Camp Cooking, Camping

Campfire Dessert Ideas: 7 Kid-Friendly Treats

Camping trips offer the perfect opportunity to bond with family and create lasting memories. One delightful way to enhance this experience is by preparing fun and delicious desserts over the campfire. Engaging children in these activities not only satisfies their sweet tooth but also teaches them basic cooking skills. Here are five kid-friendly campfire desserts, complete with ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions.

1. Campfire Cones

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1 waffle cone
  • 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
  • Assorted fillings: sliced strawberries, bananas, peanut butter chips, or crushed nuts
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Fill the Cone: Let each child fill their waffle cone with a mix of marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chosen fillings.
  2. Wrap in Foil: Wrap the filled cone tightly with aluminum foil.
  3. Heat Over Campfire: Place the foil-wrapped cone on the campfire grate or near the coals for about 5-7 minutes, rotating occasionally.
  4. Enjoy: Once the contents are melted and gooey, allow the cone to cool slightly before unwrapping and enjoying.

This customizable treat is a hit with kids, allowing them to choose their favorite fillings.

2. Banana Boats

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1 banana
  • 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips or pieces from a chocolate bar
  • Optional toppings: crushed graham crackers, peanut butter, or caramel bits
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Banana: With the peel on, slice the banana lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
  2. Add Fillings: Open the slit and stuff with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and any additional desired toppings.
  3. Wrap in Foil: Wrap the banana securely in aluminum foil.
  4. Cook Over Campfire: Place the foil-wrapped banana on the campfire grate or directly on hot coals for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Serve: Carefully unwrap and let it cool slightly before eating with a spoon.

Banana boats are a fun and interactive dessert that combines fruit with sweet treats.

3. Campfire Eclairs

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1 refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1/4 cup vanilla pudding (prepared in advance and chilled)
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate frosting or Nutella
  • Butter or non-stick cooking spray
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sturdy roasting sticks

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Stick: Wrap the end of a roasting stick with aluminum foil and coat with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Wrap the Dough: Take a piece of crescent roll dough and wrap it around the foil-covered end of the stick, ensuring it’s sealed at the tip to form a hollow cone shape.
  3. Cook Over Fire: Hold the dough over the campfire, rotating slowly until it’s golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  4. Fill with Pudding: Once cooled slightly, slide the pastry off the stick and fill the cavity with vanilla pudding.
  5. Add Topping: Spread chocolate frosting or Nutella over the top and enjoy.

This creative dessert combines the joy of roasting over a fire with the indulgence of a classic eclair.

4. Orange Peel Brownies

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1 large orange
  • 1/4 cup brownie batter (prepared from a mix or homemade)
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Orange: Slice off the top of the orange and scoop out the flesh, creating a hollow shell.
  2. Fill with Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the hollowed-out orange, filling it about two-thirds full.
  3. Replace the Lid: Place the top of the orange back on and wrap the entire orange in aluminum foil.
  4. Bake in Campfire: Place the foil-wrapped orange in the campfire coals and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Enjoy: Carefully remove from the fire, unwrap, and let cool slightly before eating the brownie with a spoon.

This method infuses the brownie with a subtle citrus flavor and is a fun twist on traditional campfire desserts.

5. S’mores Nachos

Ingredients (serves 4):

  • 2 cups graham cracker pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or broken Hershey’s bars
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter drizzle (optional)
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Layer the Ingredients: In a foil-lined cast-iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan, layer graham cracker pieces, chocolate, and marshmallows.
  2. Cook Over the Fire: Cover loosely with foil and place over campfire coals or on a grill grate. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until marshmallows are gooey and chocolate is melted.
  3. Add Toppings: Drizzle with caramel or peanut butter if desired, then serve with forks or dip graham crackers in.

Perfect for sharing, these s’mores nachos are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat!

6. Cinnamon Roll Skewers

Ingredients (makes 6 servings):

  • 1 can pre-made cinnamon roll dough
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Separate the cinnamon rolls and unroll each one into a long strip.
  2. Skewer the Dough: Wrap the dough strips around a skewer in a spiral shape.
  3. Cook Over Fire: Roast over campfire coals, rotating until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
  4. Make the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small cup.
  5. Drizzle and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are done, drizzle with glaze and enjoy!

These easy-to-make cinnamon rolls are a sweet and sticky campfire favorite!

7. Grilled Doughnut Hole Kebabs

Ingredients (serves 4):

  • 12 glazed doughnut holes
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, halved
  • 1/2 cup banana slices
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar (optional)
  • 4 metal or wooden skewers (if using wood, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Assemble the Skewers: Thread doughnut holes, marshmallows, strawberries, and banana slices onto skewers.
  2. Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the doughnut holes with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.
  3. Grill Over Fire: Hold over the campfire or place on a grill, turning occasionally, until the marshmallows are toasted (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Serve Warm: Let cool slightly and enjoy!

💡 Tip: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for extra decadence!

Final Thoughts

Making kid-friendly campfire desserts adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to outdoor adventures. Whether it’s the classic gooey Banana Boats, interactive S’mores Nachos, or the campfire bakery-style Cinnamon Roll Skewers, these treats are easy to prepare and will surely bring smiles around the fire.

Try these on your next camping trip and make dessert time the highlight of your adventure! 🔥🍫🍌