National Dessert Day is Oct. 14, and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in some sweet treats, even while you’re out camping in your RV. Whether you’re parked at a scenic campsite or cozying up by a campfire, these dessert recipes are designed to be simple and delicious, making your outdoor adventure even sweeter. Here are a few easy-to-make dessert ideas that you can whip up right at the campground:
1. Campfire S’mores
A classic camping dessert, s’mores are a must-have on National Dessert Day. This iconic treat combines graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars into a gooey, melty delight. Add your own twist by substituting the graham crackers with other ingredients like croissants, chocolate chip cookies, or wafers. You can also swap the chocolate for cookies and cream bars, Reese’s, or other fun chocolate varieties! Check out these recipe variations!
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars
Instructions:
- Roast marshmallows over the campfire until they’re golden brown and gooey.
- Place a piece of chocolate on a graham cracker.
- Top with the roasted marshmallow and another graham cracker to make a sandwich.
- Enjoy the warm, melted goodness!
2. Campfire Banana Boats
Banana boats are an easy and fun dessert that you can customize to your taste. They’re perfect for cooking over the campfire.
Ingredients:
- Bananas (one per serving)
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips or chunks
- Crushed nuts (optional)
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Leave the banana in its peel and slice it lengthwise down the middle, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Stuff the slit with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and any other desired toppings.
- Wrap the banana tightly in aluminum foil.
- Place the foil-wrapped banana on the campfire coals or grill for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted.
- Carefully unwrap and enjoy!
3. Campfire Apple Crisp
A warm, apple crisp is the ultimate comfort food and can be easily made at your campsite — and it’s perfect for fall! This dessert combines tender apples with a crunchy, buttery topping.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled, sliced apples (Granny Smith or any firm variety)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Tip: If you don’t want to bring full bags of all of these ingredients, pre-measure your spices and sugar into one container and your flour and oats in another! You can also substitute canned fried apples.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Place them in a disposable aluminum pan or a campfire-safe baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, and cold butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Place the pan over the campfire coals or on a grill rack, and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
4. Fruit Kabobs with Honey Drizzle
Fresh fruit kabobs are a healthy and tasty dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a campground setting.
Ingredients:
- Assorted fruits (such as strawberries, pineapple chunks, grapes, and melon)
- Wooden skewers
- Honey
Instructions:
- Thread the fruit onto the wooden skewers in an alternating pattern.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
5. Campfire Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This tropical dessert is a fun twist on a classic cake and can be cooked in a Dutch oven over a campfire. It’s sweet, sticky, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
Instructions:
- In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over the campfire. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
- Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the cake batter over the pineapple slices in the Dutch oven.
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it over the campfire coals. For even cooking, place some coals on top of the lid as well.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then carefully invert the Dutch oven onto a serving plate to release the cake.
Happy National Dessert Day
No matter where your RV adventure takes you, National Dessert Day is a great opportunity to enjoy some sweet treats that are easy to prepare and perfect for camping. These recipes will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also make your outdoor experience even more memorable. Happy National Dessert Day, and happy camping!
Recent Articles
