Introduction
Imagine indulging in the classic flavors of a s’more, but without the need for a campfire. Frozen S’mores take all the deliciousness of the iconic treat—crunchy graham crackers, rich chocolate, and gooey marshmallows—and freeze it into a decadent, no-bake dessert. Perfect for summer get-togethers or as a fun way to cool down on warm evenings, this dessert is a total crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can make it ahead of time and pull it out whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a family movie night, or just in the mood for something sweet, Frozen S’mores will satisfy all your dessert cravings. Ready to bring the campfire vibe indoors? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why everyone will fall head over heels for Frozen S’mores:
- No-Bake Convenience: No oven needed! Just assemble, freeze, and enjoy.
- Chilled Treat: A cool dessert that’s perfect for hot days.
- Make-Ahead: Prep it in advance and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable: Play around with layers and toppings to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the simple ingredients and fun assembly process.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy winter night, this treat fits any season.
- Mess-Free: No sticky marshmallows to roast or chocolate to melt—just assemble and freeze!
Preparation Time and Cook Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (plus freezing time)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Freezing Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Servings: 8-10
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Fiber: 2g, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 3g
Ingredients
For your Frozen S’mores, gather the following simple ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
the Marshmallow Layer:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Graham Crackers: The crispy, slightly sweet base that holds the entire dessert together.
- Mini Marshmallows: These tiny treats mimic the traditional toasted marshmallow taste.
- Chocolate Chips: For a rich and creamy chocolate layer that pairs perfectly with the marshmallows.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, velvety texture to the marshmallow and chocolate layers.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings a warm, aromatic flavor to both layers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make Frozen S’mores? Follow these easy steps for a sweet, frozen treat!
Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
- Crush the Graham Crackers: Start by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and smashing them with a rolling pin, or using a food processor if you have one.
- Mix with Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is well-coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into a Pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or a similar-sized dish). Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a firm base for your dessert. Use the back of a spoon to press it down tightly.
- Freeze the Base: Place the pan in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to set while you prepare the marshmallow layer.
Make the Marshmallow Layer
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Don’t let it come to a full boil—just enough to get the cream warm.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the warm cream and stir until they completely melt and form a smooth, fluffy mixture. This will take just a few minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Cool and Pour: Let the marshmallow mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Freeze Again: Return the pan to the freezer for about 30-45 minutes until the marshmallow layer is firm to the touch.
Make the Chocolate Layer
- Heat the Chocolate and Cream: In another saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, remove it from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra touch of flavor.
- Let It Cool: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t melt the marshmallow layer when you pour it on top.
Assemble the Frozen S’mores
- Top with Chocolate: Once the marshmallow layer is firm, pour the chocolate mixture over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the marshmallows.
- Freeze: Place the entire pan back into the freezer for another 1-1.5 hours, or until the chocolate layer is completely set and firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is frozen and firm, slice it into squares and serve. You can let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to make cutting easier.
How to Serve
Here are some fun and creative ways to serve your Frozen S’mores:
- Serve as Bars: Cut into squares or bars and serve as individual portions on a platter.
- Garnish with Extra Marshmallows: Top each square with extra mini marshmallows for a fun, playful touch.
- Drizzle with Extra Chocolate: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top for a decadent finish.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Create Mini Versions: Make mini frozen s’mores by using a muffin tin to create individual-sized servings.
- Chocolate Dipping: If you love chocolate, serve with a small bowl of melted chocolate for dipping.
- Add a Dusting of Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs on top for a little added crunch.
- Serve at a BBQ: Set these out as a cool dessert option during a barbecue for a fun twist on the classic s’more.
- Add Fruit: Serve with fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Wrap for Gifts: Individually wrap pieces in plastic wrap or parchment paper for a sweet homemade gift.
Additional Tips
Get the most out of your Frozen S’mores with these helpful tips:
- Make It Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making in advance. Store it in the freezer for up to a week before serving.
- Customize the Base: Try using different cookies or crackers for the crust, like graham cracker cookies or even chocolate chip cookies for a twist.
- Use a Larger Pan: For thinner layers, you can use a larger pan. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
- Don’t Rush the Freezing: For the best texture, ensure each layer is completely frozen before adding the next layer. This helps the layers hold their shape and stay intact.
- Make it Richer: Add a layer of peanut butter or caramel sauce between the graham cracker and marshmallow layers for an extra flavor boost.
- Try Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Keep Frozen: Always store leftover Frozen S’mores in the freezer to keep them firm and fresh.
- Change the Toppings: Get creative with different toppings like crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even sprinkles for a fun texture contrast.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few variations you can try to make this dessert even more fun:
- Peanut Butter S’mores: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the graham cracker base before adding the marshmallow layer.
- Nutty S’mores: Sprinkle crushed almonds, peanuts, or hazelnuts over the chocolate layer for an extra crunch.
- Coconut S’mores: Add shredded coconut to the chocolate layer or mix it into the marshmallow layer for a tropical twist.
- Berry S’mores: Layer in some fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a refreshing touch.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores: Replace the graham crackers with crushed chocolate chip cookies for a sweet, chewy base.
- Minty S’mores: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the marshmallow layer for a minty version.
- Espresso S’mores: For coffee lovers, mix a bit of espresso powder into the chocolate layer for a coffee-flavored treat.
- Caramel S’mores: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallow layer for a deliciously sweet touch.
- Nutella S’mores: Spread Nutella between the graham cracker and marshmallow layers for a rich, chocolate-hazelnut twist.
- Salted S’mores: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate layer to create a sweet and salty balance.
FAQ SECTION
Got questions about Frozen S’mores? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re curious about substitutions, storage tips, or how to customize your treat, this FAQ section will help you get the most out of your frozen dessert adventure. Let’s dive into the details!
1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! You can use regular-sized marshmallows, but mini marshmallows tend to melt and blend more smoothly into the cream. If you’re using regular marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly.
2. Can I make this dessert without heavy cream?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Alternatively, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter texture, though the richness of heavy cream really adds to the creamy texture.
3. How can I make the graham cracker crust without butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or any other plant-based butter substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still hold together and add a nice flavor.
4. Can I add other flavors to the chocolate layer?
Absolutely! The chocolate layer is customizable—feel free to add a bit of peanut butter, caramel, or even espresso powder for a flavor twist. For a minty version, a few drops of peppermint extract can turn this treat into a holiday favorite!
PrintFrozen S’mores:
- Total Time: 2 hrs.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Marshmallow Layer:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
- Crush the Graham Crackers: Start by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and smashing them with a rolling pin, or using a food processor if you have one.
- Mix with Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is well-coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into a Pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or a similar-sized dish). Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a firm base for your dessert. Use the back of a spoon to press it down tightly.
- Freeze the Base: Place the pan in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to set while you prepare the marshmallow layer.
Make the Marshmallow Layer
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Don’t let it come to a full boil—just enough to get the cream warm.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the warm cream and stir until they completely melt and form a smooth, fluffy mixture. This will take just a few minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Cool and Pour: Let the marshmallow mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Freeze Again: Return the pan to the freezer for about 30-45 minutes until the marshmallow layer is firm to the touch.
Make the Chocolate Layer
- Heat the Chocolate and Cream: In another saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, remove it from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra touch of flavor.
- Let It Cool: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t melt the marshmallow layer when you pour it on top.
Assemble the Frozen S’mores
- Top with Chocolate: Once the marshmallow layer is firm, pour the chocolate mixture over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the marshmallows.
- Freeze: Place the entire pan back into the freezer for another 1-1.5 hours, or until the chocolate layer is completely set and firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is frozen and firm, slice it into squares and serve. You can let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to make cutting easier.
- Prep Time: 15 min.
- Freezing time: 1.5-2 hrs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Frozen S’mores are the perfect no-bake treat to enjoy anytime you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. With their rich layers of chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers, this dessert will surely be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s so easy to make ahead of time—just assemble, freeze, and serve when you’re ready to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or having a cozy night in, these Frozen S’mores will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone wanting more.
Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!