Think outside the marshmallow!
Some of my favorite summer evenings have happened around a fire. Living on the Oregon coast, it’s easy to end up outside long after dinner. My family will often wander a beach trail, watch the moody Pacific throw itself against the cliffs, then head home, light the fire pit and stay outside until the ocean mist rolls in and the stars quietly take over the sky. That’s where my interest in camping ends. I’ll take the hikes, the fire, the conversation and, obviously, the food. Someone else can have the sleeping bag.
I’ve always thought marshmallows get more attention than they deserve when it comes to camping desserts. An open flame is basically the world’s oldest dessert-making appliance, and while toasted (or roasted-to-a-crisp) marshmallows are classic for a reason, there are so many other sweet treats that become even better with a little smoke and a little caramelization. Here are a few worth trying the next time you build a fire—whether it’s at a campsite or in your own backyard.
What are the best treats to toast over a fire?
Rice Krispies treats
Rice Krispies treats might be the easiest upgrade from a traditional toasted marshmallow. The marshmallows inside soften while the outside develops lightly toasted edges that taste suspiciously like the best part of a s’more.
Use a long roasting fork and keep the treats moving over glowing coals rather than direct flames. If you feel like putting a spin on tradition, sandwich the warm treat between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate.
Doughnut holes
Doughnut holes feel like they were accidentally designed for campfires. Their round shape toasts evenly, the outside becomes lightly crisp and caramelized, and the inside turns soft and warm.
Glazed doughnut holes are especially great over a fire because the glaze bubbles into a thin, crackly, creme brulee-like coating. Cinnamon sugar doughnuts work just as well.
Fresh fruit
Fire has a funny way of making fruit taste more like itself. Pineapple’s flavor becomes deeper and almost butterscotch-like. Peaches turn soft and jammy. Strawberries become intensely sweet after just a minute or so over the fire. For an extra treat, dip the fruit in marshmallow creme before toasting it. The creme toasts into a golden shell while the fruit stays warm and juicy underneath.
Pound cake
If you’ve ever toasted bread over a fire, pound cake is the logical next step.
The dense, buttery cake develops crisp, golden edges while staying soft and tender on the inside. Eat it straight from the skewer, or dip it into chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or, yes, more marshmallow creme.
Oreos
If you’ve never heated up an Oreo, you’re in for a surprise. While they only need a quick pass over the fire, gently toasted Oreos are exquisite. The chocolate cookies stay mostly crisp while the creme filling becomes warmer, creamier and just soft enough to make the whole cookie taste even richer and more indulgent.
Brownie bites
Brownie bites don’t need much help, but a campfire gives them crisp edges and an even fudgier center. Toast them briefly over glowing coals, then eat them as-is, or sandwich one between graham crackers for some added crunch.
Cinnamon rolls
Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough wrapped around a stick is one of those campfire tricks that feels much fancier than it is. Cook it slowly until it’s golden, then drizzle on the icing. The result is like a cross between campfire bread and a cinnamon roll, it’s well worth the extra patience.
Peeps
Yes, technically, they’re still marshmallows—but a toasted Peep is a completely different experience.
The colored sugar coating caramelizes into a thin, crackly shell while the marshmallow inside turns impossibly soft and decadent. If you’ve never tried toasting one over a fire, don’t let the cute bunny shape stop you.
Refrigerated cookie dough
Cookie dough feels almost too obvious once you see it. Of course it belongs over a campfire! When given enough time, the outside turns beautifully golden brown while the center stays soft and gooey, creating something that’s surprisingly close to a freshly baked cookie.
It’s one of those ideas that’s simple enough to make you wonder why marshmallows have been hogging the roasting sticks all these years.
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