Save This sweet and gooey banana dessert has become our family's camping tradition, bringing smiles around the campfire after a day of outdoor adventures. The combination of warm banana, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows creates an irresistible treat that's ridiculously simple to prepare but feels like a special occasion dessert.
I first made these on an impromptu camping trip when we forgot our usual dessert supplies. They were such a hit that my kids now request them for every outdoor gathering, even demanding them for backyard movie nights when camping isn't on the agenda.
Ingredients
- Fresh bananas: choose ones that are ripe with a few brown spots for maximum sweetness but still firm enough to hold their shape
- Semisweet chocolate chips: standard chips melt perfectly but you can use milk or dark chocolate based on preference
- Mini marshmallows: they melt more evenly than large ones and distribute throughout the banana better
- Chopped nuts: add wonderful texture contrast to the soft banana and melty chocolate
- Butter: a small amount creates incredible richness and helps everything melt together beautifully
- Graham cracker crumbs: optional but add that classic smore flavor that makes these extra special
Instructions
- Prepare Your Heat Source:
- Build a proper campfire with hot coals or preheat your grill to medium heat around 350°F. You want consistent heat that will gently warm the bananas without burning them. If using a campfire, wait until you have glowing embers rather than active flames.
- Create Banana Boats:
- Take each banana and carefully slice it lengthwise without cutting all the way through to the bottom. The peel should remain connected, creating a natural boat shape that will hold all your delicious fillings. Be gentle to avoid splitting the banana completely.
- Add The Fillings:
- Open each banana slightly to create a pocket and distribute chocolate chips, marshmallows and optional nuts evenly inside each one. The warmth of the banana will help melt everything together. Be generous with the fillings but avoid overstuffing which can make them difficult to wrap.
- Top With Extras:
- Dot each stuffed banana with a teaspoon of butter, distributing it in small pieces along the length. This creates incredible richness as it melts. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top if using for that classic smore flavor profile that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Wrap Securely:
- Place each prepared banana on a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil large enough to completely enclose it. Fold the foil over the banana and seal all edges by folding them together multiple times. This creates a secure packet that traps heat and prevents any delicious melted ingredients from escaping.
- Grill To Perfection:
- Place your foil packets on the grill grate or nestle them into the campfire coals. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, carefully flipping once halfway through. You want the bananas to soften and the fillings to melt completely into a gooey delicious mixture.
- Serve With Caution:
- Remove packets from heat using tongs and let them cool slightly before opening. The contents will be extremely hot and steam will escape when first opened. Serve directly in the foil packets with spoons for the most authentic camping experience.
Save Make Ahead Options
These delightful banana boats can be assembled up to 4 hours before cooking. Simply prepare the bananas with all fillings, wrap them tightly in foil, and store in a cooler until ready to grill. This makes them perfect for busy camping trips when you want to prepare everything before setting up camp. The bananas might darken slightly with time, but this won't affect the flavor at all. In fact, I often prepare these at home before heading to our campsite, which saves valuable outdoor time for activities rather than food prep.
Creative Variations
The basic chocolate and marshmallow combination is just the beginning of what these banana boats can become. Try adding peanut butter chips for a chocolate peanut butter cup flavor profile. White chocolate and crushed strawberries create a delicious strawberries and cream version. Butterscotch chips and crushed gingersnaps make a spectacular fall variation. My personal favorite is adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few caramel bits, and crushed pecans for a bananas foster inspired treat that never fails to impress camping guests.
Kid-Friendly Activity
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how perfectly it works as a camping activity for children. Set up a banana boat bar with various toppings in separate containers and let each child customize their own dessert. Even young children can help stuff their bananas with their favorite ingredients. This creates both a dessert and an entertainment activity in one. Just make sure an adult handles the wrapping and grilling portions for safety. My children have created some truly interesting combinations over the years, including one memorable creation featuring chocolate chips, gummy bears, and potato chips that was surprisingly not terrible.
Indoor Alternatives
No campfire or grill available? These delicious treats adapt beautifully to home cooking methods. Bake the foil packets in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until everything is melted and gooey. You can even make individual portions in the microwave by preparing the banana in a microwave safe bowl and heating for 1 to 2 minutes until melted. While you miss the subtle smokiness that outdoor cooking provides, the convenience of making these any time of year makes up for it. During winter months, we often make these as a special weekend treat that brings back memories of summer camping adventures.
Save These banana boats are best served warm, directly from the foil packets, allowing the melted chocolate and marshmallows to create a truly decadent dessert experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these packs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the foil packs beforehand and keep them chilled until ready to grill. This makes them perfect for camping or entertaining.
- → Are there nut-free options?
Simply omit the walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version. You can add extra chocolate or marshmallows if desired.
- → Can I use a regular oven instead of a grill?
Yes, bake the foil packs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes until gooey and warm.
- → How do I prevent the banana from getting mushy?
Don’t overcook the packs; 8-10 minutes is usually perfect to melt the fillings while maintaining banana texture.
- → What other sweet toppings can I try?
Try peanut butter, caramel chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and variety.
- → What’s the best way to serve these?
Open the foil carefully and enjoy right from the pack with a spoon for easy serving and cleanup.