Campfire Banana Boats Recipe for an Easy Campfire Dessert

What is a Banana Boat?

Campfire banana boats are the ultimate outdoor dessert. Imagine the best parts of a s’more and a banana split combined into one warm, gooey, foil wrapped package. You split a ripe banana (not too ripe, not too green) lengthwise along the concave side, leaving the peel intact. Then you stuff it with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and whatever else sounds good, wrap it up, and let the fire work its magic. In about 5 to 10 minutes, you have a melty, sweet, and crunchy treat that feels both nostalgic and innovative. They are ridiculously easy to make, which is why they have become a camping staple. For more no fuss outdoor cooking ideas, check out our Camping Recipes for Effortless Campfire Cooking. If you want a more detailed walkthrough, this campfire banana boats recipe is a great reference.

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How to Build Your Campfire Banana Boat

Start by choosing the right banana. You want it ripe but firm. If your banana is too ripe, it will turn into mush as it heats. Too green, and it will be hard and less sweet. Hold the banana with the concave side facing up. Using a sharp knife, slice through the peel lengthwise, cutting just deep enough to go through the peel and barely into the banana flesh. Do not cut all the way through the bottom peel. You want a pocket, not a split.

Gently pull the peel and banana apart to open the slit. Now comes the fun part: fill it. We like to think of fillings in three categories: Something Melty, Something Sweet, and Something Crunchy. The melty part could be chocolate chips or Nutella. The sweet part could be marshmallows or caramel bits. The crunchy part could be crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts. Stuff the fillings in a line down the center. For a double stuffed banana boat, also tuck some toppings between the banana and the peel on the sides. Do not overstuff the banana, or it may split apart while cooking. For more ideas, see this how to make banana boats guide.

How to Wrap Your Banana Boat

Wrapping is just as important as the fillings. You want to trap the heat and melt everything together without the foil touching the banana directly. We recommend a two layer approach: parchment paper on the inside, heavy duty aluminum foil on the outside. Cut both into roughly 1 foot by 1 foot squares. Place the parchment on top of the foil, then put the stuffed banana in the center. Crimp the corners of the paper and foil together to form a tight packet. Fold the edges over so no steam can escape. If you are using a compostable parchment like IfYouCare, you get bonus eco points. For more foil packet cooking inspiration, browse our Foil Packet Camping Recipes.

How to Cook Your Banana Boat

You have two main options: a raised grill grate or nestled in embers. If your campfire has tall flames, use a grill grate set above the fire. Place the foil packet topping side up so the heat rises and melts the chocolate from the top down. If the fire has died down to glowing embers, you can nestle the packet directly into the hot coals. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. To check for doneness, use long handled tongs to gently squeeze the packet. If it feels firm, it needs more time. If it feels squishy and the banana gives under pressure, it is ready.

When the packet is done, remove it from the fire and let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This cooldown prevents steam burns when you open it. Carefully peel back the foil and parchment, being cautious of the hot steam that escapes. The banana peel will be blackened, but the inside will be warm and soft. Serve immediately. You can eat directly from the foil or transfer to a bowl and top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

9 Campfire Banana Boat Flavor Combos

The classic s’mores combo is just the beginning. We have tested these nine flavor combinations, and each one brings something unique. If you are catering to different dietary needs, remember that Dandies brand marshmallows are vegan and gluten free, and Trader Joe’s mini marshmallows are also vegan. Here are the combos:

• Classic S’mores: banana + milk chocolate + mini marshmallows + crumbled graham crackers. The crowd pleaser.
• Strawberry Hazelnut: banana + fresh strawberries + Nutella + chopped hazelnuts. Fruity and rich.
• Samoas: banana + chocolate chips + caramel sauce + toasted coconut. Tastes like the Girl Scout cookie.
• Dulce de Leche: banana + chocolate + dulce de leche sauce + coconut shreds. Sweet and creamy.
• Vegan: banana + dark chocolate + Dandies mini marshmallows. Dairy free and delicious.
• PB&C: banana + peanut butter + chocolate chips. Simple, satisfying, and hard to beat.
• Honey Ginger: banana + honey + candied ginger + white or dark chocolate. Warm and slightly spicy.
• Banana Split: banana + milk chocolate + marshmallows + cherries. A classic ice cream sundae transformed.
• Pecan Praline: banana + pralines + dark chocolate. Southern inspired indulgence.

Feel free to mix and match. The formula always works: Something Melty + Something Sweet + Something Crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Campfire Banana Boats

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🔥 A warm, gooey campfire dessert that combines the best parts of a s’more and a banana split in one foil-wrapped package.
🍫 Ready in just 15 minutes with endless flavor combinations to satisfy every sweet tooth around the campfire.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 banana boat 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ripe but firm banana

2 tablespoons milk chocolate chips

2 tablespoons mini marshmallows

1 tablespoon crumbled graham crackers

Parchment paper, cut into a 12-inch square

Heavy-duty aluminum foil, cut into a 12-inch square

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Instructions

1-Choose the banana: Select a ripe but firm banana, not too ripe or it turns mushy, and not too green or it stays hard.

2-Slice the banana: Hold the banana with the concave side up and slice lengthwise through the peel, just deep enough to reach the flesh without cutting through the bottom peel.

3-Open the pocket: Gently pull the peel and banana apart to create a pocket while keeping the banana intact.

4-Stuff the fillings: Fill the pocket with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crumbled graham crackers in a line without overstuffing.

5-Wrap in parchment: Place the stuffed banana on a parchment paper square to prevent direct foil contact.

6-Wrap in foil: Place the parchment on heavy-duty foil, crimp the corners, and fold edges to form a tight, steam-proof packet.

7-Place on heat: Set the packet topping side up on a grill grate over the fire or nestle directly into hot embers.

8-Cook the banana boat: Cook for 5–10 minutes, turning once, until the banana feels soft and squishy when squeezed with tongs.

9-Rest the packet: Remove from the fire and let rest for 1–2 minutes to prevent steam burns when opening.

10-Serve: Carefully peel back the foil and parchment, avoiding escaping steam, and serve immediately from the foil or transfer to a bowl.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍌 Choose a banana that is ripe but firm—too ripe turns mushy, too green stays hard and less sweet.
🔥 Let the packet rest for 1 to 2 minutes after cooking to avoid steam burns when opening.
📝 Use the three-part formula for fillings: Something Melty + Something Sweet + Something Crunchy.

• Author: Ruby Bennett
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Rest Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Campfire
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 banana boat
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 66mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg