Camping is all about embracing the beauty of the outdoors while enjoying simple, delicious meals. When it comes to dessert, you don’t have to settle for just marshmallows or pre-packaged sweets.
With a bit of creativity and minimal gear, you can whip up delightful dessert camping recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your fellow campers. Whether you’re gathered around the campfire or enjoying a quiet moment under the stars, these desserts are easy to make, require few ingredients, and are perfect for the rustic charm of camping life.
From gooey s’mores with a twist to fruity cobblers and grilled treats, dessert camping recipes bring a cozy, comforting end to your outdoor meals. In this post, we’ll explore some tasty options that are not only fun to prepare but also packed with flavor.
Plus, I’ll share tips to elevate your camping dessert game and even suggest some variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These dessert camping recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and incredibly delicious. You don’t need an elaborate setup or fancy ingredients, making them perfect for the campsite.
The recipes focus on minimal equipment, easy-to-find ingredients, and quick cooking times, which means more time enjoying nature and less time fussing over complicated dessert prep.
Additionally, these desserts are highly adaptable. Whether you want to indulge in some classic campfire s’mores or try a warm, comforting fruit cobbler, there’s something here for every camper’s preference.
Plus, you’ll find options that cater to vegan and gluten-free diets, so everyone around the campfire can indulge guilt-free.
Ingredients
- Graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- Marshmallows (regular or vegan)
- Chocolate bars (milk, dark, or vegan chocolate)
- Fresh or canned fruit (like apples, berries, or peaches)
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter or vegan butter
- Granola or crushed nuts (optional for topping)
- Pie crust dough or biscuit dough (for cobblers or pies)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional sweetener)
- Bananas (for grilled banana treats)
- Aluminum foil (for grilling and baking)
Equipment
- Campfire or portable camping stove
- Camping grill grate or fire-safe cooking surface
- Aluminum foil for wrapping desserts
- Mixing bowl (optional, for fruit mixtures)
- Knife for slicing fruit and dough
- Spatula or tongs for handling hot items
- Camping-safe plates and utensils
- Heat-resistant gloves (optional, for safety)
Instructions
- Classic Campfire S’mores: Break the graham crackers into squares. Place a piece of chocolate on one cracker half. Roast a marshmallow over the campfire until golden and gooey. Sandwich the marshmallow between the chocolate and the second cracker half. Press gently and enjoy the melty treat.
- Foil Packet Fruit Cobbler: Mix chopped fresh or canned fruit (e.g., apples, berries) with brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Place the mixture in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil. Add small pieces of butter and sprinkle some granola or crushed nuts on top. Fold the foil into a sealed packet.
- Place the foil packet on the hot coals or grill grate for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Carefully remove and let cool slightly before opening. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Grilled Banana Boats: Slice a banana lengthwise, keeping the peel on. Gently open the banana and stuff with chopped chocolate pieces and marshmallows. Wrap the banana tightly in foil.
- Grill the wrapped banana over the campfire for about 10 minutes until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted. Carefully unwrap and eat with a spoon—an easy, mess-free dessert!
- Campfire Biscuit Cobbler: If you have biscuit dough, place a layer of fruit mixed with sugar and cinnamon in a foil pan or a cast iron skillet. Top with spoonfuls of biscuit dough.
- Cover with foil and place on the grill or over coals for 20-25 minutes until the biscuit topping is golden and cooked through. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
To make s’mores vegan, swap traditional marshmallows and chocolate for plant-based alternatives available in many stores now.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or cookies as the base for your s’mores or cobbler topping.
Try adding a pinch of chili powder or sea salt to your chocolate for a spicy-sweet twist on classic s’mores.
When making foil packet desserts, make sure the foil is tightly sealed to lock in steam and cook the fruit evenly. You can also double-wrap for extra protection.
Experiment with different fruits depending on the season and availability. Peaches and blueberries work wonderfully in summer, while apples and pears suit fall camping trips.
Nutrition Facts
| Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic S’mores | 250 | 10g | 35g | 3g | 1g | 20g |
| Foil Packet Fruit Cobbler | 180 | 6g | 30g | 2g | 3g | 18g |
| Grilled Banana Boat | 220 | 8g | 32g | 2g | 3g | 22g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these camping desserts warm to get the full comforting effect, especially the fruit cobblers and banana boats. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy nightcap by the fire.
If you’re enjoying a group campout, consider making a dessert sampler plate with a little bit of each recipe to satisfy different cravings. You can even bring along some vegan ice cream or whipped coconut cream to elevate these desserts.
Conclusion
Dessert camping recipes can turn any camping trip into a memorable culinary adventure. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment, you can create sweet treats that feel indulgent and homemade, even in the great outdoors.
These recipes prove that you don’t need an oven or fancy kitchen to enjoy delicious desserts under the stars.
Whether it’s the classic s’mores, a warm fruit cobbler, or a chocolate-stuffed banana boat, these desserts are perfect for sharing around the campfire. They are easy, adaptable, and sure to satisfy every camper’s sweet tooth.
Next time you pack for your trip, don’t forget to bring these ingredients and try these recipes for a delightful end to your day in the wild.
For more outdoor-friendly recipes, be sure to check out Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy, and Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats for more tasty ideas!
📖 Recipe Card: Campfire S'mores Banana Boats
Description: A delicious and easy dessert perfect for camping. Sweet bananas loaded with chocolate and marshmallows, cooked over the campfire.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- Aluminum foil
- Optional: 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat campfire or grill to medium heat.
- Slice each banana lengthwise, keeping peel intact.
- Stuff bananas with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanut butter if using.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top.
- Wrap each banana tightly in aluminum foil.
- Place foil packets on campfire coals or grill for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove carefully, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 50g
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