Frozen S'mores Chilled Delight

This frozen s'mores chilled delight brings all the campfire magic of traditional s'mores into a refreshing frozen treat perfect for warm weather gatherings. The layers of chocolate pudding and fluffy marshmallow cream create that classic s'mores flavor profile while the chilled presentation offers a delightful twist on a beloved favorite.

My kids discovered this recipe at a summer block party and begged me to recreate it. It's now our go-to dessert for cookouts and has become somewhat famous among our friends who always request it when they visit.

Ingredients

• 1 box instant chocolate pudding 5.9 ounces: provides the perfect chocolate base without any baking required
• 2.5 cups whole milk: creates the richest pudding texture use whole milk for best results
• 2.5 cups Cool Whip: defrosted and divided between layers adds lightness and helps both mixtures freeze perfectly
• 12 graham crackers: broken in half recreates the essential s'mores component look for honey grahams for authentic flavor
• 5 ounces cream cheese: at room temperature critical for smooth blending ensure it's fully softened
• 6 ounces marshmallow creme: just under one jar delivers that authentic marshmallow flavor without the mess of melting marshmallows
• Pinch of salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line your 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper allowing extra to hang over the sides. This step is absolutely crucial for easy removal later so be generous with the parchment and ensure it covers all sides with some overhang.

Create the Chocolate Base:

Whisk together pudding mix milk and 1/2 cup Cool Whip until beautifully smooth. Take your time here about 2 minutes of whisking ensures no lumps remain and creates a silky base layer that will freeze beautifully.

Layer the Foundation:

Arrange half of your graham crackers across the bottom of the dish creating an even base. Pour your chocolate pudding mixture over this and spread carefully into corners. Place in refrigerator for about 15 minutes just to set the surface enough for the next layer.

Make the Marshmallow Layer:

Beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme together until completely smooth using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The texture should be light and fluffy with no cream cheese lumps. Gently fold in remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip and salt using a spatula with a light hand to maintain maximum fluffiness.

Complete the Assembly:

Spread marshmallow mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate layer working from the center outward. Place remaining graham crackers on top pressing very gently to adhere. Cover the entire dish tightly with foil and freeze for a full 6 hours or ideally overnight.

Slice and Serve:

Remove from freezer using parchment overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Place on cutting board and use the visible graham crackers as your cutting guide for perfectly sized portions. Let soften for 5 minutes before serving for ideal texture.

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The marshmallow creme is truly what makes this recipe special. I discovered that using a slightly warm spatula when spreading it helps create the smoothest layer. One summer we served this at my daughter's graduation party and ended up making three batches because everyone kept coming back for seconds.

Texture Tips

This dessert transforms as it sits out of the freezer. For a firmer ice cream sandwich experience serve immediately after removing from the freezer. For a softer more traditional s'mores texture allow to sit at room temperature for 8 to 10 minutes before serving. The graham crackers naturally soften during freezing creating that perfect tender bite rather than crumbling when you take a bite.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different flavor preferences. Try using chocolate graham crackers for an extra chocolate punch. You can also experiment with different pudding flavors like white chocolate or cheesecake for interesting variations. My personal favorite twist is adding a thin layer of caramel sauce between the pudding and marshmallow layers for a caramel s'mores variation that tastes incredible.

Make Ahead Strategy

This dessert is the ultimate make ahead treat. I often prepare several batches during summer and keep them wrapped individually in my freezer. They maintain perfect quality for up to 2 months when stored properly. For best results wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap then store in a freezer safe container with a tight fitting lid. Label with the date so you know when they were made.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How long do I need to freeze the s'mores dessert?

The s'mores dessert needs to freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm. For best results, you can freeze it overnight to ensure it's completely set before cutting into squares.

→ Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! This is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Once prepared and frozen, you can store the individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight freezer container for up to 2 months.

→ What if I can't find marshmallow creme?

If marshmallow creme is unavailable, you can melt about 2 cups of regular marshmallows with 2 tablespoons of corn syrup in the microwave until smooth, then cool slightly before using in the recipe.

→ How should I serve these frozen s'mores?

For the best texture and flavor, remove the frozen s'mores from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows them to soften slightly while still maintaining their structure.

→ Can I use low-fat ingredients to make this dessert?

Yes, you can substitute with low-fat milk, light Cool Whip, and reduced-fat cream cheese. The texture might be slightly different, but the dessert will still be delicious.

→ Why do my graham crackers get soft in the freezer?

Graham crackers naturally absorb moisture from the filling ingredients when frozen, causing them to soften. This is normal and actually creates a nice texture that's easier to cut and eat when frozen.