Head Outside This Summer to Enjoy These Campfire Desserts
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If spending time in nature and making memories with the kids weren't enough reasons to go camping this summer, then these campfire desserts will do the trick! From fruity cobblers made in a Dutch oven to make-ahead cookies that are great for taking on the go, this list has tons of sweet camping recipes that'll get you excited for you next summer trip.
Here, you’ll find fun tricks for cooking over an open fire, like using skewers to make grilled doughnut hole kebabs or foil pack recipes for a fun twist on apple pie. There's even a dessert recipe called campfire cones that will your kids in the family will absolutely love! Of course, no campfire dessert roundup would be complete without s'mores. Here, you’ll find our tips for making the perfect s'mores, plus creative s'mores desserts like make-ahead bars that reduce the mess but keep the gooey marshmallow.
Prefer to put seasonal summer fruits to good use? You'll love Ree Drummond's grilled peaches and pecans, which she calls a "magical combination." There's also grilled pineapple, watermelon, and plenty of reasons to top everything with fresh berries. So grab your camping essentials, portable grills, cast-iron skillets, and outdoor tent, because these summer desserts will get the whole family to gather round the fire!
Campfire Cones
Looking for a s'mores alternative? These treats are so much fun to make and eat! Kids can wrap the marshmallow and chocolate-filled cones in foil, then toss them in the campfire until melted.
Get the Campfire Cones recipe.
Doughnut Hole Kebabs
Transform store-bought glazed doughnut holes into a fun camping recipe by giving them those beautiful grill marks! Then, serve them up with the fruit sauces that you made ahead.
Get Ree's Doughnut Hole Kebabs recipe.
Grilled Peaches and Pecans
Sweet, juicy peaches and toasty pecans are what Ree calls a "magical combination." If you're camping in your own backyard, you can serve them over vanilla ice cream!
Get Ree's Grilled Peaches and Pecans recipe.
Skillet Mocha Brownie Sundae
Most desserts you can make in a cast-iron skillet you can throw on a grill or cook over a campfire, like this ooey gooey giant brownie. Just make sure to watch carefully as they bake, since the temperatures might vary.
Get Ree's Skillet Mocha Brownie Sundae recipe.
S'mores Bars
If you love the idea of s'mores but don't want to deal with the mess and potential danger, get all the flavor but less hassle by making these s'mores bars ahead of time.
Get the S'mores Bars recipe.
Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet
Another skillet recipe that can be made over a fire or grill is this apple skillet cake that just begs for a scoop of ice cream. It would be particularly good come apple season, which starts in the late summer.
Get Ree's Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet recipe.
Cowboy Cookies
Grab your favorite food storage containers to bring these cookies on your next adventure. They'll keep you satisfied after a long day of hiking.
Get the Cowboy Cookies recipe.
S'mores
Toasting marshmallows is practically required when it comes to camping! Add some melty chocolate and graham crackers (or any type of cookie!) for the ultimate summertime treat.
Get the S'mores recipe.
Funnel Cake
Funnel cake might not be the first thing you think of when camping, but it's surprisingly easy to make outdoors. All you need is a Dutch oven with oil and a funnel or measuring cup.
Get the Funnel Cake recipe.
Key Lime Cakes in a Jar
Keep a stash of these portable desserts in your cooler for a refreshing treat around the fire. You can reuse the mason jars for so many fun things!
Get Ree's Key Lime Cakes in a Jar recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
Juicy watermelon just screams summer! And when you add it to the grill, it's even more fun. This version is perfect for anyone who likes a sweet and salty treat.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Blueberry Bars
Here's another dessert you'll want to pack ahead of time: blueberry bars! It's just as delicious for breakfast as it is for dessert around the fire.
Get the Blueberry Bars recipe.
Grilled Pineapple
When you grill pineapple, the natural sugars caramelize to bring out extra sweetness. Slices taste unbelievable paired with vanilla ice cream for a simple yet stunning dessert.
Get the Grilled Pineapple recipe at Jessica in the Kitchen.
Grilled Blueberry Dessert Pizza
Grilling pizza is one thing, but grilling a dessert pizza? That's a whole other level of tasty. And then there are the perfectly in-season blueberries to top it off. That's worth sitting around the campfire for!
Get the Grilled Blueberry Dessert Pizza recipe at Yellow Bliss Road.
Triple Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Chocolate chip is probably the most popular type of skillet cookie there is―and for good reason! The center stays gooey while the outsides get crispy, which is exactly what we crave.
Get the Triple Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Grilled Brioche with Mixed Berry and Vanilla Ricotta Cheese
If you're looking for something a little more sophisticated, behold this beauty! Fresh berries and vanilla-scented ricotta top toasted layers of buttery brioche for a not-too-sweet spin on dessert.
Get the Grilled Brioche with Mixed Berry and Vanilla Ricotta Cheese recipe at The Noshery.
Easy Strawberry Cake
Have you ever roasted strawberries before? They're delightful! And adding them to a sweet cake batter filled with almonds makes them even better.
Get the Easy Strawberry Cake recipe at Well Plated by Erin.
Grilled Watermelon Pineapple Skewers
Grilled fruit skewers are great on their own, but if you add a simple dip to go with them, they get even tastier! In this case, it's tangy Greek yogurt mixed with brown sugar.
Get the Grilled Watermelon Pineapple Skewers recipe at Amanda's Cookin'.
Grilled Pound Cake Recipe with Mascarpone and Berries
Grilling pound cake gives it an extra depth of flavor. Make your own or go with store-bought to save some time. Either way, smothering it in mascarpone cheese and sweet blueberries will make it irresistible.
Get the Grilled Pound Cake Recipe with Mascarpone and Berries recipe at Sugar and Cloth.
Campfire Apple Pie Packets
Apples, warm spices, and a crumbly topping are all piled onto a sheet of aluminum foil for this easy dessert. After cooking it over the fire for just 12 minutes, they're ready to eat!
Get the Campfire Apple Pie Packets recipe at Love From the Oven.
Grilled Angel Food Cake
Whether you bake your own cake ahead or buy a store-bought angel food cake, this recipe is a fun way to doctor it up. It's especially delicious when served with fruit sauce, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Get the Grilled Angel Food Cake recipe at A Farmgirl's Dabbles.
Skillet S'mores Cookie
This blogger says the skillet-baked cookie can be made over a campfire or in an oven. Either way, thanks to the toasted marshmallows, you'll get that campfire flavor.
Get the Skillet S'mores Cookie recipe at A Classic Twist.
Cinnamon Monkey Bread Foil Packets
If you're a fan of gooey, sticky, sweet monkey bread, then this recipe is for you! It uses packaged cinnamon rolls so it's super easy.
Get the Cinnamon Monkey Bread Foil Packets recipe at Gimme Some Grilling.
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
Here, you'll find all the instructions you need for cooking a peach cobbler over an open fire. It's warm and comforting—and it doesn't get better than that!
Get the Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler recipe at Well Plated by Erin.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookie Stuffed Bananas
These bananas act like little boats for holding the oatmeal chocolate chunk cookie filling. It's a warm, crisp dessert your family will love.
Get the Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookie Stuffed Bananas recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
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