There’s something magical about camping that turns even the simplest ingredients into gourmet delights. Maybe it’s the fresh air, the crackling fire, or the fact that calories don’t count when you’re in the great outdoors. Whatever it is, when it comes to campfire desserts, the only rule is that there are no rules. This is where "Campfire Dessert Math" comes in—a delicious form of arithmetic where more is always better, gooey is good, and everything tastes better with a bit of char.

Let’s dig into some recipes that prove just how sweet life can be when you’re sitting around the fire.

CAMPFIRE RICE KRISPIES TREATS: Gooey Goodness

Who says Rice Krispies Treats are just for kids? Take this childhood favourite to the next level by molding a chunk of Rice Krispies Treats onto the end of a stick and roasting it over the campfire. Rotate it slowly to achieve that perfect balance of crispy edges and a gooey center.

TIP:  Make your Rice Krispie squares with EXTRA marshmallows so that they are extra gooey.

GRILLED PEACHES: Sweet Simplicity

When you’re camping, simplicity is key. Enter grilled peaches—a sweet treat that’s as easy as it is delicious. Slice a peach in half, place it cut-side down on the grill, and let it cook until warm and slightly caramelized. Drizzle with honey and top with mascarpone or whipped cream for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is effortless. The best part? There’s no need to measure anything—just grill, drizzle, and enjoy.

TIP:  Time it on the grill to suit everyone’s taste; firm to soft. The longer on the grill the more it will caramelize.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SKEWERS: Dessert on a Stick

Thread squares of pound cake, strawberries, and marshmallows onto a skewer, and grill until the marshmallows are toasted and the cake is golden. Then, drizzle with chocolate and a quick dust of icing sugar. It’s a deconstructed strawberry shortcake that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat. The equation is simple: cake + fruit + chocolate = happiness on a stick.

CHERRY CHEESECAKE PUDGIE PIES: The Ultimate Campfire Equation

Pudgie pies are the ultimate in campfire comfort food, and this cherry cheesecake version is a game-changer. Start with a pie iron, some white bread, cherry pie filling (or whatever flavour you love), and whipped cream cheese. Butter the bread, layer on the filling, and cook over the fire for a few minutes until everything is warm and gooey. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet.

TIP: If you don’t have a pie iron, just use a cast iron pan (like we did) and cook it like you would a grilled cheese sandwich!

FOIL PACK BANANA BOATS: The Classic Never Gets Old

This Girl Scout classic is a lesson in balance—between gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and the natural sweetness of a banana. Take a banana, slice it lengthwise, and stuff it with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts or graham cracker crumbs.

Wrap it all up in foil and place it on hot coals for 5 to 10 minutes.

The result is a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. And the best part? You can customize it with any toppings you like. That’s the beauty of Campfire Dessert Math—there are endless possibilities. (We were so excited to dig in that we forgot to take a photo of the after - but it was MESSY and SO good!)

CAMPFIRE CONES: Layers of Sweetness

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun as it is delicious, look no further than Campfire Cones. Start with a waffle cone and layer in mini marshmallows, Nutella, and strawberries. Wrap the cone in tinfoil and place it near the campfire—not directly in the flames—for 5 to 10 minutes. The result is a warm, gooey, chocolatey treat that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. The equation here? Layers of sweetness = one happy camper.

TIP: Marshmallows + chocolate + graham cracker crumbs = makes a mess-free s'more.

APPLE CRISP WITH A TWIST: The Secret Ingredient

Apple Crisp is a campfire staple, but this version has a secret ingredient: a splash of bourbon or whiskey. Slice some apples, toss them with sugar and cinnamon, and add a splash of your favourite spirit.  Cook in a cast iron pan and top with oats or granola with brown sugar, and cook over the fire for about 15 minutes. The bourbon adds a rich depth of flavour that takes this simple dessert to the next level. The perfect end to a day in the great outdoors.

TIP:  Cook in tin foil instead of a cast iron pan for a mess-free clean-up!

There’s something about eating dessert with dirt on your shoes and a sky full of stars that makes everything taste better and guilt-free.

Camping desserts are all about breaking the rules—more chocolate, extra marshmallows, and absolutely no calorie counting. After all, you’re in the great outdoors, where anything goes, especially when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth. Happy camping and even happier eating!