Camping is a time to enjoy nature and make great memories. Sweet treats can make the experience even better by adding a bit of fun and comfort after a day outdoors. Desserts that are easy to prepare or bring along are perfect for this setting.
The best camping desserts are simple, delicious, and easy to enjoy outside without much hassle. These ideas help campers satisfy their sweet tooth while soaking in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. People can find something to fit every taste and skill level when it comes to dessert during a camping trip.
1) Classic S’mores with a Twist
Classic s’mores are a camping favorite. They are made by sandwiching a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers. This simple treat brings back fun memories of campfires and outdoor gatherings.
To make s’mores more exciting, people often add new flavors. Some try different types of chocolate, like caramel or dark chocolate. Others add peanut butter or fruit slices for extra taste.
Another fun twist is using cookies instead of graham crackers. This change adds a crunchy texture and different flavors. Some even bake s’mores or turn them into bars for an easy-to-eat dessert.
These variations keep the joy of classic s’mores alive while offering something new. They are easy to make and still perfect for sharing by the campfire.
2) Chocolate Lava Cake in a Dutch Oven
Chocolate lava cake is a favorite camping dessert because it is warm and gooey. Using a Dutch oven makes it easy to cook a big batch for everyone. This cake has a soft outside with a molten chocolate center that stays warm longer.
To make it, first grease the Dutch oven well. Then, pour in a simple chocolate cake mix. On top, add a mixture of brown sugar, white sugar, and cocoa powder. This mix creates the gooey lava inside as the cake bakes.
The heat from the Dutch oven melts the sugars and cocoa, creating a rich sauce under the cake layer. After about 30-40 minutes over coals, the cake is ready. It can be served with powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream.
This dessert is perfect for camping because it is easy to make and share. It brings a cozy feeling to the outdoors and satisfies a sweet tooth with rich chocolate flavor.
3) Campfire Banana Boats with Chocolate and Marshmallows
Campfire banana boats are a simple and tasty dessert for any camping trip. They start with a banana, cut lengthwise but left in its peel to hold everything together.
Next, chocolate chips and marshmallows are tucked inside the banana. These melt quietly over the fire, creating a warm, gooey treat.
It is easy to customize with extra toppings like nuts or sprinkles. This makes the dessert fun and perfect for sharing around the campfire.
The bananas become soft and sweet as the chocolate melts, and the marshmallows toast lightly. It’s a hands-on dessert that brings a cozy feel to outdoor evenings.
Campfire banana boats can also be made on a grill or even in an oven if a fire isn’t available. This lets people enjoy the dessert no matter where they are.
4) Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Skillet chocolate chip cookies are a favorite camping treat. They are soft, chewy, and easy to make over a campfire or in an RV oven. The cookie cooks in a cast iron skillet, giving it a crispy edge with a gooey center.
The recipe uses simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, baking soda, and lots of chocolate chips. It can be prepared ahead of time at home and kept cold until ready to cook. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for camping trips.
Once on the fire, the cookie bakes until golden brown around the edges. It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends after a day outside. Kids and adults both enjoy this warm, comforting dessert.
5) Grilled Pound Cake with Berries
Grilled pound cake with berries is a simple and tasty camping dessert. It starts with store-bought or prepared pound cake, which makes it easy to put together. The cake is grilled until it gets a warm, golden crust.
The grilling adds a toasty flavor and a slight crispiness on the outside. Fresh berries are added on top for sweetness and a juicy contrast. Whipped cream, mascarpone, or even vanilla ice cream can be used as extra toppings.
This dessert is perfect for summer and outdoor meals. It pairs well with backyard barbecues, picnics, or campfire dinners. Using a skillet or grill makes it quick to prepare without much clean-up.
Grilled pound cake with berries is a nice way to enjoy fresh fruit and a sweet treat with little effort. It combines ready ingredients with fresh ones for a tasty, no-fuss finish to any camping meal.
6) Grilled Nutella & Marshmallow Sandwiches
This dessert is a favorite for camping trips. It combines warm, melted Nutella with gooey marshmallows. The sandwich is grilled until the bread is crispy and golden.
To make it, spread Nutella on two slices of bread. Add mini marshmallows between the slices. Grill the sandwich slowly to melt the marshmallows and toast the bread.
It’s an easy treat that doesn’t need many ingredients. Kids and adults both enjoy the sweet and gooey flavors. Plus, it’s a fun twist on classic s’mores.
This sandwich offers a nice balance of crunchy and soft textures. It’s perfect for anyone who wants something warm and sweet by the campfire. The recipe is simple and quick to make outdoors.
7) Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches on the Fire
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a quick, tasty camping dessert. To make them over the fire, wrap the sandwich in foil. Then place it near hot coals for a few minutes.
The heat melts the peanut butter and softens the bread. This creates a warm, gooey treat that’s easy to enjoy outdoors. It also adds a smoky flavor that makes the classic sandwich feel new.
Campers can try different jellies or fresh berries inside for variety. Using sturdy bread like sourdough works best to avoid falling apart. This simple dessert is great for satisfying a sweet tooth without much fuss.
8) Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Bananas
Chocolate-dipped frozen bananas are a simple and tasty camping dessert. They combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the smooth taste of chocolate. This treat is cold and refreshing, which makes it perfect for warm days outdoors.
To make them, bananas are sliced, frozen, and then dipped in melted chocolate. Sometimes, people add toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture. They are easy to prepare ahead of time and keep well in a cooler.
This dessert is a healthier option compared to many sugary snacks. It requires just a few ingredients and no cooking equipment other than something to melt the chocolate. It’s fun for kids and adults alike, making it a popular camping dessert.
9) Campfire Mocha Brownies
Campfire mocha brownies are a great way to enjoy a rich dessert outdoors. They combine chocolate and coffee flavors for a tasty twist on regular brownies. You only need basic ingredients and a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven to make them.
To prepare, pour your brownie batter into the skillet. Add a little instant coffee or espresso powder to give it that mocha flavor. Bake the brownies slowly over the campfire coals until they are cooked through but still gooey inside.
These brownies become even better when topped with chocolate chips or mini marshmallows. The heat from the fire melts the toppings, making the brownies soft and delicious. They are perfect for sharing with friends around the fire on a chilly night.
Campfire mocha brownies offer a warm, comforting dessert that is easy to make. Even beginners can whip them up with little effort. It’s a simple way for campers to enjoy something sweet and a bit different while spending time outside.
10) Coconut Date Balls
Coconut Date Balls are a simple and tasty treat perfect for camping trips. They are easy to make without any baking. Just blend dates, shredded coconut, and nuts or seeds to create chewy, sweet balls.
People love them because they are packed with natural sweetness from dates and have a nice coconut flavor. You can roll the balls in extra coconut for a little crunch on the outside.
These energy balls are great for a quick snack on the trail. They provide a good boost of energy without being too heavy. Plus, they stay fresh for several days when stored in a cool place or a backpack.
Making Coconut Date Balls only takes about 10 minutes. They use just a few ingredients, so they are both healthy and convenient. It’s a smart way to satisfy a sweet tooth without carrying sugary snacks.
Tips for Making Camping Desserts Easy and Fun
Keeping desserts simple and using the right tools makes preparing and enjoying sweet treats outdoors much easier. Planning ahead with a few key ingredients and some pre-trip prep helps save time and reduces stress around the campfire.
Must-Have Dessert Tools and Ingredients
Having basic tools on hand can make dessert time faster and more fun. A small, sturdy cooler keeps ingredients fresh, especially things like butter, chocolate, or cream cheese.
A campfire-safe pan, aluminum foil, and a grill grate come in handy for baking or melting. A few reusable containers keep ingredients organized and easy to find.
Staple ingredients to pack include:
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars or chips
- Graham crackers or sturdy cookies
- Sugar, cinnamon, or other simple spices
- Pre-mixed cake or brownie mixes
These items are easy to store and combine for quick desserts. Adding fresh fruit like bananas or berries can also boost flavor without adding much weight.
Time-Saving Prep Ideas Before Your Trip
Preparing some dessert steps before reaching the campsite speeds everything up. Mixing batter, chopping fruits, or portioning ingredients at home means less cooking and cleaning outdoors.
Making no-bake treats in advance is a great option. For example, pre-made cookie dough or layered parfaits in jars can be chilled and packed easily.
Packing individual servings in zip-top bags or reusable containers keeps portions controlled and clean-up simple. Labeling these containers helps campers know what’s inside and avoid messes.
Finally, having a clear plan for dessert timing—whether right after dinner or later in the evening—helps campers stay organized and enjoy sweet treats without rushing.
Making Desserts Over the Campfire
Campfire desserts are simple to prepare with the right tools and safety steps. Using foil and skewers opens many creative options for cooking sweets directly over the fire or in the coals. Knowing how to handle the fire and equipment makes the experience both fun and safe.
Safe Campfire Cooking Practices
When cooking desserts over a campfire, safety is the top priority. Always start with a well-established fire and let the flames die down to glowing embers. This provides steady heat without burning the food.
Using long-handled tools helps keep hands and arms away from the fire. Heat-resistant gloves are also useful when handling hot pans or skewers.
Never leave food unattended near the fire. Keep a small bucket of water or sand nearby to put out any stray flames quickly.
Clean all cooking tools and surfaces before and after use to avoid contamination. This helps keep the process safe and enjoyable for everyone camping.
Creative Ways to Use Foil and Skewers
Foil and skewers are camping dessert essentials because they are versatile, easy to carry, and simple to clean. Foil packets can hold chopped fruit mixed with sugar and spices. These packets cook slowly in the embers, turning the fruit soft and sweet.
Skewers allow roasting marshmallows or even small pieces of cake and fruit over the glowing coals. Rotating the skewer slowly helps cook desserts evenly without burning.
Foil can also be molded into mini pans or pie shells for baking small, individual desserts right on the coals. This method requires less cleanup and lets campers experiment with different flavors.
Both tools work well with cast iron or Dutch ovens for more complex recipes, adding convenience without heavy gear.
