start to your day.
- Slow cooker soups and stews: A slow cooker is perfect for RV living because you can set it and forget it. Soups and stews are ideal for winter nights, and you can toss in any vegetables or protein you have on hand for a warm, filling meal.
With a bit of creativity and basic cooking tools, you can prepare satisfying meals while living in your RV. Don’t hesitate to adapt your favorite recipes to suit your space and equipment.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while baking in an RV may seem challenging at first, with the right tips and recipes, it can become a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Remember to use a reliable oven thermometer, choose the correct size and type of bakeware, preheat your oven, monitor baking times closely, adjust for altitude and weather, and don’t hesitate to modify recipes to suit your RV kitchen. Great recipes to try include skillet cookies, banana bread, campfire cinnamon buns, homemade granola, and blueberry muffins.
Additionally, don’t forget other RV-friendly dishes like one-pot chili, foil packet meals, grilled pizza, breakfast burritos, and slow cooker soups and stews.
Embrace the challenges and joys of RV baking and cooking, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. With a bit of patience and practice, you can whip up delicious meals and treats right from your RV. Happy baking!