These campfire banana boats are so delicious and the perfect treat to enjoy when hanging out around the bonfire! They’re super easy to make, kids love putting them together and make a great campfire dessert or treat!

Summer is in full swing which means it’s officially camping and bonfire season. There is nothing that my family loves more (especially my kids) than to spend an evening around a bonfire enjoying some yummy treats. Thankfully, in the midst of Quarantine Summer 2020 while on the search for fun family activitiesm we dived into some DIY projects, including our fire pit that has been used heavily over the last year.

For lots of other fun summertime ideas to do with kids, make sure to check out my recent post on Zulily: 20 Fun Things To Do in Summer With Kids.

If you’ve never had banana boats, you’ve got to try them! It’s a fabulous way to switch it up from another campfire favorite, s’mores (plus you can make a s’more inspired boat too) as well as a great way to use up over ripe bananas. Whether you’re hanging out in the backyard or kicking it at your local campground, these are sure to become a family favorite. They can be made on the grill (medium-high heat) or right in the campfire. If you are making them in a campfire, it is best (and safer) to make them as the fire is dying down in the hot coals. I love the rustic fun of making them right in the fire pit and my kids always think it’s the coolest thing too.

One of the best things about these banana boats is that there are so many different ways you can make them! I’m sharing a few of my favorite combos below, but don’t be afraid to mix it up and create your own favorite combinations! Don’t be shy when adding toppings – the more the better! If you adding crispy toppings (like graham crackers), you may want to add them after they’ve roasted as the crackers will get a bit soggy while they are cooking.

Campfire Banana Boat Combination Ideas:

S’more

Just like the classic with a gooey banana twist! Load up your banana with chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers.

Samoa

Just like a girl scout cookie! The combination of banana, caramel sauce, chocolate and sweetened coconut flakes is so yummy!

Sundae

Think banana sundae sans ice cream: banana, chocolate, marshmallows, & fruit (pineapple, strawberry, blueberries, etc).

PB and Chocolate

This is basic, but oh-so-good! Load them up with a heaping of peanut butter and lots of chocolate.

A few tips for the best banana boats:

  • These can be made on the grill over medium-hight heat or in the campfire (my favorite option). If making in the fire, it’s best to wait until the fire dies down a bit and cook them in the hot coals. These will give you a more even heat and it’s safer too. Make sure to wear a long oven mitt to keep safe from the heat.
  • Try not to cut all the way through the banana! You don’t want all your delicious toppings to melt out.

  • If adding crunchy toppings, wait to add until they’ve cooked or add more so that you get the mix of gooey banana/toppings with some crunch.
  • Don’t be shy with toppings. Load them up!
  • When removing the banana boats, set them aside for a few moments to cool. When unwrapping, there will be steam so do so carefully.

  • If you’re not a fan of aluminum foil being next to your food, you can wrap the boats in parchment paper first and then cover with foil. Make sure the foil is tightly wrapped and sealed around your banana.

Campfire (or Grilled) Banana Boats

Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bananas

Banana Toppings

  • chocolate bars or chocolate chips
  • mini marshmallows
  • fruit (strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, etc)
  • caramel sauce
  • graham crackers
  • coconut flakes
  • peanut butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the grill to medium high heat or have your fire ready (hot coals are best).
  • Cut each banana lengthwise in the curve of each banana about 3/4 the way through.
  • With your hands, gently open the banana to make space to add fillings
  • Add fillings of choice.
  • Wrap banana tightly with heavy duty aluminum foil.
  • Place banana over hot coals for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway through. If grilling, lower heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes and flip halfway through.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for several minutes to cool. Carefully remove foil and add additional toppings if desired.

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