Camping is a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, explore new places, and spend quality time with friends and family. But when it comes to food, it can be challenging to whip up delicious and satisfying meals and snacks in the great outdoors.
That’s especially true for those with a sweet tooth. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 35 make-ahead camping desserts that are perfect for any outdoor adventure. From no-bake treats to fruit-based desserts to campfire classics with a twist, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So, whether you’re heading out on a weekend camping trip or planning an extended backcountry excursion, here are desserts that will help you satisfy your cravings for something sweet without sacrificing convenience or taste.
Make-Ahead No-Bake Camping Desserts
If you’re looking for easy and quick dessert options that require minimal effort and no cooking, then no-bake camping desserts are the way to go. Not only are these desserts convenient, but they also taste amazing and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a camping trip.
1. Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Bars
If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, then you’ll love these no-bake chocolate-covered peanut butter bars. Made with just a few simple ingredients, including peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips, these bars are easy to prepare ahead of time and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to enjoy them.
2. No-Bake S’mores Bars
S’mores are a classic camping treat, but they can be messy and time-consuming to make. That’s where these no-bake s’mores bars come in handy. With all the classic s’mores flavors in a convenient bar form, these treats are perfect for snacking on during your camping trip.
3. Trail Mix Energy Bites
For a healthy and filling snack that also satisfies your sweet cravings, try making these trail mix energy bites. Made with oats, peanut butter, honey, and a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips and dried fruit, these bites are perfect for fueling your outdoor adventures.
4. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
With just a few simple ingredients, including oats, peanut butter, and honey, you can whip up a batch of these delicious and nutritious peanut butter oatmeal cookies. These cookies are perfect for a midday snack or a sweet treat after dinner.
5. Fudgey Brownie Bites
For a chocolatey and indulgent dessert that requires no baking, try these fudgy brownie bites. Made with almond flour, cocoa powder, and maple syrup, these bites are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
No-bake camping desserts are perfect for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without having to worry about cooking or cleaning up. Plus, these desserts are easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container, making them a convenient option for any camping trip.
Related: Healthy Camping Desserts To Fuel Your Next Trip
Fruit-Based Camping Desserts
Fruit-based desserts are a great option for those who want something sweet but also want to keep things on the healthier side. With a variety of fruits available depending on the season, you can easily create delicious and refreshing desserts that are perfect for a camping trip.
1. Grilled Peaches with Honey and Yogurt
Grilled peaches are a simple yet delicious dessert that is perfect for a warm summer night around the campfire. Just slice the peaches in half, grill them for a few minutes, and top them with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of yogurt.
2. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
For a fun and colorful dessert that’s perfect for a group, try making these strawberry shortcake skewers. Simply alternate pieces of angel food cake, strawberries, and whipped cream on skewers for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
3. Banana Boats
Banana boats are a classic camping dessert that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Simply slice a banana down the middle, fill it with chocolate chips and marshmallows, wrap it in foil, and cook it over the campfire until everything is melted and gooey.
4. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon
Grilled pineapple is a delicious and healthy dessert that’s perfect for a camping trip. Simply slice the pineapple into rounds, sprinkle with cinnamon, and grill until caramelized and tender.
5. Mixed Berry Salad
For a light and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days, try making a mixed berry salad. Simply mix together a variety of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
Make-Ahead Campfire Classics with a Twist
Who says you can’t have classic camping desserts with a little twist? Here are some ideas to spice up your favorite campfire classics and make them even more delicious.
1. S’mores with Peanut Butter Cups
Upgrade your classic s’mores by replacing the plain chocolate with peanut butter cups. Simply sandwich the peanut butter cups between two graham crackers and marshmallows for a gooey and indulgent treat.
2. Campfire Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a classic dessert that’s perfect for the fall season. To make it even more camping-friendly, try making it in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire. Simply layer sliced apples with a crumbly topping made of oats, flour, sugar, and butter, and cook until golden brown and bubbly.
3. Grilled Nutella and Banana Sandwich
For a decadent and indulgent dessert, try making a grilled Nutella and banana sandwich. Simply spread Nutella on two slices of bread, add sliced bananas in the middle, and grill until the bread is golden brown and the Nutella is melted.
4. Campfire Donuts
Who says you can’t have fresh donuts while camping? With a can of biscuit dough and some hot oil, you can easily make delicious and fluffy donuts right over the campfire. Simply fry the biscuit dough until golden brown, then coat it with your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar.
5. Skillet Brownies
Brownies are a classic dessert that’s always a hit with a crowd. To make them camping-friendly, try making them in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire. Simply mix together your favorite brownie recipe and pour into the skillet, then cook until fudgy and gooey.
By putting a fun twist on classic camping desserts, you can create new and exciting treats that are sure to be a hit with your fellow campers. These desserts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also adding some fun and creativity to your camping trip.
Make-Ahead Camping Desserts with a Kick
If you’re looking for desserts that are easy to make ahead of time and have a little something extra, these recipes are for you. From boozy treats to spicy indulgences, these make-ahead desserts will add a little kick to your camping trip.
1. Bourbon Peach Cobbler
This bourbon peach cobbler is a perfect make-ahead dessert for any camping trip. Simply combine sliced peaches, sugar, bourbon, and spices in a baking dish, and top with a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. Bake at home, and bring it with you to reheat over the campfire. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, boozy, and comforting.
2. Spicy Hot Chocolate
Nothing warms you up on a chilly camping night like a steaming cup of hot chocolate. To make it even better, add a little kick with some cayenne pepper or chili powder. Simply mix together your favorite hot chocolate mix with hot water, and add a pinch of spice for a delicious and unexpected twist.
3. Boozy Bananas Foster
This boozy bananas foster is a decadent and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for a camping trip. Simply slice bananas and cook them in butter, brown sugar, and rum until they’re caramelized and delicious. Serve over ice cream for an extra special treat.
4. Whiskey Caramel Sauce
This whiskey caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over your favorite camping desserts. Simply mix together sugar, cream, and whiskey, and cook until thick and syrupy. It’s the perfect addition to brownies, ice cream, or even grilled fruit.
5. Spiced Campfire Apples
These spiced campfire apples are a healthy and delicious dessert option that still has a little kick. Simply core and slice apples, and toss with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little bit of brown sugar. Wrap them in foil and cook them over the campfire until they’re tender and caramelized.
Sweet Treats on the Go
When you’re out camping, sometimes you just need a quick and easy sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. These make-ahead desserts are perfect for packing on the go, so you can enjoy something sweet without any fuss.
1. Trail Mix Cookies
These trail mix cookies are a perfect sweet treat for a camping trip. Simply mix together your favorite trail mix with some flour, sugar, and butter, and bake them at home before your trip. They’re easy to pack and will give you the energy you need to tackle any outdoor adventure.
2. Peanut Butter Energy Bites
These peanut butter energy bites are perfect for a quick and easy sweet treat. Simply mix together peanut butter, oats, honey, and any other mix-ins you like, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit. Roll them into bite-sized balls, and store them in a container for easy snacking on the go.
3. S’mores Bars
If you love the classic camping treat of s’mores, but don’t want to deal with the mess of making them over the campfire, these s’mores bars are for you. Simply mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted chocolate, and mini marshmallows, and bake in a pan.
Once they’re cool, cut them into bars and pack them up for a sweet and easy camping dessert.
4. Granola Bars
These homemade granola bars are a perfect make-ahead snack for a camping trip. Simply mix together oats, nuts, seeds, and any other mix-ins you like, and bake them into bars. They’re easy to pack and will give you a boost of energy whenever you need it.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These chocolate-covered strawberries are a decadent and easy sweet treat for any camping trip. Simply melt some chocolate at home, and dip the strawberries before packing them up. They’re easy to transport and will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.