Grilled bananas stuffed with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds are wrapped in foil and heated until everything turns warm and gooey—an easy summer dessert that’s ready in about 10 minutes.
Grilled Banana Boats
If you haven’t tried grilling bananas before, this recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing introduction. The bananas are grilled in their skins and slit open to hold chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds, but you can swap in whatever toppings you prefer. After about ten minutes on low heat the fillings melt and the bananas soften into a warm, indulgent treat—part s’mores, part banana split. These banana boats are ideal for camping, backyard barbecues, or any summer evening when you want a sweet finish without heating the kitchen. Cleanup is effortless because each portion cooks in its own foil packet.
Why These Grilled Bananas Work
These grilled banana boats are quick to assemble and cook, require minimal equipment, and are endlessly customizable. They’re especially great for families and groups because everyone can choose their own toppings. Here are a few reasons to make them:
- Perfect for warm weather: Cook them entirely outdoors over a grill or campfire.
- Fast and easy: Ready in around 10 minutes from the grill.
- Simple cleanup: Toss the foil when you’re done—no dishes required.
- Customizable: Swap toppings to suit preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These basic ingredients create the classic grilled banana boat, but feel free to substitute your favorites.
- Bananas: Choose firm, ripe bananas with yellow peels and a few brown spots—soft but not mushy so they hold their shape when grilled.
- Dark or milk chocolate chips: Use regular, sugar-free, or dairy-free chocolate depending on your needs.
- Mini marshmallows: They melt more evenly and fit better in the banana cavity; you can chop full-size marshmallows if that’s all you have.
- Chopped almonds: For crunch; substitute other nuts or omit for nut-free.
How to Grill Bananas
Grilling the bananas in foil keeps them moist and prevents burning. The method is straightforward and well-suited for a grill or campfire. Below is a concise step-by-step; see the recipe card further down for ingredient amounts and exact timings.
- Slice the bananas: Make a lengthwise cut about 1/4 inch deep along the curve, being careful not to cut through to the bottom.
- Fill the bananas: Open the slit and add chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds (or your chosen toppings).
- Wrap and grill: Wrap each banana tightly in foil and grill over low heat for about 10 minutes, until the fruit is soft and the fillings are melted.
No grill? No problem!
You can bake or air fry the banana boats instead: bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or place foil-wrapped bananas in the air fryer at 400°F for a similar time. They are done when the bananas are soft and the fillings are melted.
Can I prep the banana boats in advance?
Yes. Assemble and wrap the banana boats, then refrigerate up to 2 hours before cooking. Grill or bake straight from the fridge—add a minute or two to the cook time if they’re cold.
Variations and Topping Ideas
Part of the fun is mixing and matching toppings. Here are ideas to try:
- Chocolate varieties: Milk, dark, white, or dairy-free chips.
- A la mode: Top with a scoop of ice cream, banana “nice cream,” or frozen yogurt after grilling.
- Candy bars: Chop your favorite candy (e.g., peanut butter cups, toffee) and tuck inside.
- Nuts: Swap almonds for peanuts, cashews, pecans, or walnuts—omit if allergic.
- Nut butter: Drizzle with peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella before serving.
- Fruit: Add fresh berries or sliced strawberries for brightness.
- Spices: Try cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom for warmth.
- Crunch: Sprinkle crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs for a s’mores-style finish.
- Sauces: Finish with chocolate syrup, caramel, or honey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these grilled banana boats on their own or alongside other easy campfire and BBQ dishes. They pair nicely with simple grilled meats, foil packet dinners, or a scoop of cold ice cream for contrast.
Storage
These banana boats are best enjoyed fresh from the grill. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven, on the grill, or briefly in the microwave (remove foil before microwaving).
Recipe: Grilled Bananas in Foil
Yield: 2 servings | Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 5–10 minutes | Total: ~10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 bananas (ripe but still firm)
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips (or of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds (or other nuts)
Instructions
- Using a paring knife, make a shallow 1/4-inch deep slice lengthwise along the curve of each banana, being careful not to cut through.
- Place each banana on a 12-inch piece of foil. Fill the slit with 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon mini marshmallows, and 1 tablespoon chopped almonds per banana.
- Wrap the foil tightly around each banana and crimp the edges to seal.
- Preheat the grill to low heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Place the foil packets on the grates and close the lid. Cook about 10 minutes, until the bananas are soft and fillings are melted. If baking, use 400°F for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil and serve warm—add ice cream or additional toppings if desired.
Notes
The banana boats are extremely flexible—mix any chocolate, candy, nut, spice, or sauce you like. For a nut-free option, substitute crunchy cookie crumbs for texture. To serve cold and warm contrasts, add a scoop of ice cream just before serving.
Nutrition (approximate per banana boat)
- Calories: 189
- Carbohydrates: 36.5 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Fiber: 7.5 g
- Sugar: 16.5 g
Try These No-Bake Summer Desserts
For more warm-weather sweets that don’t require an oven, consider frozen banana popsicles, no-bake cheesecake, chocolate-stuffed dates, strawberries with whipped yogurt, or light chocolate parfaits. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make these grilled bananas your own.
If you make this grilled banana boat recipe, tag your photos and share your favorite topping combinations—it’s a fun, simple dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings and family nights around the grill.
