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This chilled spin on a beloved campfire classic turns traditional s'mores into a cool, prepare-ahead treat that's perfect for sweltering days. The smooth layers of chocolate pudding and fluffy marshmallow filling tucked between crisp graham crackers make an addictive frozen delight that captures all the tastes of campfire s'mores without needing any fire.
I first whipped up these frozen s'mores during a backyard party when it was way too hot to start the fire pit. They were such a smash hit that they've become my summer dessert go-to whenever I want something impressive but don't feel like heating up the kitchen.
What You'll Need
- Instant chocolate pudding: Delivers deep chocolate taste with zero cooking needed
- Whole milk: Makes the pudding just right - stick with full-fat for best outcome
- Cool Whip: Adds airy creaminess without weighing down the dessert
- Graham crackers: Give that signature s'mores foundation - grab a fresh box for proper crunch
- Room temperature cream cheese: Forms a velvety, dependable filling that holds up well when frozen
- Marshmallow creme: Brings that authentic s'mores flavor in a form that mixes smoothly with other components
- Salt: Boosts all flavors and cuts through sweetness
How To Make It
- Get your dish ready:
- Put parchment paper in a 9×13 inch pan with extra hanging over the sides. This makes pulling out the frozen dessert super easy and keeps it from sticking to your dish.
- Create your chocolate blend:
- Mix pudding mix, milk and 1/2 cup Cool Whip until everything looks silky smooth. Don't rush this step - you want a perfectly lump-free chocolate base.
- Build your bottom:
- Put half your graham crackers across the bottom of your lined pan. Spread your chocolate pudding mix over them, making sure you cover everything right to the edges.
- Whip up the marshmallow mix:
- Beat cream cheese with marshmallow creme until totally smooth. This might take a bit, but getting rid of all cream cheese chunks matters. Then gently mix in the rest of your Cool Whip and a tiny bit of salt to make a light, fluffy marshmallow layer.
- Finish the layers:
- Carefully spread your marshmallow mixture over the chocolate part, keeping it even. Put the leftover graham crackers on top, lining them up with the ones underneath. This will help you cut nice squares later.
- Chill and cut:
- Cover with foil and stick it in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight. Once it's solid, lift everything out using the parchment paper edges, put it on a cutting board, and cut into 12 squares following the graham cracker lines.
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The marshmallow creme component really makes this dessert stand out. When I first tried making these, I wasn't sure about using store-bought marshmallow creme, but its smooth texture creates just the right consistency that you can't get from homemade marshmallow in this cold application.
Prep Earlier & Keep Fresh
These frozen s'mores are your best friend for planning ahead. After cutting them into single servings, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and keep them in a freezer container. They'll stay amazing for up to two months, though they rarely stick around that long at my place. For the tastiest experience, let them sit out for about 15 minutes before eating - this softens the filling just enough for that perfect bite.
Tasty Twists
While the original version rocks, you can easily switch things up to match what you like. Try adding some peanut butter between the chocolate and marshmallow for a candy-inspired twist. If you love mint chocolate, put a few drops of mint extract into the chocolate pudding part. During Christmas, sprinkled crushed candy canes on top add festive flavor and some crunch. You can change this dessert in so many ways.
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Ways To Enjoy
These frozen s'mores taste great by themselves but can be dressed up for special times. Pour some warm chocolate sauce over them right before serving for an amazing hot-cold contrast. For fancy dinner parties, put a square on a plate with fresh berries scattered around. During summer get-togethers, I sometimes pair these with grilled peaches for a surprising combo that gets tons of compliments.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I use different graham crackers?
Absolutely, try chocolate ones for extra flavor punch. The standard kind works great too.
- → How should I store frozen s'mores?
Cover each piece with plastic wrap, tuck them in a freezer safe box, and they'll stay good for up to 2 months.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet, just freeze them at least 6 hours so they firm up. They're great for making days before you need them.
- → Can I soften the frozen s'mores before eating?
Let them sit out for about 15 minutes and they'll get nice and soft for better eating.
- → Can I customize the layers?
You sure can! Try adding flavored cream cheese, switch out the marshmallow fluff, or throw in some peanut butter for extra yumminess.