# Grilled Banana S'mores Boats

> Easy foil-pack dessert kids can assemble: halved bananas filled with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, grilled until gooey and finished with crushed graham crackers or nut-free sprinkles. Fast, portable, and perfect for late-summer evenings around a backyard grill or campfire.

Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-banana-smores-boats

## Author

Jake Woods

https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods

Published: September 4, 2026

Last Updated: October 27, 2026

## About This Recipe

This is the kind of campfire dessert that does exactly what it promises: warm, gooey pockets of chocolate and toasted marshmallow cushioned by a soft, sweet banana and finished with crunchy graham crumbs. The banana provides natural sweetness and body, the chips melt into a satin sauce, and the marshmallows puff and brown for that classic s'mores mouthfeel without the fuss of skewers or a sticky plate. Wrapping them in foil keeps the packet portable, concentrates steam so everything melts uniformly, and makes cleanup trivial — handy when you’re feeding kids outside or want a no-fuss backyard treat.

One important practical note: the ingredient list (four large bananas) yields four assembled banana boats — one boat per banana — even though the recipe header says six servings. As written, plan on four full-size boats; to feed six, either add two more bananas or cut each finished boat in half for smaller portions. Watch the foil parcels during cooking: when the chocolate is visibly melted and the marshmallows are softened or lightly browned, they’re done and ready to open and sprinkle.

## Recipe Information

- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Category: Grilling

## Ingredients

### Preheat grill or build campfire and prep station

- 4 large Large ripe bananas
- 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan)
- 4 sheets Aluminum foil (sheets)

### Grill or campfire cook until gooey

- 1/2 cup Graham crackers, crushed (or gluten-free crumbs)
- 2 tbsp Nut-free sprinkle mix (optional)

## Instructions

### 1. Preheat grill or build campfire and prep station

If using a backyard gas or charcoal grill, preheat to medium (about 350–375°F / 175–190°C). If at a campfire, get a steady bed of coals or low flames. While the heat comes up (this takes ~10 minutes), set up a kid-friendly assembly station with bananas, chocolate chips, marshmallows, butter or coconut oil, foil sheets, and a spoon.

### 2. Slice bananas and fill

Leave the peel on and use a paring knife to slit each banana lengthwise down the center without cutting all the way through; open each slightly to create a pocket. Spoon about 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup mini marshmallows into each banana pocket (if you prefer, dot with a little butter or coconut oil for extra melt). This assembly is simple and great for kids to help with.

### 3. Wrap each banana in foil

Place each filled banana on a sheet of aluminum foil and fold into a sealed parcel, leaving a little interior space (don’t compress the toppings). Seal tightly so juices and melted chocolate stay inside for easy transport and cleanup.

### 4. Grill or campfire cook until gooey

Place foil packets directly on the grill grates over medium heat or on a rack above coals. For a backyard grill: cook 8–10 minutes (flip once halfway) until chocolate and marshmallows are melted. For a campfire: place packets near coals or on a grill grate 3–5 inches above embers and cook about 8–12 minutes, checking after 8 minutes. Carefully remove and let rest briefly; then open foil and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or nut-free sprinkles. (If using the gluten-free or vegan options mentioned below, finish the same way.)

### 5. Serve and offer variations

Open each foil boat just before eating and serve warm—each person gets 1 banana boat. Variations: for a vegan version use vegan chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows and swap butter for coconut oil; for allergy-friendly options use certified nut-free sprinkles and gluten-free graham crumbs. These boats are portable, easy to pack for a picnic or campout, and perfect for late-summer evenings.

## Nutrition

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving):

- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 55.8 g
- Fat: 13.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.8 g
- Fiber: 4.4 g
- Sugar: 35.2 g
- Added Sugars: 24.2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 56.9 mg
- Potassium: 437.4 mg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 1.9 mg
- Vitamin D: 0.1 mcg

## Tips

### Choose ripe bananas

Use bananas with a few brown speckles — they’re sweeter and soften quicker, which helps the chocolate and marshmallows fuse without overcooking the banana.

### Make a shallow slit

Cut just through the peel and into the fruit without slicing all the way; a paring knife or the tip of a small spoon works and preserves structure so the banana holds the filling.

### Leave headspace in foil

Fold packets to seal but leave a little internal pocket so steam can circulate; compressing toppings will slow melting and make the foil tear when you open it.

### Use a dab of fat

A small dot (about 1/2 teaspoon) of butter or coconut oil per cavity helps the chocolate melt into a glossy sauce and prevents marshmallows from sticking to the peel.

### Check early and often

Grill conditions vary; start checking at 6–8 minutes so marshmallows don’t overbrown — look for puffed, shiny chocolate and soft marshmallow tops.

## Variations and Substitutions

### Nut-free nutty flavor

Swap in 2 tablespoons of sunflower seed butter or cookie butter dotted into the pocket before adding chocolate for a nut-free ‘peanut butter’ note that pairs well with the banana.

### Berry-studded boats

Add 2–3 halved strawberries or a small handful (about 1/4 cup) of raspberries into each pocket for bright acidity and a fresher take on s'mores.

### Vegan / allergy-friendly

Use vegan chocolate chips, vegan marshmallows, and coconut oil in place of butter; finish with certified gluten-free graham crumbs and nut-free sprinkles if needed.

### Crunchier topping

Mix 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted oats or crushed pretzels into the graham crumbs for extra texture and a salty contrast to the sweet filling.

## Notes

These s'mores boats are a no-fuss, hands-on dessert that kids love assembling and adults love for the minimal cleanup. They shine at backyard barbecues, beach bonfires, or any late-summer evening when you want a warm, gooey treat without plates.

### Storage and Make-Ahead

Because the filling is perishable and bananas brown, refrigerate any unwrapped leftovers in a shallow airtight container within two hours and use within 48–72 hours for best texture (USDA guidance allows up to 3–4 days for leftovers). To reheat, place foil packets on a grill or in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or open and microwave in 20–30 second bursts until hot; if reheating leftovers, bring them to 165°F/74°C for safety.

### Serving Suggestions

Serve each opened boat on a small plate with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or nut-free sprinkles for contrast. Pair with cold milk, iced coffee, or for adults, a small glass of tawny port or amaro to complement the caramelized banana and chocolate notes.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Why does the recipe say 6 servings but list only 4 bananas?

The written ingredient list makes four full-size banana boats (one banana per packet). If you need six servings, either add two more bananas to the shopping list or cut each finished boat into halves to yield smaller portions.

### Can I assemble these ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare and seal the foil packets and keep them refrigerated for up to a day before cooking; bring them to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before grilling so cooking is even.

### How do I tell when they’re done?

Open one packet carefully: the chocolate should be visibly melted and glossy and marshmallows should be softened and possibly lightly browned; packets often feel slightly puffed from steam when ready.

### Can I cook these without aluminum foil?

Foil concentrates heat and prevents flare-ups; without foil you’d need a heatproof dish or cast-iron skillet on the grill to hold the banana halves and fillings, and marshmallows will brown much faster and can burn.

### Will the marshmallows melt through the peel?

The peel usually contains melted marshmallow and chocolate, but leave a little butter or oil and fold the packet gently to avoid seepage; opening the packet carefully with tongs prevents sticky hands.

### Can I substitute chocolate chips with a chocolate bar?

Yes — 1 ounce of chopped chocolate roughly equals 1/4 cup chips; chopped bars melt a bit faster and create a creamier pool of chocolate inside the banana.

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