Easy Campfire Banana Boats Recipe

Meet your new camping obsession: Easy Campfire Banana Boats! This irresistible treat transforms the classic s’mores experience with gooey, melted chocolate, marshmallows, and the natural sweetness of bananas—all steamed and caramelized right in their skins over the fire. Whether you’re heading into the woods, firing up the backyard grill, or craving a nostalgic dessert in your kitchen oven, these banana boats promise childhood delight and fuss-free satisfaction in every warm, melty bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Banana Boats:

  • 4 ripe bananas (unpeeled)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or granola

  Optional Toppings:

  • peanut butter chips
  • shredded coconut
  • chopped nuts

How to Make Easy Campfire Banana Boats

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Start by gently slicing each banana lengthwise through the peel, taking care not to cut all the way through. You want to create a “pocket” that will safely cradle all that gooey goodness inside without the filling falling out. Keep the skins on—this is what protects the banana while it softens and steams.

Step 2: Stuff with All the Goodies

Carefully open up the banana along the slit you made, forming a small pocket. Load up the inside with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, then finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or granola. Feel free to add a handful of your favorite toppings (like peanut butter chips or chopped nuts) based on what everyone loves!

Step 3: Wrap in Foil

Once your bananas are bursting with treats, wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil. The foil not only keeps everything nestled together, but also acts like a little oven, helping the fillings melt and mingle while the banana inside turns deliciously tender.

Step 4: Cook Over the Fire

Place your foil-wrapped banana boats directly on hot campfire coals or on a grill grate. If the campfire is too hot, set the bananas slightly to the side to avoid burning. Let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes, rotating once if needed, until everything is hot, the chocolate and marshmallows are gooey, and your kitchen (or campsite!) smells like heaven.

Step 5: Unwrap and Devour

Carefully open each packet (watch for escaping steam!) and dig in with a spoon as soon as they’re cool enough to handle. The result: a steamy, sweet, s’mores-on-a-spoon experience that’s as perfect around a campfire as it is at your kitchen table.

How to Serve Easy Campfire Banana Boats

Garnishes

Once your Easy Campfire Banana Boats come off the fire, the fun really starts! Add a dusting of powdered sugar, a flutter of extra crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for the ultimate finish. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt will make each spoonful even more memorable.

Side Dishes

While these banana boats are undeniably the star of the show, you can round out your campfire treat lineup with simple sides like hot cocoa, grilled peaches, or fresh berries. A scoop of vanilla ice cream slipped alongside takes things to next-level indulgence, offering a hot-and-cold combo that’s impossibly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with how you serve your boats! Line them up like a dessert buffet and set out bowls of toppings for a build-your-own banana boat bar. Or serve them inside their foil, tucked into enamel camping mugs for a rustic feel. Using small wooden spoons or skewers for scooping up the melty filling adds even more fireside fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), let the banana boats cool to room temperature, then seal them in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for a day or two, though the texture of the bananas will continue to soften as they chill.

Freezing

Freezing Easy Campfire Banana Boats is possible, but be prepared for a softer banana after thawing. Wrap cooled banana boats tightly in foil or plastic wrap, store in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or enjoying cold.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the banana boats and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 20-30 second bursts until warmed through and everything is nice and melty again. You can also return them to a low oven (around 350°F) for 10 minutes, or even gently warm on a grill.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Campfire Banana Boats without a campfire?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything as directed and bake the stuffed, foil-wrapped bananas in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or heat them up on a BBQ grill. The oven method is perfect for cozy nights in or when the weather isn’t cooperating for campfire fun.

What are the best bananas to use?

Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm—they should have a little give but not be mushy. The firmer texture will stand up better during cooking and create the best balance between creamy and sturdy.

Is it possible to make these banana boats dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Swap dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version. Most granola and crushed graham crackers can be found in vegan varieties as well, so everyone can enjoy Easy Campfire Banana Boats without worry.

How can I customize my banana boats for picky eaters?

Set up a toppings bar so everyone can personalize their own boat. Try butterscotch chips, chopped cookies, fruit preserves, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. There’s no wrong way to make your banana boat your own.

Can I prepare Easy Campfire Banana Boats ahead of time?

Definitely! Stuff and wrap your bananas at home, then keep them in a cooler until you’re ready to cook. This is a great way to simplify campsite dessert so you spend more time savoring and less time assembling.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a playful, all-ages campfire dessert that’s both effortless and absolutely delicious, Easy Campfire Banana Boats are it. Whether you’re making sweet memories around the fire or just looking for a midweek pick-me-up, these gooey, melty treats always deliver. Don’t wait for your next camping trip—grab some bananas and see why everyone falls in love with this timeless recipe!

Easy Campfire Banana Boats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 27 reviews

• Author: Kimberly
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Campfire or Grill
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the sweet, gooey goodness of Easy Campfire Banana Boats, a delightful campfire dessert that combines the classic flavors of s’mores with bananas. These simple foil-wrapped treats are perfect for outdoor gatherings or backyard adventures.

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Ingredients

Banana Boats:

• 4 ripe bananas (unpeeled)
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or granola

Optional Toppings:

• peanut butter chips
• shredded coconut
• chopped nuts

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Slice the Bananas: Cut each banana lengthwise through the peel without cutting all the way through. Open the slit to create a pocket.
2. Stuff the Bananas: Fill each banana with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or desired toppings.
3. Wrap and Cook: Wrap each banana in foil. Cook over campfire coals or on a grill for 6–8 minutes until fillings are melted and banana is soft.
4. Serve: Unwrap carefully and enjoy with a spoon.

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Notes

• Prepare ahead and chill for convenience.
• For indoor option, bake in a 400°F oven or grill.