Enjoying the warmth of a crackling campfire and the starlit sky overhead is an essential part of camping that many cherish. To enhance this experience, campfires are not only for warmth and ambiance but also serve as a makeshift kitchen for creating mouthwatering desserts. With the use of tools like cast-iron skillets, dutch ovens, and aluminum foil, camping aficionados can turn simple ingredients into delectable treats to enjoy in the great outdoors.
When it comes to outdoor culinary adventures, the charm of preparing desserts over a fire pit cannot be overstated. The dance of flames offers a unique method of caramelizing, toasting, and baking a variety of sweets suited for any camper’s palate. From the rustic appeal of a dutch oven apple crisp to the fun of assembling foil-wrapped s’mores, these campfire desserts provide a memorable way to round off a day of adventure and offer a delightful twist to camping cuisine.
1.) Mixed Berry Crumble
Indulging in a warm Mixed Berry Crumble by the campfire offers a delightful contrast to the great outdoors. This camp-ready dessert features a medley of sweet berries and a rich, buttery crumble topping. Preparing the dish in a foil packet not only simplifies cooking but also enhances the berries’ natural flavors as they tenderize over the open flames.
Ingredients:
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Crumble topping (flour, oats, brown sugar, butter)
- Optional: Cinnamon, nutmeg
Instructions:
- Combine assorted berries in foil packets.
- Mix the crumble ingredients and sprinkle over berries.
- Seal packets and cook over the campfire until berries are bubbling.
Those with a sweet tooth can adapt the recipe to include chocolate chips or a dash of granola for added texture. Pair with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream cones for a decadent finish. The versatility of Mixed Berry Crumble allows one to get creative with ingredients like nuts or graham crackers, catering to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
The simplicity of this dessert invites one to involve everyone in the making process, from assembling the ingredients to watching the packets puff up over the fire. From beginning to end, this campfire treat is not only a joy to prepare but also a testament to the uncomplicated pleasure of open-air cooking.
For those interested in exploring this delightful recipe or seeking a visual guide, an illustrative image is available here:
. Additionally, the complete step-by-step directions and more detailed information can be found by following this link: Mixed Berry Crumble.
Whether one is a seasoned camper or a novice to the outdoor lifestyle, this Mixed Berry Crumble is sure to add comfort and warmth to any camping experience, leaving smiles and satisfied bellies around the campfire.
2.) S’ mores Tacos from Keeping Life Sane
S’ mores Tacos are an innovative twist on the classic campfire treat, s’mores. Instead of simply sandwiching chocolate and marshmallows between two graham crackers, this dessert repurposes the components into a delightful taco form. The graham cracker is transformed into a crispy taco shell, which is filled with melted chocolate and a fluffy marshmallow filling.
Ingredients:
- Graham Crackers
- Chocolate bars
- Marshmallows
Instructions:
- Form taco shells by molding graham crackers into a curved shape and baking until crisp.
- Melt chocolate bars; spread inside the graham taco shells.
- Fill with marshmallows and heat until they are perfectly melted.
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
Notably, these S’ mores Tacos can be made over a campfire or in a domestic kitchen, making them versatile for various settings.
Nutritional Information:
(Per Serving)
- Calories: TBD
- Total Fat: TBD g
- Sugar: TBD g
The playful presentation and the delightful combination of textures and flavors are sure to please campers of all ages.
3.) Apple Crisp from Recipes From A Pantry
Apple Crisp is a traditional campfire dessert known for its simplicity and the delightful contrast between the soft apple filling and the crisp oat topping. When prepared over a campfire, it brings a comforting touch of home to the outdoor experience.
Ingredients:
- Apples: 6, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup
- Rolled Oats: 1 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: ¾ cup
- Butter: ½ cup, cubed and chilled
- Salt: A pinch
Instructions:
- Toss apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture in a cast-iron skillet.
- Combine brown sugar, oats, flour, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
- Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and place over the campfire’s embers.
- Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm, directly from the skillet.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Apple Crisp’s adaptable recipe allows campers to adjust the sweetness or add various spices to their liking. It’s a dessert that invites personalization while maintaining its comforting essence.
https://recipesfromapantry.com/campfire-apple-crisp-foil-packets/
4.) Chocolate Cherry Foil Packet Cake from Coffee With The 3 Of Us
The Chocolate Cherry Foil Packet Cake offers a delightful twist to campfire treats, combining rich chocolate flavors with the tartness of cherries. Crafting this dessert requires minimal ingredients and preparation.
Ingredients:
- Chocolate cake mix
- Canned cherry pie filling
- Canola oil
- Water
- Aluminum foil
Preparation Steps:
- Begin by mixing the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions, usually involving water and oil.
- Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil and pour in the cake mix.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the batter, ensuring an even spread.
- Seal the foil packet tightly to avoid leaks.
Cooking Method:
- Place the foil packet onto the campfire coals.
- Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the intensity of the fire.
Serving Suggestion:
- Carefully open the packet, as steam can be quite hot.
- Serve the cake with additional cherries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of flavor.
The combination of warm chocolate and cherries, along with the unique ambiance of campfire cooking, creates an enjoyable dessert experience. It’s also a great way to involve everyone in the dessert-making process and enjoy the simplicity of foil packet cooking.
5.) Grilled Bananas from Home Cooking Memories
Grilled bananas are a simple yet delightful campfire dessert that can easily be made by anyone. They require minimal ingredients and preparation for a sweet and warm treat.
- Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Optional toppings: chocolate chips, marshmallows, nuts, honey, or yogurt
Preparation Steps:
- Slice bananas lengthwise, keeping the peel on.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Place on the grill, cut-side up, over the campfire.
- Grill until the sugar caramelizes and bananas soften, typically around 5-6 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the grill and add additional toppings if desired.
The bananas can be served inside their peel for a no-mess experience, making them not only a delicious dessert but also an easy-to-handle option for campers of all ages. They provide a naturally sweet base that complements a variety of toppings, giving campers the freedom to customize their dessert experience.
6.) Grilled Watermelon from Pink Fortitude
Grilling watermelon adds a smoky flavor to this summer fruit, making it a unique dessert option for campfire gatherings. The process caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a pleasantly warm and juicy treat.
Ingredients:
- Watermelon slices
- Olive oil
- Honey (optional)
- Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat.
- Brush each watermelon slice with olive oil.
- Place the watermelon on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear.
- Remove from grill and, if desired, drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh mint.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and balsamic glaze.
Tips:
- Ensure the watermelon slices are not too thin to prevent them from falling apart during grilling.
- Keep a close watch to avoid overcooking, which can make the slices mushy.
This dessert demonstrates that with a touch of creativity, even traditional BBQ items can become the highlight of a campfire dessert menu.
7.) Campfire S’mores Dip from The Flying Couponer
The Flying Couponer presents a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat with their Campfire S’mores Dip. Ideal for groups, the dip captures the essence of traditional s’mores without the need for individual marshmallow roasting. Below is a breakdown of the recipe components and steps.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows
- Graham crackers for dipping
- Instructions:
- In a cast iron skillet, mix the milk chocolate chips with milk.
- Heat the mixture over the campfire until the chocolate melts, stirring occasionally.
- Once melted, top with mini marshmallows.
- Place the skillet back over the campfire until the marshmallows turn golden brown.
- Serve the dip warm with graham crackers on the side.
- Cooking Tips:
- Preparation: Gather ingredients before starting for a seamless cooking experience.
- Heating: Constantly monitor the heat to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Serving: Use a trivet or heat-resistant surface to serve the hot skillet.
This dish serves as a communal dessert that encourages participation and interaction, making it not only a sweet treat but also an engaging activity for the campfire gathering.
8.) Campfire Dessert Pizza from Spaceship and Laserbeams
One popular campfire delicacy is the dessert pizza, a concept that merges traditional campfire fun with a sweet twist. This version, inspired by Spaceship and Laserbeams, allows for creativity and hands-on involvement, which can be especially enjoyable for family campouts.
Ingredients:
- Pre-made pizza dough
- Chocolate spread (Nutella or similar)
- Mini marshmallows
- Sliced strawberries
- Banana slices
- Crushed graham crackers
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a piece of aluminum foil.
- Spread a layer of chocolate spread over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Distribute mini marshmallows, sliced strawberries, and banana slices on top.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers for a crunch reminiscent of s’mores.
Cooking:
- Wrap the prepared dessert pizza in foil and place it over the campfire coals.
- Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden.
Serving Suggestions:
- Once adequately warmed through and the toppings are melted, carefully remove from the fire.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
This dessert option provides a comforting end to a day of outdoor adventures, and its customizable nature ensures that it can suit various taste preferences.
9.) Pineapple Upside Down Skewers Campfire from Happy Money Saver
Pineapple Upside Down Skewers offer a creative twist on a classic dessert, making them perfect for campfire cooking. The ingredients are threaded onto skewers and cooked over an open flame, resulting in a caramelized and smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple chunks
- Maraschino cherries
- Brown sugar
- Butter
Instructions:
- Alternately thread pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries onto skewers.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and add brown sugar, stirring until a syrup forms.
- Brush the syrup over the skewered fruit.
- Place skewers over the campfire, turning occasionally until the fruit is caramelized.
Cooking Tips:
- Use metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Keep an eye on the skewers to avoid charring the fruit excessively.
Serving Suggestion: The smoky and sweet skewers can be served as they are, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
10.) Cinnamon Roll Skewers from Almost Supermom
One can transform the traditional cinnamon roll into a delightful campfire treat with Cinnamon Roll Skewers. This dessert is not only simple to make, but it also brings a comforting taste of home to the great outdoors.
Ingredients:
- Canned cinnamon rolls
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate them.
- Take one cinnamon roll and unravel it into a long strip.
- Carefully wrap the strip around a skewer, spiraling it evenly.
- Hold the skewer over the campfire, rotating it slowly to ensure even cooking.
- Cook until the dough is golden brown and puffed up, which usually takes about 5-8 minutes.
- Allow it to cool slightly before adding the included icing.
Tips:
- Pre-soak the wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning.
- Apply the icing once the rolls are slightly cooled to prevent it from melting off.
By serving these skewered cinnamon rolls, one not only provides a satisfying dessert but also an engaging experience around the fire. They’re perfect for sharing and are sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike.
https://www.almostsupermom.com/campfire-cinnamon-roll-ups/
