Did you know you can make incredible desserts over an open fire? Whether you’re deep in the woods or relaxing in your backyard, a campfire is the perfect place to create warm, comforting sweets. Below are ten easy and delicious open-fire dessert ideas to inspire your next outdoor cookout.
1. Dutch Oven Apple Pie
A classic apple pie translates beautifully to a Dutch oven over coals. Use a sturdy Dutch oven, a reliable pie recipe, and fresh apples if you can get them. Layer the filling and top crust, then let the pie bake slowly over steady coals for about two hours, rotating the pot occasionally for even baking. The result is a flaky, caramelized crust and soft, cinnamon-spiced apples—perfect for sharing.
2. Hanging Pineapples
Hanging pineapple is an elegant, simple fire dessert. Peel the outer skin, leave the crown to use as a hanging point, and suspend the fruit above the flames for an hour or two. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the pineapple, concentrating the flavor. Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
3. Banana Foster
Banana Foster is a restaurant favorite you can recreate on a campfire. In a skillet, caramelize brown sugar and butter, add sliced bananas, and (carefully) flame with a splash of rum or simply cook without igniting for safety. Serve over ice cream for a rich, boozy dessert. Use caution when flambéing—only attempt it if you’re comfortable and have proper safety measures in place.
4. Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt S’Mores
Upgrade the traditional s’more by swapping milk chocolate for dark chocolate and adding a pinch of flaky sea salt. Toast marshmallows to your preferred level of melt, sandwich with rich dark chocolate between graham crackers, and finish with a tiny sprinkle of salt to enhance the chocolate’s complexity. Lightweight and easy to pack, this version is ideal for backpacking and car camping alike.
5. Baked Apples in Foil
Baked apples are simple and satisfying. Slice apples and combine with butter, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar in tin foil packets. Seal the foil and nestle the packets in hot coals for 20–30 minutes. Open carefully and serve warm—these are great for serving a crowd and require minimal cleanup.
6. Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are an effortless, elegant dessert. Halve and pit ripe peaches, sear them cut-side down over the grill or on a hot grate, and serve immediately. For added richness, toss the seared peaches in a skillet with brown sugar and a splash of spiced rum or vanilla, then spoon over cake or ice cream for a crowd-pleasing finish.
7. Dutch Oven Cinnamon Rolls
Fresh cinnamon rolls baked in a Dutch oven make a decadent breakfast or dessert around the fire. Arrange rolls in a buttered pot, cover, and bake over coals until golden and cooked through. Finish with a drizzle of icing or cream cheese glaze while still warm for maximum gooeyness.
8. Nutella & Fruit on Coal-Roasted Bread
Coal-roasted flatbread topped with Nutella and fresh fruit is a quick, shareable sweet. Roll dough thin, cook it briefly on hot coals—about a minute or two per side—then spread with Nutella and add sliced berries or bananas. This dessert is fast, portable, and perfect for campers wanting something impressive with minimal gear. For step-by-step instructions, refer to a trusted campfire bread recipe.
9. Cherry Turnover
Cherry turnovers are a campfire staple. Use slices of sturdy bread or pastry, add cherry filling, fold or press closed, and cook in a cast-iron turnover mold or a well-lubricated skillet. Toast over the fire until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside for a warm, fruity treat.
10. Skillet Cookie & Ice Cream
A gooey skillet cookie baked in a small cast-iron pan is a rustic favorite. Press cookie dough into the pan, cover, and bake near hot coals for 20–30 minutes, checking for a soft center. Top with a generous scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of sauce or nuts for an indulgent finale to any outdoor meal.
Get Cooking: Simple Tips for Open Fire Desserts
Open fire desserts are approachable, shareable, and full of flavor. Use heavy-duty cookware like a Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet for even heat, prepare ingredients ahead of time, and keep a dedicated area for desserts so they don’t get lost in the main cooking. Control your heat by using embers rather than open flames for more predictable results. Above all, experiment with seasonal fruit, spices, and toppings to make outdoor desserts that everyone will remember.
