Say hello to your new favorite campfire treat: Grilled Banana Boats! This delightfully simple yet decadent dessert is a nostalgic mashup of gooey chocolate, sweet bananas, and melty ice cream—all bundled together in a single, crave-worthy package. It’s the stuff of summer memories, but honestly, once you try these, you’ll want to break out the grill (or oven!) year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Campfire Magic (or Grill!): Grilled Banana Boats turn any cookout into a dessert party, and they’re just as fun over a backyard grill as over glowing embers.
- Hands-Off Sweetness: Once you stuff and wrap the bananas, your work is done—let the heat do its thing, and get ready for gooey, chocolatey deliciousness!
- Totally Customizable: You can go classic with chocolate or load these up with berries, nuts, or your favorite ice cream flavors—the possibilities are endless!
- Kid (and Grown-Up) Approved: There’s nothing quite like watching everyone unwrap their own sweet little parcel of joy at the table or campfire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to create Grilled Banana Boats, but don’t let the short list fool you. Each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering that iconic melty, sweet, and creamy finish that sets this dessert apart from anything you can buy in a box. Fresh fruit, rich chocolate, and cool ice cream—what could be better?
- Bananas: Ripe (but not mushy) bananas work best—they’ll soften beautifully on the grill while holding their shape as the perfect vessel for your toppings.
- Symphony chocolate bars: Chocolate is non-negotiable! Go with plain or the toffee and almond variety for extra crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds a cozy warmth that makes the chocolate and banana combo pop.
- Ice cream: Any flavor you love will work—classic vanilla, chocolate, or even a fruity swirl, all play well here!
- Raspberries (optional): A handful of these lend tangy contrast and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Roasted almonds (chopped, optional): For added crunch and a nutty finish, sprinkle these on top.
Variations
The beauty of Grilled Banana Boats is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re making them dairy-free for friends, switching up toppings, or digging through the pantry on a whim, there’s room to play and make them your own.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Swirl creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the banana before you add the chocolate—it’s downright heavenly.
- Go Nut-Free: Skip the almonds if there are allergies, or swap in sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
- Double Chocolate Overload: Toss in some chocolate chips or mini marshmallows with the bar for ooey-gooey s’mores vibes.
- Dairy-Free Dream: Use your favorite vegan chocolate and non-dairy ice cream to make this treat completely plant-based.
How to Make Grilled Banana Boats
Step 1: Slice and Stuff the Bananas
Start by choosing perfectly ripe bananas—these should have a little give but not be too soft. With a sharp paring knife, make a slit along the inside curve of each banana (keep the peel on, and don’t cut all the way through). Gently pull the opening apart and slip in two generous pieces of Symphony chocolate bar.
Step 2: Add Spice and Wrap It Up
Once the bananas are loaded up with chocolate, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon right into the pocket. Next, wrap each banana snugly in a piece of aluminum foil—make sure all edges are sealed so everything melts perfectly without leaking out.
Step 3: Grill to Gooey Perfection
Preheat your grill to high and place the foil-wrapped banana boats directly on the grates. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, flipping once, until the chocolate melts and the banana is warm and soft (you’ll smell the sweetness!). For a campfire version, tuck them right into the hot coals for the same cook time.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Finishing Touches
Carefully unwrap the banana boats (watch for hot steam!), then transfer each one to a bowl. Top with a big scoop of your favorite ice cream. Sprinkle with raspberries and roasted almonds—or extra chocolate if you’re feeling fancy—and dig in while everything is warm and melty!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Banana Boats
- Banana Ripeness Matters: Select bananas with just a few brown spots—they’ll soften on the grill without splitting open or turning mushy.
- Double Foil for Clean Cooking: Using a second layer of foil ensures your banana boats stay leak-free, even on the hottest grates or coals.
- Pre-Slice Your Chocolate: Breaking the Symphony bar into pieces before grilling gives you perfect melt distribution (and saves you from wrestling with hot banana skins later!).
- Careful with the Cinnamon: A little goes a long way—start light, taste, and sprinkle more if you’re a cinnamon superfan.
How to Serve Grilled Banana Boats
Garnishes
Go all-out with a generous scoop of ice cream, but don’t stop there—think a scatter of fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of roasted almonds, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a zigzag of chocolate or caramel sauce across the top. A little finishing salt brings out the chocolate flavors, too!
Side Dishes
Grilled Banana Boats are truly a showstopping dessert, but they shine alongside simple fruit salads, grilled pineapple rings, or a platter of cookies for sharing. If you’re enjoying these after a savory cookout, pair with crunchy potato chips or light popcorn to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your banana boats right in their banana peel “boats” for that whimsical, camp-vibe presentation. Or, pop them into small cast iron skillets or pretty shallow bowls, topped with billowing whipped cream and edible flowers for an elegant spin at dinner parties or backyard gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Grilled Banana Boats (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to two days, although the texture is best when freshly made.
Freezing
You can actually freeze leftovers! Slice the cooled banana boats, lay the pieces on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you crave a sweet treat, you’ll have an extra-chilled snack to enjoy—ice cream optional!
Reheating
To reheat, pop the banana boats (minus the ice cream) back in foil and warm them on the grill, in a 350°F oven, or even a few seconds in the microwave. Add fresh ice cream and toppings just before serving for that fresh-from-the-grill magic.
FAQs
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Can I make Grilled Banana Boats without a grill?
Absolutely! You can bake them in a 400°F oven for 7-8 minutes, or try a campfire method by placing your foil-wrapped banana boats right in the hot coals. Both techniques deliver the same gooey, chocolatey goodness.
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What kind of chocolate works best for banana boats?
While Symphony bars (plain or toffee & almond) melt beautifully, feel free to sneak in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even your leftover Halloween candy! Just choose a chocolate that melts well and pairs with bananas.
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Are Grilled Banana Boats safe for kids to make?
Definitely! Kids love stuffing and wrapping their own bananas (with a little grown-up help on the grill or with hot foil). Just be sure to supervise around heat and sharp knives during prep.
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Can I prepare Grilled Banana Boats ahead of time for a party?
Yes—you can slice, stuff, and wrap the bananas in foil a few hours in advance. Keep them chilled until grilling time, then throw them right on the heat when you’re ready for dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Grilled Banana Boats, you are truly in for a treat—it’s a recipe that gives and gives, perfect for sharing and guaranteed to spark smiles around any campfire or family table. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready for a sweet experience that’s way more than the sum of its parts. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled Banana Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 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. Perfect for a campfire or a backyard BBQ, these bananas stuffed with chocolate, sprinkled with cinnamon, and topped with ice cream are a delightful dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Banana Boats
- 6 bananas (1 for each person)
- 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 the Bananas: Cut a slit lengthwise in each ripe banana, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Stuff two pieces of chocolate into the slit.
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle the bananas lightly with cinnamon, then wrap them completely in aluminum foil.
- Grill the Bananas: Grill the bananas on high heat for about 5 to 8 minutes, flipping once during cooking. Carefully unwrap the foil and transfer the bananas to serving bowls.
- Serve: Top the grilled banana boats with scoops of ice cream and any 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
