Ever get tired of the same old s’mores routine around the fire? According to the National Park Service, over 300 million people visit campgrounds across America each year, and they’re looking for more creative ways to satisfy their sweet tooth after a day in the great outdoors.

Campfire desserts don’t have to stop at graham crackers and chocolate. There’s a whole world of easy campfire treats waiting to be discovered, from grilled fruit to foil packet cobblers that’ll make you wonder why you stuck with traditional camping snacks for so long. These campfire dessert recipes transform simple ingredients into show-stopping sweets.

To build this guide, we dug through hundreds of camping forums on Reddit, analyzed dozens of recipe videos, and tested what actually works when you’re cooking outdoors. We focused on recipes that use basic ingredients, require minimal equipment, and deliver maximum flavor without the fuss.

What you’ll find here are 10 tried-and-true camping desserts that go way beyond s’mores. Each one’s been tested in real campfire conditions, and they all use ingredients you can pack easily. If you’re new to outdoor cooking, check out our guide on essential camping gear before your next trip.

10 Best Campfire Desserts Beyond S’mores

1. Campfire Cones

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If you’re after a fun, mess-free alternative to traditional s’mores, campfire cones are an absolute winner for families and groups. These treats start with waffles or sugar cones filled with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and whatever toppings you fancy, like fruit, nuts, or candy pieces.

The beauty of this campfire dessert is in its simplicity. You wrap the filled cone in foil and set it near the fire or on a grill grate for about five to seven minutes. The heat melts everything inside into a gooey, delicious mess that you eat with a spoon. Kids love customizing their own combinations, making it one of the most interactive camping desserts around.

Many campers report that these work just as well on a regular grill or even in a toaster oven if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The foil keeps everything contained, so cleanup is practically nonexistent. Some variations include adding peanut butter cups, caramel bits, or fresh strawberries for extra flavor. The main trick is not to overfill them. Leave about an inch at the top so the ingredients have room to melt without spilling out. Also, rotate the cones occasionally for even heating.

What You’ll Need:

• Sugar or waffle cones
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate chips
• Your choice of mix-ins (fruit, nuts, candy)
• Aluminum foil

2. Banana Boats

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Banana boats rank among the best camping desserts for good reason: they’re nearly impossible to mess up and deliver that perfect combination of warm, melty sweetness with fresh fruit. The concept is simple but brilliant: you slit a banana lengthwise (keeping the peel on), stuff it with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and other goodies, then wrap it in foil and toss it on the fire.

What makes banana boats special is how the fruit itself becomes part of the dessert. The banana gets soft and caramelized, while the chocolate and marshmallows melt into the natural sweetness. Popular mix-ins include peanut butter, graham cracker pieces, butterscotch chips, and even coconut flakes.

Most campers cook these for about 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat, rotating occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the peel starts to darken and you can feel the banana getting soft through the foil. Eat them straight from the peel with a spoon, no plates needed, which makes them ideal for minimalist camping trips. Some people prefer to remove a wedge of banana to create more room for toppings, while others just make a deep cut and push ingredients in. Either way works great.

What You’ll Need:

• Bananas (in peel)
• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Optional: peanut butter, nuts, caramel
• Aluminum foil

3. Foil Packet Apple Crisp

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For those who crave something closer to a homemade dessert, foil packet apple crisp delivers authentic comfort food flavor with campfire convenience. This campfire treat takes sliced apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a crumbly mixture of oats, brown sugar, and butter, all sealed in individual foil pouches.

The individual portions make serving easy, and everyone can customize their mix to taste. Some campers add a bit of nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture, while others throw in dried cranberries or raisins for extra texture. The key is cutting your apples thin so they cook through completely in the 20-minute cook time.

Set your packets around the edges of your campfire grill or directly on hot coals, rotating them halfway through. The apples will soften and release their juices, mixing with the brown sugar to create a syrupy coating. Meanwhile, the oat topping gets slightly crispy on top while staying tender underneath. Bringing a can of whipped cream or a small container of vanilla ice cream takes this campfire snack to the next level. The contrast of cold cream against warm, spiced apples is exactly what you want after a long day hiking.

What You’ll Need:

• Apples (3-4), thinly sliced
• Brown sugar and cinnamon
• Quick oats, flour, butter
• Aluminum foil (heavy-duty works best)

Suggested Reads- 20 Best Vegetarian Camping Meals to Cook Over a Campfire

4. Grilled Peaches

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Sometimes the simplest campfire desserts are the most impressive, and grilled peaches prove it. Fresh peaches, halved and pitted, get brushed with a bit of oil or butter, then placed cut-side down on a grill grate over your campfire. In about five minutes, you get beautiful caramelization and those Instagram-worthy grill marks.

The natural sugars in peaches caramelize beautifully over direct heat, intensifying their sweetness and adding a subtle smoky flavor. Many campers drizzle the finished peaches with honey or maple syrup and top them with a dollop of cream cheese, whipped cream, or even goat cheese for a sophisticated twist.

This camping dessert works with other stone fruits too, try nectarines, plums, or even firm pears. The fruit should be ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape on the grill. Too soft, and it’ll fall apart; too hard, and it won’t develop that perfect caramelized exterior.

Some people stuff the center cavity with brown sugar and cinnamon before grilling, turning the peach halves into natural bowls for a warm, spiced filling. Either way, this is one of those easy campfire desserts that feels fancy without any real effort.

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh peaches, halved and pitted
• Butter or oil for brushing
• Honey or maple syrup
• Optional: cinnamon, cream cheese, nuts

5. Campfire Eclairs

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Want to impress your camping crew? Campfire eclairs look difficult, but come together surprisingly easily with just crescent roll dough and pudding. The secret is wrapping the dough around a foil-covered stick, roasting it until golden, then filling the hollow center with instant pudding or Nutella.

The technique takes a little practice. Wrap your roasting stick’s end in foil first (this prevents the dough from sticking), then wind the crescent roll dough around it, pinching the seam closed. Hold it over the fire, rotating constantly, until the outside turns golden brown, usually about 10 to 12 minutes.

Once cooled slightly, carefully slide the pastry off the stick. You’re left with a hollow tube perfect for filling. Instant pudding works great because you can mix it in a plastic bag, snip the corner, and pipe it right in. Chocolate pudding is classic, but vanilla, butterscotch, and even cheesecake-flavored puddings all work well. Kids especially love making these campfire treats because they get to watch their dessert cook and customize the filling. Some campers dust the finished eclairs with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for extra pizzazz.

What You’ll Need:

• Crescent roll dough
• Aluminum foil
• Long roasting stick
• Instant pudding mix (or Nutella)
• Optional: powdered sugar, chocolate sauce

6. Dutch Oven Cobbler

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If you’re willing to bring a Dutch oven on your camping trip, cobbler becomes one of the most rewarding campfire desserts you can make. The cast iron distributes heat evenly, creating a perfectly baked dessert with a golden, biscuit-like topping and bubbling fruit beneath.

The formula is simple: layer your fruit (berries, peaches, cherries, or a mix) in the bottom of a greased Dutch oven, then top with a simple batter or biscuit dough. Some campers use boxed cake mix for the topping, while others prefer a from-scratch approach with flour, sugar, butter, and baking powder.

Set your Dutch oven on a bed of coals with more coals on the lid. This top-and-bottom heat mimics a traditional oven and ensures even cooking. Most cobblers need about 30 to 40 minutes, though cooking time varies based on coal temperature. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The result tastes like something from a professional bakery, not a campsite. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream stored in your camping cooler, and watch everyone forget they’re eating outdoors.

What You’ll Need:

• Dutch oven (10 or 12-inch)
• Fresh or canned fruit
• Cake mix or biscuit dough ingredients
• Butter, sugar, cinnamon
• Charcoal for heat control

7. Skillet Cookie

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A giant chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet ranks as one of those campfire dessert recipes that’s both impressive and incredibly easy. You can use premade cookie dough (the refrigerated tube kind works perfectly) or mix your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

Press the dough into a greased cast iron skillet, filling it about halfway since the cookie will puff up as it bakes. Set the skillet on a grill grate over your campfire, checking frequently since heat levels vary. The goal is a crispy edge with a soft, gooey center, usually about 20 to 25 minutes of cooking time.

The cast iron creates an even heat distribution that’s hard to achieve with other campfire cooking methods. Some campers cover the skillet with foil to help the top cook through without burning the bottom. Others place a few coals on the foil for more even browning. This camping dessert works best shared straight from the skillet while still warm. Bring spoons and dig in as a group, or slice it into wedges. Adding vanilla ice cream on top turns it into a next-level campfire treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need:

• Cast iron skillet
• Cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Butter for greasing
• Optional: chocolate chips, M&Ms for extra toppings
• Ice cream for serving

8. Baked Apples

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Baked apples are one of those classic campfire snacks that never go out of style. The concept is straightforward: core an apple, stuff it with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and whatever else sounds good (raisins, nuts, granola, oats), then wrap it in foil and nestle it in the coals.

The magic happens as the apple softens and its natural juices mix with the sugar and spices, creating a caramel-like sauce inside. The result tastes like apple pie filling without any of the crust-making hassle. After about 25 to 30 minutes, you unwrap a perfectly tender, fragrant dessert.

Different apple varieties work better than others. Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape well and provide good tartness to balance the sweet filling. Softer apples can get mushy, though some people prefer that texture.

The beauty of this campfire dessert is how customizable it is. Some campers add a drizzle of caramel sauce before wrapping, while others stuff the center with Werther’s candies or mini marshmallows. Served with a dollop of whipped cream, baked apples feel like a proper homemade dessert despite being cooked over an open fire.

What You’ll Need:

• Apples (firm varieties)
• Brown sugar and cinnamon
• Butter
• Optional: raisins, nuts, granola, caramel
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

9. Campfire Donuts

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If you thought donuts required a deep fryer and professional kitchen, these campfire donuts will change your mind. Using canned biscuit dough and a long skewer, you can create warm, sugary donuts that rival any bakery version.

The technique is simple: separate the biscuits and poke a hole through the center of each one with your finger. Slide a biscuit onto a long skewer and hold it over the fire, rotating constantly so it cooks evenly without burning. The dough puffs up and develops a golden exterior in just three to five minutes.

Once cooked, slide the donut off the skewer and immediately roll it in cinnamon sugar while still warm. The sugar sticks to the hot surface, creating a sweet coating that’s absolutely addictive. Some campers melt butter first and brush it on before the sugar coating for extra richness. You can customize these camping desserts with different coatings, powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. They’re especially popular for breakfast, but honestly, they work any time of day.

What You’ll Need:

• Canned biscuit dough
• Long skewers or roasting sticks
• Cinnamon and sugar mixed
• Butter for brushing
• Optional: powdered sugar, chocolate sauce

10. Orange Peel Cakes

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Orange peel cakes represent one of the most creative campfire treats out there, turning citrus fruit into edible baking vessels. Cut an orange in half, scoop out the fruit, then fill the empty peel shells with brownie or cake batter. Wrap in foil and set near the fire, and in about 15 to 20 minutes, you’ve got individual cakes with a subtle citrus flavor.

The orange oils in the peel infuse the cake as it bakes, adding an unexpected brightness that cuts through rich chocolate or vanilla cake. Only fill the peels about three-quarters full since the batter expands as it cooks. Box mixes work perfectly for this, making prep incredibly easy.

Some campers skip the foil and just set the orange halves directly near (not on) the hot coals. This method requires more attention but creates a slightly caramelized exterior on the peel. Either way, the presentation factor is off the charts; people always do a double-take when you serve cake in an orange. This campfire dessert idea works with other citrus, too. Grapefruits create larger portions, while lemons give a tart flavor. The key is scooping the fruit out cleanly without puncturing the peel, which would cause leaks.

What You’ll Need:

• Oranges, halved and hollowed
• Brownie or cake mix (prepared)
• Aluminum foil
• Optional: chocolate chips to add to batter

How to Choose Your Campfire Dessert?

Picking the right camping dessert depends on your trip style, equipment, and how much effort you want to put in after a long day outdoors.

Equipment Available
Some campfire desserts need nothing more than aluminum foil and basic fire, while others require cast-iron skillets or Dutch ovens. If you’re backpacking, stick with foil-based options like banana boats or campfire cones. Car campers can bring heavier equipment for more elaborate treats like cobblers or skillet cookies.

Prep Time and Complexity
After a full day of hiking, simple campfire snacks that require minimal assembly hit the spot. Banana boats and grilled fruit take five minutes to prep. More complex options like eclairs or Dutch oven desserts work better when you have energy and time to monitor them.

Group Size and Sharing
Individual portions like campfire cones or baked apples work great for families where everyone wants something different. Skillet cookies and cobblers excel when feeding crowds since everyone digs in together. Consider how many people you’re serving and whether they’ll want customization options.

Ingredient Storage
Fresh fruit desserts like grilled peaches require cooler space and should be made earlier in your trip before fruit gets overripe. Shelf-stable options using canned ingredients, box mixes, or packaged dough last longer and work well for later trip days.

Fire Type and Heat Control
Some camping desserts need direct heat and high temperatures (grilled fruit, donuts), while others require gentle, indirect heat (Dutch oven cobbler, foil packets). Understanding your campfire setup helps you choose recipes that’ll actually work with your cooking situation.

Conclusion

The right campfire dessert transforms an ordinary camping trip into something memorable. Whether you’re grilling fresh peaches, melting chocolate in banana boats, or baking a full cobbler in a Dutch oven, these sweet treats prove you don’t need a kitchen to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Each recipe in this guide delivers on flavor without requiring professional cooking skills or specialty equipment. Pick one that matches your camping style, gather your ingredients, and get ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game. Once you’ve tasted a warm, gooey campfire dessert under the stars, regular s’mores just won’t cut it anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest campfire dessert to make?

Campfire cones and banana boats are the easiest campfire desserts. Both require just five minutes of prep, use simple ingredients, and cook in foil packets, so there’s minimal cleanup. They’re nearly impossible to mess up, making them perfect for beginners or kids.

Can you make campfire desserts without aluminum foil?

Yes, several camping desserts work without foil. Grilled fruit goes directly on a grill grate, skillet cookies and cobblers use cast iron, and campfire eclairs cook on sticks. Foil just makes cleanup easier for many recipes, but it’s not always necessary.

How do you prevent campfire desserts from burning?

Control heat by adjusting the distance from flames and using indirect heat when possible. Foil-wrapped desserts should go near coals rather than direct flames. For skillet desserts, place them on grill grates above the fire instead of directly on coals. Rotate items frequently for even cooking.

What are good campfire desserts for large groups?

Dutch oven cobblers and giant skillet cookies work best for crowds since everyone shares from one dish. Campfire cones also work well because people can customize their own while cooking happens simultaneously. Avoid recipes that require individual monitoring, like eclairs, when serving many people.

Do campfire desserts work on a camping stove?

Some do, but many lose their appeal without the smoky fire flavor. Skillet cookies and recipes using cast iron translate well to camp stoves. However, grilled fruit and foil packets specifically benefit from open flame cooking. If using a stove, focus on recipes that rely on even heat rather than char or smoke for flavor.