Frozen S’mores Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a nostalgic summer treat that skips the campfire but captures all the gooey, chocolatey magic, Frozen S’mores are about to rock your world. Imagine layers of creamy chocolate pudding, marshmallow-swirled Cool Whip, and crisp graham crackers, all chilled to frosty perfection. Every bite is a blissful balance of childhood memory and cool comfort, perfect for picnics or after-dinner indulging. Whether you’re wrangling kids at a backyard party or just craving a bite of whimsy, Frozen S’mores bring fun, flavor, and just the right amount of messy joy to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Frozen S’mores so irresistible is how every simple ingredient adds a distinctive layer, from the crunchy graham crackers to the velvety pudding and creamy marshmallow swirl. Here’s what you’ll need to build your new favorite frozen dessert:

• Instant chocolate pudding: Creates that fudgy, classic s’mores flavor base and sets up beautifully for slicing.
• Whole milk: Adds richness to the pudding for the smoothest, dreamiest texture.
• Cool Whip (defrosted): Whips airiness and stability into both the pudding and marshmallow layers, making everything extra light and luscious.
• Graham crackers: Offer that essential sweet and toasty crunch; key for authentic s’mores vibes.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): Brings a slight tang and creamy body to the marshmallow layer, balancing all the sweetness.
• Marshmallow creme: Swirls up the classic s’mores gooiness in a chilled, spreadable form for maximum marshmallow joy.
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to make all the other flavors pop and keep the sweetness in check.

How to Make Frozen S’mores

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Begin by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges. This simple trick makes it a breeze to lift and slice your Frozen S’mores once they’re set—no sticky messes left behind!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Chocolate Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix, whole milk, and 1/2 cup of the Cool Whip. You’re aiming for a pudding that’s silky smooth and a little on the thick side. This is the rich, fudgy base every s’more dreams of.

Step 3: Build the Graham Cracker Base

Lay out half of your graham cracker halves in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared pan. It’s okay if there are a few gaps—just do your best to cover as much surface as possible. These crackers will soften just enough in the freezer, giving each square a perfect bite.

Step 4: Spread the Chocolate

Carefully pour and spread your pudding mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it into a level layer. This step is all about patience and love—gentle hands help keep the graham crackers in place while ensuring every bite gets some chocolatey goodness.

Step 5: Chill While You Whip the Marshmallow Layer

Slide the pan into the fridge to chill while you whip up the next layer. In a fresh bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and marshmallow creme until velvety and totally lump-free. Gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip and a pinch of salt, making the fluffiest marshmallow filling you’ve ever tasted.

Step 6: Spread the Marshmallow Filling

Scoop the marshmallow-cream mixture onto the chilled chocolate layer, spreading it to every corner. This layer is the stuff of summer dessert legend: creamy, fluffy, and just sweet enough.

Step 7: Top and Freeze

Place the remaining graham crackers evenly on top, matching them up with the base as best you can. Cover the whole pan tightly with foil, then pop it in the freezer for at least 6 hours—patience is the key to those satisfyingly clean, sliceable layers.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once the Frozen S’mores are firm all the way through, use the parchment handles to lift the whole block out onto a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut between the graham crackers into 12 neat squares. Trim any excess filling for picture-perfect treats, then enjoy right away or stash them in the freezer for later.

How to Serve Frozen S’mores

Garnishes

Frozen S’mores are already a showstopper, but a little finishing touch goes a long way. Dust the tops with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate, or even add a light scatter of mini marshmallows for extra flair and texture.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving Frozen S’mores at a summer party, pair them with a platter of fresh berries—their tartness is the perfect counterpoint to all that sweet creaminess. They’re also adorable alongside bowls of ice-cold lemonade, root beer floats, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for true dessert decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

These treats look wonderful cut into squares, but you can also get inventive! Try slicing into smaller pieces for a bite-size dessert tray, tucking Frozen S’mores into cupcake liners for easy grabbing, or even dunking half of each square in chocolate for a candy-bar vibe. Stack them on a tiered cake stand for a stunning (and tempting) dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Frozen S’mores tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a zip-top bag in the freezer. This keeps them fresh, prevents freezer burn, and means you’re always only a few minutes away from a dreamy summer treat.

Freezing

Frozen S’mores are designed for the freezer! Once they’re fully set, just pop the cut squares into an airtight container or bag, dividing layers with parchment if you’re stacking. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two weeks, so you can make a batch ahead for parties or spontaneous cravings.

Reheating

No reheating needed—just the opposite! Take the Frozen S’mores squares out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short wait time softens the layers slightly, turning them creamy and perfectly biteable.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade whipped cream, use it in equal measure; just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks for stability, and serve the Frozen S’mores soon after making them for the best texture.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for graham crackers?

Yes, there are several gluten-free graham-style crackers available at most grocery stores—just swap them in, one for one, and make sure your other ingredients are also gluten free if you need a completely safe treat.

Can I make Frozen S’mores ahead for a party?

Frozen S’mores are the perfect make-ahead dessert! Assemble and freeze up to two days before your event, then cut and serve when guests are ready for something sweet and chilly.

How do I prevent the graham crackers from getting too hard or soggy?

The layering and freezing method helps achieve just the right texture—soft enough to bite easily, but not mushy. Letting the squares sit at room temp for about 15 minutes before serving ensures the graham crackers reach their happy, chewy balance.

Can I add extra mix-ins or flavors?

Definitely! Try swirling a little peanut butter into the marshmallow layer, folding in mini chocolate chips, or sprinkling the middle layer with chopped nuts. Frozen S’mores are endlessly adaptable to every craving!

Final Thoughts

There’s something especially magical about peeling back that parchment and slicing into a pan of Frozen S’mores—it’s childhood and summer and pure fun, all rolled into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re sharing with family or sneaking a square all to yourself, give this recipe a try and see why it’s destined to become your new summer obsession!

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