Camping desserts: 30 sweet treats to try on your next trip

There’s nothing like a warm, gooey dessert to cap off a perfect camping trip. But let’s be honest: cooking a fancy dessert in the wilderness can seem daunting.

After all, you’re dealing with limited equipment, an unpredictable heat source, and the great outdoors. But with a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious camping desserts even when you’re miles away from your kitchen – be it an all-time classic s’more or a more sophisticated dutch oven apple pie.

We’ve handpicked 30 delicious recipes to satisfy those sweet cravings on your next camping trip. So grab your campfire cooking kit and get your appetite ready!

Pack smart, cook smart: Equipment and ingredients that’ll come in handy

When it comes to camping desserts, you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. In fact, you probably already have most of what you need right in your kitchen. But there are a few key pieces of gear that will make your life a lot easier.

First things first, you’ll want a good camping stove, and this is your ticket to cooking up all kinds of delicious treats in the great outdoors. 

Next, invest in a sturdy, heat-proof pot or pan. A dutch oven is perfect for this, but a large cast iron skillet works great too. Both these pieces of equipment are perfect for baking, roasting, and sautéing.

A pie iron is simply unbeatable for treats like waffles, sandwiches, or pies. Think about finding extra space for this cooking tool, too.

Now for the ingredients, you’ll want to keep things simple and pack ones that are easy to store. Dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate are great options. They’re lightweight, don’t require refrigeration, and can be used in various recipes. Some other essentials include sugar, flour, butter, and spices.

30 delicious camping dessert recipes

So, now that you have your equipment and ingredients ready, you’re all set to whip up some of our favorite camping desserts in the great outdoors.

1. Campfire banana boats

This classic camping dessert is super easy to make and oh-so-delicious. You’ll need ripe bananas, nut butter, dark chocolate chips, and your favorite toppings like raisins or nuts. Cut a slit in the banana, fill it with the goodies, wrap it in aluminum foil, and roast over the campfire until everything is nice and melted.

2. Dutch oven apple crisp

Dutch ovens are the perfect camping companion and can be used to make all kinds of delicious desserts. This apple crisp is the perfect example! 

Core and slice some apples, top with a crumble made from butter, flour, sugar, and spices, then pop it in the dutch oven. 

Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top – and you’re good to go! Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a camping dessert that rivals any store-bought version.

3. All-time classic s’mores

It’s one of those classic but easy camping desserts that a camping trip just can’t go without. To make s’mores, you only need graham crackers, marshmallows, and some chocolate. 

Toast the marshmallow over the campfire until nice and golden, then sandwich it between two graham crackers with a square of your favorite chocolate bar. Enjoy!

4. Skillet brownies

Yes, you can even make brownies while camping. For that, you’ll need a large cast iron skillet. Melt some butter in the skillet, then add chocolate chips and sugar. Stir until everything is melted and combined, then add eggs and flour. Bake in the same skillet over your campfire or camping stove until golden brown. 

5. Grilled pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a great camping dessert for those who don’t want to put in too much effort or too many ingredients. A ripe pineapple, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon are all you need. 

Cut the pineapple into slices, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Grill each side for about 5 minutes or until lightly charred – then enjoy!

6. Nutella cones

These camping cones are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. All you need is some waffle cones, Nutella or peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, and chopped nuts.

Start by filling each cone with a tablespoon of nut butter and top with chocolate chips. Wrap in aluminum foil and place over the campfire until everything is melted and gooey. Finish by sprinkling with chopped nuts.

7. Dutch oven peach cobbler

This camping dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make. Start by melting butter in your dutch oven and adding sliced peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and flour. 

Then top with a simple batter made from butter, sugar, milk, and baking powder. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown – and you’re done. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Delicious!

8. Dessert quesadillas

How come cheesy quesadillas are a dessert? Well, let’s make it marshmallowy instead and see what happens (disclaimer: you’ll be surprised). 

Grab some soft tortillas, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and butter. Start by melting the butter in a skillet over the campfire, then add the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and whatever other toppings you like. 

Once everything melts together, place each mixture between two tortillas, wrap in aluminum foil and cook over the campfire until golden brown. You see? 

9. Campfire fondue

Classy, but as easy as it gets. Melt some dark chocolate in a slow cooker over the campfire, then add heavy cream and stir until everything melts and combines. Serve with sliced fruit, marshmallows and graham crackers for dipping. 

10. Campfire cinnamon rolls

These camping-friendly cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit around the campfire! Start by prepping your ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, butter, sugar, and yeast. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients, add warm water and knead until everything is combined. 

Roll out the dough and spread it with a mixture of butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then roll it up into a log. If you don’t want to get this party going at your camp, prep everything until this step at home. 

Cut the dough into rolls and place them in a greased dutch oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top – and enjoy! Serve with some icing or melted chocolate if you wish.

11. Chocolate chip cookies

These camping chocolate chip cookies are a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Start by preparing the ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, butter, sugar, and (of course!) chocolate chips. 

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the dry ingredients. Again, you can do all this at home.

Fold in chocolate chips and drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a greased baking sheet. Place over your camping stove or campfire and bake until golden brown – enjoy.

12. Grilled pound cake

You’ll need some store-bought pound cake, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut each slice of pound cake into four equal pieces and place in a greased skillet over your camping stove or campfire.

Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with sugar, and you’re good. Top it with your favorite fruits and whipped cream for perfection.

13. Campfire crepes

Pack some all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs. Start making the batter by whisking together the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. 

Heat a non-stick skillet or camping griddle over the campfire and drizzle a teaspoon of batter into the pan. Swirl the batter around until it’s thin and evenly spread, then cook for a minute or two on each side – perfection! Serve with fruit, jam, Nutella, or your favorite toppings.

14. Campfire blueberry cobbler

This camping-friendly blueberry cobbler is another dessert that we bet will make your camp group’s sweet tooth sing. All you’ll need is fresh or frozen blueberries, sugar, flour, butter, and chopped nuts. 

Start by melting butter in your dutch oven, add the blueberries, sugar, and flour and stir until combined. Top with chopped nuts, then cover and bake over the campfire for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with some vanilla ice cream – yum!

15. Caramelized apples

Grab some apples, caramels, butter, and nuts. Start by washing and drying the apples, then inserting a popsicle stick into each one. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the caramel with butter, stirring until combined. 

Working quickly, dip each apple into the caramel mixture and roll in chopped nuts. Place on wax paper and let cool before enjoying.

16. Campfire chocolate lava cakes

You’ll need semi-sweet chocolate, butter, sugar, and eggs. Begin by preheating a skillet over the campfire and melting the chocolate and butter together until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light in color, then add this to the melted chocolate and stir.

Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the preheated skillet or camping griddle and bake for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with some ice cream or fresh berries.

17. Campfire strawberry shortcake

Yep, another cake on our list. 

Pack store-bought biscuit dough, fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, and butter. Start by washing and slicing the strawberries, then place them in a greased camping skillet over the campfire with some sugar and melted butter. 

Cook for about 5 minutes or until the strawberries are soft. Place spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top and bake over the campfire until golden brown – perfection! Serve warm with some freshly whipped cream or ice cream.

18. Peanut butter and marshmallow fluff stuffed apples

That’s one more recipe that proves simplicity does wonders. Cut an apple in half and core it, then fill it with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. Wrap it in foil and cook over the campfire until the apple is tender and the filling is warm.

19. Campfire berry clafoutis

Mix a batter of eggs, milk, flour, sugar, and vanilla. Fold in your favorite berries and pour the mixture into a greased cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Bake it over the fire for a mouth-watering treat. 

20. Camping chocolate churros

There’s always a place in our bellies for old but gold churros. Here’s how to get them:

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add in eggs, milk, and melted butter to make the dough. Pipe the dough through a churro press or a plastic bag with a hole cut in one corner, then deep fry them in hot oil until golden brown. 

Roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon and enjoy them with a chocolate dipping sauce.

21. Campfire pineapple upside-down cake

For the camping-friendly pineapple upside-down cake, you’ll need a can of crushed pineapple, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake mix. Begin by preheating a camping skillet or griddle over the campfire, then add melted butter and brown sugar with some cinnamon.

Add in the canned pineapples and spread evenly on top. Sprinkle the cake mix on top, cover, and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool, then flip over onto a plate – voila! Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream.

22. Campfire pudding

Mix sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir in milk and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. We recommend serving warm with your favorite toppings like fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts.

23. Traditional apple pie

Mix your favorite pie crust dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Place the dough in a greased cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven and add thinly sliced apples mixed with sugar, butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of flour. 

Cover with another layer of pie crust, seal the edges and cut a few slits to vent. Bake over the fire until golden brown. Voila!

24. Campfire baked yogurt

For this, you’ll need only three ingredients. Begin by preheating a skillet or camping grill over the campfire. Mix plain Greek yogurt, honey, and your favorite fresh or dried fruit in a bowl. 

Spread it on the camping griddle and bake for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy warm! Add some nuts and shredded coconut for extra crunch. For a sweet touch, you can also top it with a dollop of honey or maple syrup.

25. Chocolate mousse

Mix heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa powder. Whip it over the fire until stiff peaks form. Serve it with your choice of toppings like berries, nuts, or chocolate shavings.

26. Campfire ricotta and honey

All you need is some ricotta cheese, honey, and your favorite fresh or dried fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or figs. Start by preheating a camping griddle over the campfire. 

Spread the ricotta cheese on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drizzle some honey over the top, add your favorite fruits and serve warm.

27. Campfire cheesecake

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to make the crust. Press it into the bottom of a greased ramekin or small skillet. 

Then, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and your choice of flavorings like vanilla, lemon zest, or fruit puree. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake over the fire until set.

Once it’s done and cooled, top it with a cream cheese frosting made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.

28. Baked cinnamon roll waffles

Another goodie that you can prep in your pie iron on its way! 

Mix your favorite cinnamon roll dough, shape it into waffles and cook them over the campfire in a pie iron. Serve them with a drizzle of icing, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce.

29. Campfire baked rice pudding

If the traditional chocolate pudding sounds a bit boring already, then this baked rice alternative is worth a shot. 

Mix rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour the mixture into a greased pot or Dutch oven and bake over the fire until the pudding is thick and creamy.

30. Campfire baked banana bread

Get your ripe bananas, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, and salt ready. Preheat a camping skillet or griddle over the campfire, then add melted butter and sugar with some cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, add in the eggs, and mix until combined. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then add it to the banana mixture and stir it all up.

Pour the batter into the preheated skillet or griddle, cover, and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool, then flip over onto a plate. It’s dessert time!

Wrapping up

Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your sweet tooth. With so many delicious and easy-to-make camping dessert options, you can have your s’mores and eat them too!

From classic campfire recipes like s’mores to more creative options like campfire quesadillas, there’s a dessert for every taste and skill level.

The key to enjoying camping desserts is to plan ahead and be prepared with the right equipment and ingredients. With a bit of creativity, you can turn your camping trip into a sweet adventure.

More campfire cooking recipes

A dessert is just a small break in your day. We covered more open fire cooking meal ideas to keep you full and happy during the daytime. Check them out:

• Campfire breakfast
• Campfire lunch recipes
• Campfire dinner recipes
• Vegetarian camping food
• Campfire foil meals