If you’re looking for the ultimate summer dessert that’s as simple as it is sublime, you have to try Grilled Banana Boats. This gooey, chocolatey campfire classic takes just minutes to assemble but delivers pure nostalgic magic with every bite—whether you’re at home on the grill or out in the woods around a crackling campfire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Campfire Nostalgia: Grilled Banana Boats instantly transport you to cozy nights under the stars, complete with all the gooey, chocolatey goodness you remember.
- Super Simple: With just a handful of basic ingredients and barely any prep, dessert is ready before you know it—no fancy equipment required!
- Totally Customizable: Whether you love extra chocolate, nuts, or fresh fruit, everyone can make their boat exactly the way they like.
- Showstopping Presentation: These ooey-gooey bananas go from “just a banana” to a delightful, melty masterpiece right inside their peel.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few ingredients for Grilled Banana Boats, but each one plays a starring role. The sweet banana gets warm and creamy, chocolate melts into a decadent sauce, and your favorite toppings take everything over the top!
- Bananas (6, ripe but not mushy): The base of this dessert—choose bananas with some brown specks for the perfect natural sweetness.
- Symphony chocolate bars (2 large): Their creamy texture and toffee/almond additions melt into the banana for dreamy flavor, but any chocolate works.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a cozy warmth and brings out the sweetness of both banana and chocolate.
- Ice cream (about 3 cups, any flavor): Melts into the warm pockets of banana and chocolate—vanilla is classic, but get creative!
- Raspberries (1/2 cup, optional): A burst of fruity tang that cuts through the sweetness and adds beautiful color.
- Roasted almonds, chopped (1/2 cup, optional): For the perfect nutty crunch on top of all that gooey goodness.
Variations
One of the best things about Grilled Banana Boats is how fun and adaptable they are! Invite everyone to customize their own, or tweak the toppings to match your mood or any dietary needs.
- Nut-Free: Skip the roasted almonds and use seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) for a satisfying crunch without nuts.
- S’mores Style: Swap in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for that classic campfire flavor.
- Extra Fruity: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even a drizzle of berry compote instead of (or alongside) raspberries.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use dark chocolate and your favorite non-dairy ice cream for a plant-based treat everyone will love.
- Peanut Butter Dream: Tuck a teaspoon of creamy or chunky peanut butter alongside the chocolate before grilling for next-level richness.
How to Make Grilled Banana Boats
Step 1: Slice and Stuff the Bananas
Grab a ripe banana and, without peeling it, carefully slice lengthwise down the center (don’t cut all the way through!). Gently open the slit and tuck in two pieces of Symphony chocolate bar, nestling them deep so they melt beautifully inside.
Step 2: Sprinkle and Wrap
Lightly sprinkle some cinnamon over the chocolate-stuffed banana for that irresistible fragrance. Wrap the whole banana snugly in aluminum foil, making sure the seam is sealed—this keeps all that chocolatey magic right where you want it.
Step 3: Grill to Gooey Perfection
Place the foil-wrapped bananas directly on a hot grill (or campfire coals if you’re roughing it). Grill for 5–8 minutes, turning once halfway through. The bananas will soften and the chocolate will melt—listen for a little sizzle and a heavenly aroma!
Step 4: Unwrap and Top
Use tongs to carefully remove the foil, then transfer each banana boat to a bowl. Add a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream and finish with raspberries, chopped almonds, or any yummy extras you’re craving. Dive in with a spoon while everything is still warm and dreamy!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Banana Boats
- Banana Ripeness Matters: Slightly underripe or “just ripe” bananas work best—they soften on the grill without falling apart.
- Tuck in Extra Toppings: Layer some extras like mini marshmallows, cookie crumbs, or a dollop of peanut butter inside the banana for gooey surprises.
- Double Wrap for Campfires: If using hot coals, wrap the bananas in two layers of foil to prevent accidental burns or leaking chocolate.
- Serve Immediately: Dig in while your Grilled Banana Boats are still melty and warm—the experience is all about those contrasting temperatures!
How to Serve Grilled Banana Boats
Garnishes
Top your Grilled Banana Boats with fresh raspberries for tartness, chopped roasted almonds for a toasty crunch, or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for pure decadence. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or some mini chocolate chips never hurts either!
Side Dishes
Since these are undeniably sweet and rich, they pair beautifully with lighter options—think a big bowl of fresh summer berries, or maybe a refreshing pitcher of sparkling lemonade. For a full campfire feast, serve after classic grilled mains and plenty of grilled corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Grilled Banana Boats right in their peels for that rustic, fireside feel. Or, slice them into sections and layer them parfait-style in a glass for an elegant tableside treat. For parties, set up a banana boat “bar” with bowls of toppings so guests can build their dream dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any banana boats left (which is rare!), wrap them tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The banana may darken but the flavors stay sweet and delicious—just know the texture will be softer and more pudding-like.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t usually recommended for Grilled Banana Boats, since the bananas can become mushy and lose their yummy texture once thawed. If you do need to freeze, wrap individually and thaw in the fridge, then rewarm gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the foil-wrapped banana boats in a moderate oven (about 350ºF) for 10–12 minutes until warm and melty again. You can also microwave (unwrapped) in 30-second bursts—just keep an eye on them for bubbling chocolate!
FAQs
-
Can I prep Grilled Banana Boats in advance?
Absolutely! You can stuff and wrap the bananas in foil up to a few hours ahead. Keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to grill—they’re perfect for prepping before a cookout or camping trip.
-
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I make them in the oven?
Yes! Arrange the foil-wrapped banana boats on a baking sheet and bake in a 400ºF oven for 10–12 minutes—the chocolate melts and the banana softens just as deliciously.
-
Which ice cream flavors taste best with Grilled Banana Boats?
Classic vanilla is always a winner, but don’t stop there—try salted caramel, coffee, chocolate chip, or even coconut ice cream for new flavor adventures!
-
Can I use other types of chocolate or toppings?
Absolutely—use any chocolate you like: dark, milk, white, or with fun inclusions like toffee or dried fruit. Toppings are just as flexible, so raid your pantry and get creative!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving dessert with big, crowd-pleasing flavor and easygoing summer fun, Grilled Banana Boats are a must-try. You’ll love the combo of warm, melted chocolate, creamy bananas, and frosty ice cream—trust me, this is the treat friends and family will talk about all season long!
Print
Grilled Banana Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent treat with these Grilled Banana Boats, featuring gooey chocolate, sweet bananas, and creamy ice cream. Perfect for a summer cookout or camping trip!
Ingredients
Banana Boats:
- 6 bananas
- 2 large Symphony chocolate bars (plain or with toffee and almonds)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Serving Suggestions:
- 3 cups ice cream, any flavor
- 1/2 cup raspberries (optional)
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Banana Boats: Cut a slit lengthwise in each banana, stuff with chocolate, sprinkle with cinnamon, and wrap in foil.
- Grill: Grill for 5-8 minutes, turning once.
- Serve: Unwrap, place in a bowl, and top with ice cream and desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 banana boat
- Calories: 372 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 56mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 29mg
