• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Eating With Food Allergies
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start here
  • Recipes
  • Nutrition
  • Substitutes
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Start here
  • Recipes
  • Nutrition
  • Substitutes
  • Subscribe
×

Home » Recipes

Banana Boats

Published: Jan 29, 2013 · Updated: Nov 18, 2020 by Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

A camper's delight, banana boats are a delicious dessert that is meant to be cooked over an open fire.

A banana boat on aluminum foil

Jump to:
  • ? What exactly is a banana boat?
  • ? How to make banana boats
  • ? No campfire? No problem!
  • 📖 Recipe
  • ⛺ More recipes for camping

? What exactly is a banana boat?

Banana boats are truly a gourmet camping dessert. We're talking a step up from the old standby smores!

Basically, it is a banana stuffed with marshmallows and chocolate chips. But what makes it truly special is that after it is stuffed, it is wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked over an open fire. The result is an ooey-gooey dessert that you can enjoy under the stars. What's not to love about that?

Many variations of this dessert exist. Some people add graham cracker pieces to add a little crunch. When I was a Girl Scout, we made them with some peanut butter spread on the banana (sunflower butter works for those of us with a peanut allergy). You are really only limited by your imagination!

? How to make banana boats

Step 1: Cut it

Get a banana that is ripe but not overly ripe to the point that the peeling is thin and browning. Using a paring knife, slice a strip of the banana lengthwise being careful not to cut all the way through.

Banana Boats
Step one is to remove a section of the banana peel and then cut out a wedge in the middle of the banana.

In the photo above, the peeling has been cut away. You will also want to cut a wedge of the banana out. Reserve the cut out piece of banana to lay over the filling.

Step 2: Stuff it

Next, place the marshmallows and chocolate chips inside the banana. Cover with the cut out banana piece and then with the cut out banana peel.

Stuff it
Step 2 is to add the marshmallow and chocolate filling

As you can see in this photo, I used Enjoy Life Mega Chunks for the chocolate (free of the top 8 allergens). You can use any "safe" chocolate you like.

I recommend using mini marshmallows but, when I don't have them, I use the large ones and cut them into quarters. This would not be very convenient when actually camping though!

Once your filling is in the banana, cover it back up with the wedge of banana you cut out (as you can see in the photo, mine broke in half) and then with the slice of peeling.

Step 3: Wrap it and cook it

Now, it's time to wrap it up and cook it! The aluminum foil should cover the whole banana but you can leave the "handle" exposed.

Wrap it and cook it
Wrap the banana in aluminum foil before placing in the campfire.

Now, you're ready to cook! The best type of campfire for this is one that has been burning for a while so you have hot coals at the base of the fire. Place your boats around the edge of the fire ring but not directly in the fire. If you have hot embers, you can spread them out with a stick and place the boat right on them.

Boats
Place the banana boats at the edge of the fire or on hot embers.

Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes and then remove them from the fire. Cooking time can vary greatly depending on the fire you have. The best way to tell if it's done is if it is squishy rather than firm.

When it's ready, place it on a paper plate and open it up. It should be soft and gooey inside! Yum!

? No campfire? No problem!

Being a fan of the outdoors and camping, I love to make these over an open fire but you don't need a campfire! You can place these on a grill which works really well. I've even taken it a step closer to total convenience and used the microwave!

With that said, I still think this dessert tastes the best over an open fire (which might just be due to the satisfaction of making something so delicious outdoors). Either way, if you're looking for an easy dessert that your kids will love, this is a good choice - even with "allergy-free" substitutes!

📖 Recipe

A banana boat in aluminum foil

Banana Boats

Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD
No ratings yet
Prevent your screen from going dark
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 banana boat
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Aluminum Foil if making over a campfire or on the grill
  • 1 medium banana unpeeled
  • 2 teaspoons "safe" semi-sweet chocolate chips I use Enjoy Life chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons "safe" mini marshmallows
  • ½ tablespoon sunflower butter (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Peel a 1 inch strip from the inside curve of the banana leaving the end attached to the rest of the peeling.
  • Cut a wedge lengthwise from the banana; reserve the cut out portion for later.
  • Spread the sunflower butter in the cavity (if using). Then place the chocolate chips and the marshmallows in the banana. Cover with the banana cut-out and then with the peeling.
  • Wrap in aluminum foil and place over hot coals for 10-15 minutes.
  • Peel back the aluminum foil on the top, then the portion of the banana peeling that has already been peeled back. Eat the gooey banana right out of the remaining peeling. Enjoy!
  • Variation for the microwave: Follow the steps above but do not wrap in aluminum foil. Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds until soft and gooey.

Notes

Nutrition Facts: Serving size: 1 banana boat, calories: 220, fat calories: 60, total fat: 7 grams, saturated fat: 2 g, cholesterol: 0 g, sodium: 40 mg, total carbs: 39, fiber: 4.5 g,sugar: 23 g, protein: 3.5 g

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal
Tried this recipe?Please share how it was!

⛺ More recipes for camping

  • Hobo Dinner Hamburger Foil Packets
  • Allergy Friendly No Bake Snack Bites
  • Nut Free Granola Bars
  • Allergy Free Cereal Bars
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD
Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD
Kristi Winkels is a Registered Dietitian and food allergy mom who helps people navigate dietary restrictions due to food allergies and intolerances. Read more about Kristi and get in touch here.
Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD
Latest posts by Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD (see all)
  • Vegan Twice Baked Potatoes - October 30, 2022
  • Gluten Free Tomato Soup {Dairy Free} - October 1, 2022
  • Oat Milk Hot Chocolate {Dairy Free} - September 17, 2022

More Recipes

  • Gluten Free Tomato Soup {Dairy Free}
  • Oat Milk Hot Chocolate {Dairy Free}
  • Easy Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding {Dairy and Gluten Free}
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins {Egg and Dairy Free!}

About Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD

Kristi Winkels is a Registered Dietitian and food allergy mom who helps people navigate dietary restrictions due to food allergies and intolerances. Read more about Kristi and get in touch here.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Kristi! I'm a Registered Dietitian and food allergy mom with a mission to help you eat well with food allergies!

More about me →

Latest posts

  • Vegan Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Gluten Free Dairy Free Cupcakes {Allergy Friendly}
  • Chocolate Gluten Free Cupcakes {Dairy and Egg Free!}
  • Nut Free Protein Bars

Fall favorites

  • Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies
  • Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Bars
  • Gluten and Dairy Free Apple Crisp
  • Wheat Free Pumpkin Muffins

Popular

  • Dairy Free Buttercream Frosting
  • Nut Free Chocolate Spread
  • Easy Eggless Meatloaf {Instant Pot or Oven}
  • Allergy Free Protein Powder

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Kristi
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ad Disclosure
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Get in Touch

  • Contact
  • Work with me

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2022 Eating With Food Allergies

Cookies aren't just for eating
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT