There’s something special about ending a day outdoors with a warm, gooey dessert made over an open flame. These easy camping desserts are simple to prep, quick to cook, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. You don’t need fancy gear or hours of time—just a few ingredients and a hot campfire.
Whether you’re camping with kids or hosting a chill night with friends, these treats are a guaranteed hit. Grab your skewers and foil—dessert is about to get fun.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Minimal ingredients: Most items are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
- Campfire-friendly: All desserts can be cooked over coals, a grate, or a portable stove.
- Quick cook time: Most are ready in 5–10 minutes, so dessert comes fast.
- Kid-approved: Hands-on steps like skewering and wrapping in foil make it fun for everyone.
- Customizable: Mix and match flavors to suit dietary preferences and tastes.
Ingredients
Pick and choose based on which desserts you want to make. This list covers all the recipes below.
- Bananas
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Graham crackers
- Large marshmallows
- Strawberries (or other berries)
- Pre-made biscuit dough or crescent roll dough
- Brown sugar and cinnamon
- Nutella or caramel sauce
- Apples
- Granola or crushed cookies
- Butter (or coconut oil)
- Foil sheets and skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below are four easy, crowd-pleasing desserts you can make with the ingredients above.
- Campfire Banana Boats
- Slice a banana lengthwise, leaving the peel on and the bottom intact.
- Gently open the slit and stuff with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.Add peanut butter if you like.
- Wrap the banana in foil, sealing tightly.
- Place on hot coals or a grate for 5–8 minutes until melty and warm.
- Carefully unwrap, top with crushed graham crackers, and eat with a spoon.
- Classic Skillet S’mores Dip
- Lightly grease a small cast-iron skillet with butter.
- Add a layer of chocolate chips, then top with large marshmallows.
- Set the skillet over a low campfire or grill grate.
- Cook 5–7 minutes until the chocolate is melted and marshmallows are golden.
- Serve with graham crackers for dipping. Rotate the skillet as needed to avoid scorching.
- Apple Crisp Foil Packets
- Slice apples thinly and place in the center of a foil sheet.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Add a small pat of butter.
- Top with granola or crushed cookies for crunch.
- Seal tightly and place on hot coals for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
- Open carefully and drizzle with caramel or Nutella if desired.
- Campfire Crescent Roll Twists
- Wrap a strip of crescent roll dough around a clean roasting stick or skewer.
- Lightly brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Hold over low flames or hot coals, rotating frequently, 6–8 minutes until golden.
- Slide off the stick and dip in Nutella or peanut butter.
Keeping It Fresh
- Pre-pack ingredients: Portion chocolate chips, marshmallows, and granola into small bags.Label by recipe so you can grab and go.
- Use a cooler smartly: Store butter, fruit, and spreads in airtight containers. Keep them in the coldest part of the cooler.
- Protect from moisture: Keep graham crackers and cookies in sealed bags so they stay crisp near the campfire.
- Foil efficiency: Pre-cut foil sheets at home. Double-wrap if you’re placing packets directly on coals.
- Leftovers: Cool completely, then pack in a sealed container.Apple crisp and banana boat leftovers are great on yogurt the next morning.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Low effort, high payoff: Big flavor with almost no prep.
- Budget-friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients you probably already own.
- Scalable: Easy to make for two people or a crowd.
- Kid involvement: Safe, simple steps help kids feel part of the cooking process.
- Flexible equipment: Works with campfires, grills, or portable stoves.
What Not to Do
- Don’t cook over big flames: You’ll burn the outside and leave the inside cold. Aim for low flames or glowing coals.
- Don’t forget to rotate: Skillets, skewers, and foil packets need turning for even heat.
- Don’t overfill foil packets: They’ll leak and cook unevenly. Keep portions moderate.
- Don’t rush the melt: Chocolate and marshmallows need gentle heat to get gooey.
- Don’t skip safety: Use heat-safe gloves or tongs.Open foil away from your face to avoid steam burns.
Variations You Can Try
- Tropical Banana Boats: Add shredded coconut and macadamia nuts.
- Berry S’mores Dip: Layer in raspberries or sliced strawberries for a tart twist.
- Caramel Apple Packets: Add a drizzle of caramel and a pinch of sea salt before sealing.
- Peanut Butter Cup S’mores: Swap chocolate chips for chopped peanut butter cups.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or serve with apple slices for dipping.
- Dairy-free option: Choose dairy-free chocolate and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Spiced crescent twists: Add a pinch of cardamom or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar.
- Granola crunch: Top any dessert with granola for extra texture.
FAQ
Can I make these desserts without a campfire?
Yes. Use a grill, a portable camping stove with a grate, or even your home oven. For banana boats and apple packets, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
For the s’mores dip, use a stovetop or oven-safe skillet and keep heat low.
How do I keep chocolate from burning?
Use indirect heat. Place skillets or foil packets near, not directly on, the hottest flames. If using coals, let them glow and settle.
Rotate frequently and check often.
What’s the best kind of chocolate to use?
Chocolate chips hold their shape, while chopped bars melt faster and smoother. Milk chocolate is classic, dark chocolate adds richness, and white chocolate can sweeten tart fruits. Mix and match based on what you like.
Any tips for cooking with kids around the fire?
Assign safe tasks like assembling packets, sprinkling toppings, and breaking up chocolate.
Adults handle the hot parts. Use long skewers, set a clear “no-step” zone around the fire, and keep water or sand nearby for safety.
How do I know when a foil packet is done?
You’ll smell the fruit and sugar as they cook. Carefully open a corner with tongs and peek inside.
The fruit should be tender and steamy, and any chocolate should be glossy and melted.
What if I don’t have foil?
Use a small cast-iron skillet or a camping pot with a lid for most of these recipes. For crescent twists, a clean roasting stick works just fine.
Can I prep any of this at home?
Absolutely. Slice apples, pre-mix cinnamon sugar, portion chocolate and marshmallows, and pre-cut foil.
Keep fruit chilled and dry, and pack toppings in labeled bags.
How do I keep my skillet from sticking?
Grease lightly with butter or oil before adding ingredients. Keep heat moderate and rotate the skillet so one side doesn’t get too hot.
Final Thoughts
Easy camping desserts don’t need fancy techniques or a long ingredient list. With a few basics, you can whip up warm, gooey treats that feel special at the end of a long day outdoors.
Keep the heat gentle, rotate often, and let everyone customize their own. Once you master these simple ideas, dessert by the campfire will be the highlight of every trip. Pack the marshmallows—you’re ready for sweet nights under the stars.