Imagine ending your camping trip surrounded by loved ones, with a warm fire crackling in the background and the sweet scent of treats wafting through the air. This list of camping desserts is designed to delight both kids and adults alike, providing a satisfying conclusion to a day spent exploring the great outdoors. After a hearty meal, there’s no need to stick to traditional sweets when you can try something new and exciting.
For those who are smitten with s’mores, don’t worry – we’ve got some creative twists like S’mores Nachos and S’mores Brownies that are sure to please. But if you’re not a fan of the classic campfire treat, fear not! We’ve also included options like Grilled Shortcake Skewers, Walking Banana Pudding Dessert, and Campfire Burritos – all of which are easy to make, portable, and utterly delicious.
Whether you’re camping with family or a small group of friends, these desserts promise to be a hit and leave everyone looking forward to the next meal around the campfire.
Campfire Cones
Experience the timeless charm of S’mores without the hassle of messy campfire treats. Instead, indulge in a waffle cone version that combines your favorite sweets in a perfectly contained package. Simply wrap the treat in foil and grill it until the chocolate is melty and warm, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The best part? This innovative twist is highly customizable – feel free to omit the chocolate if you’re not a fan or add extra for those who can’t get enough!
Campfire Cinnamon Twists
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of these cinnamon twists, an ideal treat for the whole family. The best part? Kids can join in on the fun and get creative with preparation – just be prepared for some tough decisions when it comes to deciding whether they’d rather make them or devour them! For a more hands-off approach, adults may want to lend a helping hand with the actual cooking process, as these treats are best enjoyed when slightly toasted over an open flame or placed on a grill.
Campfire Cherry Hand Pies
While on a camping trip, it’s entirely possible to indulge in a delectable cherry pie that requires only three ingredients and can be prepared in under ten minutes. The secret lies in harnessing the power of a trusty cast iron skillet heated over coals. This ancient cooking method allows for a beautifully bronzed pastry crust that emerges from the heat with ease, streamlining the process and ensuring a satisfying sweet treat.
To take it to the next level, a light dusting of white sugar on top adds the perfect amount of sweetness, transforming this impromptu dessert into a truly special indulgence.
Grilled Banana
Indulge in a sweet treat without the need for ice cream. A grilled banana makes for an excellent dessert substitute. Simply slice your banana along one side of the peel, fill it with your favorite toppings, wrap it in foil and grill until cooked through. The result is a soft, caramelized banana accompanied by melty, gooey toppings – a delightful alternative to traditional ice cream.
No Bake Rocky Road
Transforming your culinary space into a makeshift chocolatier is all it takes to whip up this no-bake rocky road dessert with ease. The simplicity of this recipe lies in its reliance on readily available melting vessels, ensuring you can indulge in the treat’s creamy goodness in no time. Once the chocolate has reached its molten state, the real magic unfolds as you carefully fold in your preferred mix-ins and allow the concoction to chill out for approximately an hour.
As the mixture cools, it’s a mere minute away from being devoured, making this no-bake rocky road dessert the perfect solution for those with a sweet tooth looking to satiate their cravings without the hassle of baking.
Campfire Apple Crisp Foil Packets
As the sun dips below the horizon on a crisp fall evening, there’s something truly magical about gathering around a warm fire with loved ones. The sweet aroma of cinnamon sugar wafts through the air, teasing the senses and building anticipation for the treat to come. This delectable apple crisp is crafted by sprinkling a special blend of cinnamon sugar over fresh apples and baking it to perfection in a foil packet – either over an open flame or on a grill – for roughly 20 minutes.
And just as the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, you can lift the foil’s edge and indulge in a warm, gooey serving, savoring every bite of this impromptu dessert.
S’mores Nachos
Say goodbye to the tedious process of making individual s’mores over a fire. With a clever trick involving a foil pan, you can whip up a massive batch of the gooey treats in no time. The magic begins when you combine graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate chips in the pan, eliminating the need for tedious skewer-holding and resulting in a uniform level of melty goodness throughout.
Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
Ditch the marshmallows for a sweet and indulgent dessert experience by skewering cinnamon rolls instead. The combination of gooey cream cheese icing and warm, toasted dough is sure to satisfy your cravings. If you’re looking for an alternative cooking method, consider using a pie tin, pie iron, or Dutch oven to achieve that perfect balance of crispy and soft.
With just one package of cinnamon rolls and cream cheese icing required, this camp dessert recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare – making it a great option for a stress-free camping trip.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
While ‘word salad’ might be an unexpected name for a sweet treat, trust us – this classic dessert is truly divine. The key to its success lies in the careful preparation that requires a bit more effort upfront, but yields a rewardingly rich and satisfying experience with just one bite. To get the most out of this indulgent delight, prepare it the night before and keep it chilled until you’re ready to savor every morsel.
Woof Em’s Campfire Pie
While these bite-sized goodies may leave a trail of crumbs and stickiness behind, the reward is well worth the temporary mess. The best part? You can customize each treat to satisfy a variety of cravings by filling them with different flavors. This not only adds an element of fun to the preparation process but also ensures that you’ll get to enjoy a little bit of everything.
Tin Foil Monkey Bread
Indulge in the simple pleasures of camping with a sweet and satisfying treat that’s sure to delight both kids and adults. By combining buttery biscuits, a three-ingredient spice blend, and the warmth of a campfire, you’ll create a dessert experience that’s easy, effortless, and utterly scrumptious. The best part? This recipe is designed for sharing, so everyone can enjoy the sweet treat as it cooks to perfection in foil over the grate.
Campfire Dessert Pizza
While pizza is often associated with dinner, it’s equally enjoyable as a sweet treat for dessert. The versatility of this beloved dish lies in its ability to accommodate various flavor profiles. By using chocolate or Nutella as the foundation, you can create an assortment of unique and tasty combinations. Feel free to get creative by adding fresh fruit, candies, nuts, or even jam to give your pizza a delightful twist.
Pie Iron Nutella & Banana Biscuits
Indulge in the great outdoors with a sweet twist – a camping dessert that’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious! At its core are three simple yet scrumptious ingredients: biscuit dough, rich Nutella, and ripe bananas. Layer them in this order – biscuit, Nutella, banana slices – and cook to perfection in a pie iron over a hot campfire. The result is a mouthwatering treat that’s ready in just five minutes per side.
Camping Donuts
Donuts are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any hour – morning, afternoon, or evening. The convenience of pre-mixed cinnamon sugar makes it simple to prepare this sweet delight even when camping. When cooked in a cast iron skillet, the donuts develop a delightful crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior.
Grilled Peaches
While peaches are undoubtedly scrumptious when enjoyed fresh, they take on an entirely new dimension when brushed with oil and grilled to perfection. The smoky sweetness that develops is nothing short of transformative, making for a truly unforgettable ending to a campfire meal. In fact, the caramelized flavor of the grilled peaches can stand proudly on its own, without the need for whipped cream or ice cream – although, it’s undeniable that these creamy accompaniments do elevate the experience.
Nonetheless, this humble fruit has proven itself more than capable of winning over even the most discerning palates.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
When heading out on a camping trip with a large group to feed, mini pineapple upside-down cakes are an ideal choice for their ease of preparation and delightful flavor. The recipe’s simplicity is one of its greatest advantages – a moist sponge cake serves as the base, topped by a juicy pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry for added sweetness.
To ensure everything stays in place during cooking, a piece of foil is used to hold the ingredients together, resulting in a neatly presented dessert that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Camping Pies
This seemingly humble strawberry sandwich belies its true nature as a culinary masterpiece. When equipped with a trusty pie iron, the combination of white bread, luscious strawberry pie filling, and whipped cream transforms into an enchanting dessert that can be conjured up anywhere, as long as there’s a fire at your disposal. The simplicity of this treat belies its universal appeal – it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t succumb to its charms.
Campfire Brownies
In a surprising twist, these campfire brownies get their simplicity from a boxed mix base. This clever shortcut ensures that the rich, fudgy treats are just as easy to prepare as they are to devour. A trusty dutch oven plays a crucial role in cooking the brownies to perfection, eliminating any risk of consuming raw batter.
The real pièce de résistance, however, lies in the optional toppings – indulge in your favorite candy, and take it to the next level with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
No-Bake Mini Grasshopper Pies
These classic mini pies don’t require an oven; instead, they just need a cooler to keep them at the right temperature for a few hours. You can assemble your mini pies either at home before your camping trip or at the campsite a couple of hours ahead of time when you plan to enjoy them. The best part is that everyone will have their own individual serving, but be prepared for requests for seconds – and possibly even thirds!
Grilled Shortcake Skewers
While the allure of homemade shortcake is undeniable, its store-bought counterpart – coconut shortcake – holds its own charm when paired with grilled fruit. Strawberries and pineapples, gently kissed by the grill’s warmth for a few minutes, harmonize with the cake’s natural sweetness, creating a delightful contrast. The crowning touch? A generous dollop of whipped cream, adding a luxurious layer to this campfire treat that’s sure to leave lasting memories.
Campfire Eclairs
When kids sink their teeth into this delightful dessert, they’ll be thrilled with the fruits of their labor. The combination of creamy vanilla pudding and flaky crescent rolls creates a delightful surprise with each bite. To take it to the next level, a rich Nutella or chocolate frosting adds a decadent touch, making it a true showstopper that’s as fun to devour as it is to create.
Caramel Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The concept of a grilled cheese dessert may raise some eyebrows, but trust us, these sweet sandwiches are a game-changer. Think cheesecake-inspired goodness packed with cinnamon, caramel, and apple pie filling, all wrapped up in a gooey grilled cheese package. The perfect remedy for a chilly camping night when the comforts of home feel far away, simply prepare one of these treats over a campfire to warm your spirits and your belly.
Walking Banana Pudding
Say goodbye to the hassle of finding a suitable spot for your dessert! This ingenious portable treat has got you covered. The foundation of this delightful banana pudding is built upon a single-serving bag of Nilla wafers, providing a sturdy base that keeps everything in place. Simply add sliced bananas and chilled vanilla pudding to create an effortless indulgence that rivals the quality of what you’d enjoy at home.
Dutch Oven Three Berry Cobbler
The trifecta of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries blended in a Dutch oven pie embodies the essence of homemade goodness, regardless of whether you’re cooking at home or on-the-go. When it comes to cobblers, a biscuit dough crust provides an effortless solution for creating a flaky base, while a simple foil lining ensures a stress-free cleanup after indulging in that sweet treat post-dinner.
Campfire Baked Apples
Envision sinking your teeth into a warm, tender baked apple, infused with the subtle sweetness of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. A Dutch oven makes this indulgent treat surprisingly effortless to prepare, but don’t worry if you don’t have one – a campfire can also help you satisfy your post-dinner sweet cravings. This sophisticated dessert is perfect for adults seeking a less sugary alternative, yet its simplicity will also delight kids looking for a new way to enjoy apples.
To make the process even quicker, prepare the nut filling at home and store it in a Ziploc bag – allowing you to effortlessly indulge in this scrumptious treat.
Campfire Burritos
Indulge in the simplicity of these dessert burritos, requiring only five minutes of prep time and no unconventional ingredients. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, all wrapped up in a tortilla, is a match made in heaven. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while camping or on-the-go, these treats are sure to become a family favorite. In fact, the kids will be begging to go on more camping trips just to get their hands on another one!
Try pairing them with our Mountain Pie recipe for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Pound Cake and Berry Campfire Skillet
Indulge in a decadent dessert experience with just a few simple ingredients and a trusty cast iron skillet. The combination of Rolo candy bars adds an unparalleled twist to traditional pound cake and berry pairings, leaving you craving more for days to come. As the chocolate melts in the skillet, it envelops the berries in a rich and indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
No Bake Mini Cheesecakes
Assemble these camping-friendly cheesecakes with ease by planning ahead. While it may take only 10 minutes to put them together, they do require some chilling time. This means you can prep them just before departing and let them chill in your cooler throughout the day, ensuring a delightful treat awaits when you arrive at your campsite.
Foil Packet Chocolate Cherry Cake
Indulge in a decadent chocolate cake with a delightful cherry surprise in every bite. Whether you’re a grill master or campfire enthusiast, this recipe is sure to please. The best part? You can use either boxed cake mix or brownie mix, making it the perfect treat when one of those is readily available. To ensure a seamless cooking experience, simply wrap your cake mixture in foil packets and let the magic unfold. This easy-to-make dessert is the ultimate self-care indulgence.
Campfire Turtle Pudgy Pie
Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate and caramel turtles reimagined as a scrumptious pie baked in a pie iron. This innovative twist on a classic treat allows for endless possibilities of flavor enhancements. Consider adding marshmallows or crunchy nuts to elevate your pudgy pie experience. The versatility of this easy-to-enjoy dessert means that any additions you choose will harmoniously complement the rich, chocolatey and caramel flavors.
The bottom line
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth while camping, there are plenty of delicious and easy-to-make dessert options to explore. Despite the limitations of campsite amenities, you can still indulge in tasty treats that require minimal preparation and effort. This list is designed to help you wrap up a lovely night under the stars with loved ones, where the warmth of a roaring fire, some soft music, and perhaps a spine-tingling tale or two will only add to the experience.
