S’mores may be the undisputed champ of campfire desserts—and you’ll never catch us turning ‘em down—but there’s a whole world of sweet summertime treats beyond the gooey chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker combo.
You can whip up some seriously tasty desserts this summer with just a few simple ingredients. From warm, melty campfire banana splits to sizzling fruit kabobs to cozy baked apples—these recipes are perfect for making memories around the campsite. And for those days when it’s too hot to cook, we’ve got a cool, creamy dessert option that’s as refreshing as it is fun to make.
Get ready to treat yourself!
Campfire Banana Splits
Rumored to have been created around campfires in a land far away called Australia, this is a welcome twist on a campfire classic—warm, melty, and just the right mix of indulgent and wholesome. Made right in the banana peel and cooked over flames, it’s sweet, simple, and perfect for RVers who love a no-fuss dessert with big flavor.
Ingredients (per person):
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 to 2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
Optional Extras:
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- A drizzle of almond or peanut butter
- Crushed graham crackers or granola
- Caramel bits or a touch of sea salt
Instructions:
- With the peel on, slice each banana lengthwise down the middle. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Gently pull the banana open to create a pocket, and sprinkle it with dark chocolate chips and coconut flakes.
- Place near the campfire coals rather than directly over the flames. Heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until the chocolate is melted and the banana is soft.
- The banana will be warm (if not hot), so use caution as you carefully open it. You can add any extra toppings at this point or just dig in with a spoon. No bowl necessary.
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
Simple, colorful, and bursting with natural sweetness, grilled fruit kabobs are a total crowd-pleaser. Either over a campfire or on a nearby grill, this easy treat is a surefire way to win over family and friends. The heat caramelizes the fruits’ natural sugars, creating that irresistibly sweet yet fresh flavor that tastes like summer. Making up the skewers is also fun for the entire family, as each person can personalize them with their favorite fruits.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple chunks
- Peach or nectarine slices
- Strawberries (hulled)
- Watermelon chunks
- Banana slices (cut thick)
- Optional: marshmallows, chunks of pound cake, or a drizzle of honey
Instructions:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling (as you cut up the fruit).
- Thread your favorite fruits onto skewers, alternating colors and textures for a fun presentation.
- Slightly oil the grill grates (or, alternatively, spray the fruit with cooking spray) to prevent sticking.
- Place the kabobs over the fire grate or on the grill, and turning occasionally, grill for 5 to 7 minutes, until the fruit has nice grill marks and is slightly softened.
- Serve as is, or pair it with a scoop of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Fireside Apples
This one’s like bringing a bite of warm apple pie to your campsite—without firing up the oven or having to prepare a crust. Wrapped in foil and baked right in the coals, these spiced apples are soft, gooey, and comforting. Hint: These are just as good in the morning for breakfast as they are after dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
- Optional: raisins, oats, a pat of butter, or a drizzle of nut butter
Instructions:
- Core the apple, leaving the bottom intact to hold the fillings.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Stuff the mixture into the apple’s center.
- Wrap the apple tightly in foil.
- Place in the hot coals of your campfire and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Carefully unwrap (watch for steam!) and enjoy warm with a spoon, topped with granola, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Chef Tip: You can prep the apples ahead of time in your RV kitchen and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to stoke up the fire.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Not every campsite dessert needs a flame! And in the heat of summer, sometimes all you really want is a way to cool down from the inside out. This cool, creamy treat really shines as it’s easy to make in advance, fun to customize with your favorite toppings, and incredibly refreshing. It’s a healthy-ish dessert that feels indulgent but keeps things light—perfect after a day in the sun or a warm evening hike.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 – 2 Tbsps honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh berries (like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
- 1/4 cup granola
- 1 – 2 Tbsp mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
Optional add-ins:
- Sliced bananas or kiwi fruit
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Chia seeds or chopped nuts
- A swirl of nut butter or fruit preserve
Instructions:
- Line a small sheet pan or flat container with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt with sweetener.
- Spread the yogurt evenly across the parchment in a layer about half-inch thick.
- Sprinkle your toppings across the top and lightly press them in.
- Freeze for three to four hours (or until completely solid).
- Break into pieces and enjoy! Store leftovers in a zip-top bag in your freezer.
Chef Tip: For a grab-and-go version, spoon the yogurt mixture into silicone muffin cups before freezing for a perfect single serving.
Sweet Endings Under the Stars
Summer desserts don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. These easy, fireside-friendly recipes go beyond the classic s’more. So, grab your skewers, foil, or freezer bag to end the evening sweetly under the stars.