Nothing captures the sweet bliss of summer sunshine quite like Frozen S’mores! This treat is a frosty twist on a nostalgic campfire classic, layering silky chocolate pudding, creamy whipped marshmallow, and soft, buttery graham crackers into something absolutely irresistible. The best part? Each bite gives you that perfect balance of rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallow in a frozen, hand-held bar that keeps you cool (and delighted) all season long. You don’t even need a fire or a tent, just a few pantry staples and some freezer time to enjoy your very own batch of Frozen S’mores.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to make something so crave-worthy. Each component is chosen for a reason: the pudding brings luscious chocolatey flavor, the cream cheese and Cool Whip amp up the creamy, dreamy texture, marshmallow fluff gives authentic s’mores sweetness, and the graham crackers bookend it all in familiar, golden crunch.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (5.9 ounces): Velvety rich and super chocolatey, this is the base of your Frozen S’mores and delivers all the classic campfire flavor.
- Whole milk (2 ½ cups): Using whole milk gives the pudding its creamy, decadent texture—don’t skimp here!
- Cool Whip, defrosted (2 ½ cups, divided): Adds lightness and helps both the chocolate and marshmallow layers hold their shape in the freezer.
- Graham crackers (12, broken in half and divided): The iconic sweet-and-salty crunch that sandwiches all the Frozen S’mores goodness together.
- Cream cheese, at room temperature (5 ounces): Blends into the marshmallow layer for a fluffy, tangy richness that balances out the sweet.
- Marshmallow creme (7 ounces): Spreads easily and brings that gooey, nostalgic marshmallow flavor to the center of your treat.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch brings all the layers to life and ties the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Frozen S’mores
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to make lifting everything out later a breeze. Trust me, this little move saves you a lot of mess—and you’ll be grateful when it’s time to slice and serve your Frozen S’mores!
Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolate Layer
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix, whole milk, and 1/2 cup Cool Whip until it’s thick, smooth, and absolutely luscious. This is going to be the base that soaks into the grahams and adds that signature chocolatey vibe we all know and love.
Step 3: Lay Down the Graham Cracker Base
Arrange half of your graham crackers evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if there’s a little overlap or a gap here or there—the magic will still happen. These will serve as the perfect “crust” for your Frozen S’mores layers.
Step 4: Spread the Chocolate Layer
Gently spread your chocolate pudding mixture over the graham crackers in an even layer. Slide the dish into the fridge to chill while you move on to the next step—letting the pudding firm up just a bit makes layering a whole lot easier.
Step 5: Make the Fluffy Marshmallow Layer
Now, beat together the room-temperature cream cheese and marshmallow creme until smooth and airy. Fold in the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip along with a pinch of salt. This is the ultra-creamy layer that’s going to have everyone smiling and asking for seconds.
Step 6: Layer and Top with More Graham Crackers
Gently spread the marshmallow mixture over the chilled chocolate layer. Top everything with the remaining graham cracker squares, pressing them down just a little so everything sticks together. Cover the pan with foil and pop it in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or until the layers are set and solid.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once your Frozen S’mores are fully frozen, grab those handy parchment paper flaps to lift everything out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Use the graham crackers as your guide to cut the layered bars into 12 perfect squares. If you want neat edges, trim away any extra filling. Let them soften for about 15 minutes before taking a bite—they’re worth the wait!
How to Serve Frozen S’mores
Garnishes
If you want to take your Frozen S’mores to the next level, try sprinkling them with some mini chocolate chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce right before serving. You could even add a few toasted mini marshmallows on top for that true campfire flair.
Side Dishes
Frozen S’mores are definitely the showstopper, but if you’re entertaining, pair them with a bowl of fresh summer berries, a pitcher of lemonade, or a simple fruit salad. These bright sides cut through the richness and keep your dessert table feeling fun and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving Frozen S’mores on popsicle sticks for easy grab-and-go style. Or, pile them up in a rustic basket lined with parchment at your next outdoor get-together—they look adorable and taste even better alfresco!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (good luck with that!), wrap each Frozen S’mores square snugly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep perfectly for up to two months, so you can always have a treat ready.
Freezing
The texture of Frozen S’mores actually gets better with time in the freezer—the layers meld and the flavors deepen. Make a batch ahead for parties or group gatherings, and slice them just before serving for the best results.
Reheating
No need to worry about reheating! Just let your Frozen S’mores sit out at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This softens them up for that perfect, biteable texture while keeping their frosty charm intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! While Cool Whip helps stabilize the layers for easy slicing and storing, homemade whipped cream works well too. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks and use it right away for best results.
Can I make Frozen S’mores dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the whole milk and cream cheese for your favorite non-dairy alternatives and use coconut whipped topping instead of Cool Whip. Most brands of graham crackers and marshmallow creme are already dairy-free, but always double-check your labels.
How do I keep the graham crackers from getting too hard or soggy?
The trick is letting the layers freeze thoroughly. This helps the graham crackers absorb just enough moisture to soften slightly without losing their structure. If you allow Frozen S’mores to thaw too long, they’ll get a bit soft, so serve soon after removing from the freezer.
Can I add anything fun to the filling?
You bet! Chopped chocolate bars, crushed peanut butter cups, or even a sprinkle of sea salt make fantastic additions to the chocolate or marshmallow layer. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things—it’s all about bringing the s’mores flavors you love into a frozen treat.
Do I really need to wait the full 6 hours for freezing?
For best results, yes. The layers need plenty of time to firm up so your bars slice cleanly and hold their shape. If you’re in a hurry, make them the night before and you’ll be rewarded with perfect Frozen S’mores by party time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re channeling summer nostalgia, beating the heat, or just searching for a new family favorite, these Frozen S’mores are guaranteed to delight. Give them a try—you might just find yourself keeping a secret stash in the freezer all year long!
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Frozen S’mores Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Frozen s’mores are a delightful frozen treat consisting of layers of chocolate pudding, whipped topping, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff sandwiched between graham crackers. A delicious twist on the classic s’mores, perfect for a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 (5.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups Cool Whip, defrosted and divided
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 5 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- 12 graham crackers, broken in half and divided
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Layer: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Whisk together pudding mix, milk, and 1/2 cup Cool Whip until smooth. Spread half of the graham crackers in the dish, top with pudding mix, and chill.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme until smooth. Fold in 2 cups Cool Whip and salt. Spread over the chocolate layer.
- Assembly: Top cream cheese layer with remaining graham crackers. Cover with foil and freeze for 6 hours.
- Serve: Remove from dish, slice into squares, and enjoy softened or store in the freezer. Allow to soften before serving if frozen.
Notes
- Easily customize by adding a protein boost with vanilla protein powder and coconut whip.
- Store wrapped in plastic and a freezer container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 s’more
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg