Juicy Campfire Banana Splits

Camping desserts hold a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about sitting around a crackling fire, sharing stories, and enjoying a delicious treat under the stars. While s’mores might be the traditional camping dessert, I’ve found that making banana splits right over the campfire is just as enjoyable, with less mess and just as much fun.

I started making these campfire banana splits during family camping trips when the kids were little, and now they’ve become our go-to dessert. The best part is, I can prep everything at home and pack it in a cooler, so there’s no need to worry about bringing ingredients while out in nature. Plus, the fire does most of the work, leaving me free to relax and enjoy the moment. These banana splits are quick to prepare, fun for the whole family, and, most importantly, absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Campfire Banana Splits

I absolutely love making these banana splits for a few reasons. First, they’re the perfect camping dessert, as they’re cooked right over the campfire, adding a fun and interactive element to your outdoor experience. With only three simple ingredients – bananas, chocolate chips, and marshmallows – I can easily pack everything and make these sweet treats without any hassle.

Another great reason I love them? They take just 15-25 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect when I want a quick dessert after a day full of hiking or other outdoor activities. And they’re kid-friendly! My kids love helping to assemble their own banana boats and watching as they transform into gooey, melty desserts.

Ingredients

• 6 large bananas, with peels on and stems cut off

• 2 cups chocolate chips, semisweet variety

• 1 package mini marshmallows (10.5 ounces)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Grill and Foil
   Preheat the grill to high heat. While it’s heating up, I spray four sheets of aluminum foil (large enough to wrap the bananas) with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Slice and Prepare the Bananas
   I slice each banana lengthwise from stem to bottom, ensuring not to cut all the way through. This creates a pocket inside for the fillings. Alternatively, I sometimes slice the banana into smaller pieces while keeping the peel intact for easier handling.

3. Stuff the Bananas
   Once the banana is sliced, I stuff it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, spreading them evenly throughout to get that perfect, gooey bite every time.

4. Wrap and Grill the Bananas
   I wrap each stuffed banana in the prepared foil and place them on the preheated grill or directly into the coals of the campfire. I let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the chocolate chips and marshmallows to melt into a delightful, oozy mess.

5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once they’re done, I carefully unwrap the foil (they’ll be hot!) and open the banana peel to reveal the melted contents. Then, I use a spoon to scoop out the delicious, gooey dessert. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-tasty!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes

• Total Time: 15-25 minutes

Variations

These campfire banana splits are already pretty amazing on their own, but there are always ways to mix things up. Instead of just chocolate chips and marshmallows, I like to add extra toppings. Crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut are fantastic additions that bring more texture and flavor. If I’m feeling adventurous, I even toss in some crushed candy bars!

For a different twist, I swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. You can also try peanut butter chips if you’re in the mood for something a little different. And if you want to go all-out, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the hot banana splits is the ultimate indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend enjoying these campfire banana splits right away while they’re warm and gooey. The melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows give them that perfect camping treat texture that’s just meant to be eaten fresh. If I do happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), they won’t hold up well once cooled, as the marshmallows will harden and the banana may become mushy.

If I’m planning ahead for a camping trip, I pre-pack all the ingredients separately: bananas whole and unpeeled, chocolate chips in a sealed bag, and marshmallows in their original package or a zip-top bag. This makes for easy assembly once I’m ready to cook over the campfire.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bananas for this recipe?

I always opt for bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots. These bananas are perfectly ripe but not too soft. However, if the bananas are still a little green, they’ll soften while cooking. Just avoid overripe bananas, as they can get too mushy on the grill.

Can I make these banana splits ahead of time?

The great thing about these banana splits is that you can prep everything in advance. I pack the bananas whole, keeping the chocolate chips and marshmallows separately in bags. This way, when I’m ready to make the splits, everything is ready to go!

What can I substitute for mini marshmallows?

If I don’t have mini marshmallows, I’ve used regular-sized ones and just cut them into halves or quarters. If I’m looking for something different, I’ve also used marshmallow fluff, although it’s a little messier to work with.

Can I add other toppings to my banana splits?

Absolutely! While the classic version is delicious, I love to add extras like crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even crushed candy bars to give the banana splits more texture and flavor.

How do I avoid burning the bananas on the grill?

To prevent burning, I always place the bananas on the grill or in the fire’s coals but avoid putting them directly in the flames. The indirect heat from the coals works perfectly. Wrapping the bananas in foil and rotating them occasionally helps ensure the chocolate and marshmallows melt evenly.

Conclusion

These juicy campfire banana splits are my go-to camping dessert, bringing joy to everyone around the fire. The process is easy, the results are delicious, and it’s the perfect treat to cap off a day of outdoor adventure. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, I can whip up a sweet and gooey dessert that’s sure to become a new camping tradition. Happy camping!