Frozen S’mores: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert

Frozen Smores, a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, are about to become your new favorite dessert! Imagine biting into a creamy, cool, and utterly irresistible combination of graham crackers, marshmallow fluff, and rich chocolate – all without ever having to light a fire. This no-bake recipe is so easy, even the kids can help make it, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next summer gathering.

While the traditional s’more evokes memories of crackling campfires and starry nights, its origins are surprisingly recent. The first published recipe for a s’more appeared in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook, though the treat was undoubtedly enjoyed around campfires long before then. The name, a contraction of “some more,” perfectly captures the irresistible nature of this simple yet satisfying dessert. But what if you could enjoy that same iconic flavor combination without the sticky mess and the need for an open flame? That’s where Frozen Smores come in!

People adore s’mores for their perfect blend of textures and tastes: the crunchy graham cracker, the gooey marshmallow, and the decadent chocolate. This frozen version captures all those elements in a refreshing, chilled package. The creamy, cool texture is especially welcome on a hot day, and the no-bake convenience makes it a winner for busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers. Get ready to experience the magic of s’mores in a whole new way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (14.3 ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (10 ounce) package large marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)

Crust Preparation:

1. Prepare the Cookie Crumbs: First, we need to create the base of our frozen smores – the cookie crust! Place the entire package of chocolate sandwich cookies into a food processor. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Just make sure you get them nice and fine!
2. Combine Crumbs and Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs and the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. This is what will hold our crust together.
3. Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the crumbs into an even layer. This is important to create a solid base for our smores.
4. Chill the Crust: Place the baking dish in the freezer while you prepare the marshmallow filling. This will help the crust set and prevent it from crumbling when we add the filling. Freezing it for at least 15 minutes is ideal.

Marshmallow Filling:

1. Prepare the Marshmallow Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure you’re using a bowl that’s large enough, as the marshmallows will expand when heated.
2. Microwave the Marshmallows: Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue to microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the marshmallows, as they can become hard and rubbery. It usually takes me about 1 minute 30 seconds total, but microwave strengths vary.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the melted marshmallow mixture cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This will prevent it from melting the chocolate chips in the next step. You want it to be warm and gooey, but not scalding hot.
4. Pour over Crust: Remove the baking dish from the freezer and pour the melted marshmallow mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust. Use a spatula to spread it out to the edges of the pan.
5. Freeze Again: Return the baking dish to the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until the marshmallow layer is firm. This is crucial for creating those nice, clean layers in our frozen smores.

Chocolate Ganache Topping:

1. Prepare the Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. I like to use a glass bowl, but any heat-proof bowl will work.
2. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Watch it carefully, as you don’t want it to boil.
3. Pour over Chocolate: Pour the hot heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 1 minute to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
4. Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. If the chocolate isn’t melting completely, you can microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until it’s smooth.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the ganache cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before pouring it over the marshmallow layer. This will prevent it from melting the marshmallow layer too much.
6. Pour over Marshmallow Layer: Remove the baking dish from the freezer and pour the slightly cooled chocolate ganache evenly over the frozen marshmallow layer. Use a spatula to spread it out to the edges of the pan.
7. Sprinkle with Sea Salt (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the top of the chocolate ganache with sea salt flakes. The salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a nice contrast of flavors.
8. Final Freeze: Return the baking dish to the freezer and freeze for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ganache to set completely. This is the final freeze, so make sure everything is nice and solid!

Cutting and Serving:

1. Thaw Slightly: Before cutting, let the frozen smores sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. This will make them easier to cut.
2. Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the frozen smores into squares. You can cut them into any size you like, but I usually go for about 2-inch squares.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the frozen smores immediately and enjoy! They’re best served cold, straight from the freezer. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

Tips for Success:

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate chips will greatly affect the taste of the ganache. I recommend using a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overheat the Marshmallows: Overheating the marshmallows can make them hard and rubbery. Microwave them in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent this.
• Freeze Completely: Make sure each layer is completely frozen before adding the next layer. This will ensure that the layers stay distinct and prevent them from mixing together.
• Let Thaw Slightly Before Cutting: Letting the frozen smores thaw slightly before cutting will make them much easier to cut into clean squares.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! You can add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Variations:

• Peanut Butter Cup Frozen Smores: Add a layer of peanut butter cups between the marshmallow filling and the chocolate ganache.
• Mint Chocolate Frozen Smores: Use mint chocolate chips for the ganache and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the marshmallow filling.
• Salted Caramel Frozen Smores: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the chocolate ganache before freezing.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Frozen Smores are truly a must-try dessert. They capture all the nostalgic flavors of a campfire treat without any of the fuss of building a fire or dealing with sticky fingers. Seriously, who needs a campfire when you can have these delightful, no-bake wonders ready in minutes? The creamy, cool ice cream combined with the crunchy graham crackers and the gooey marshmallow fluff create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for more.

But the best part? The simplicity! This recipe is so incredibly easy that even the most novice baker (or non-baker!) can whip up a batch in no time. It’s the perfect solution for those last-minute dessert cravings, unexpected guests, or when you just need a little something sweet to brighten your day. Plus, it’s a fantastic activity to get the kids involved in – they’ll love assembling their own little frozen masterpieces.

Beyond the basic recipe, there are so many fun variations you can explore. Feeling adventurous? Try using chocolate graham crackers for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. Or, swap out the vanilla ice cream for chocolate, strawberry, or even coffee ice cream to create a completely different flavor profile. For a more decadent treat, drizzle some hot fudge sauce or caramel over the top before serving. You could even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Serving suggestions are endless! These Frozen Smores are perfect as a standalone dessert, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a side of warm brownies. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving them with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. They’re also a fantastic addition to any summer barbecue, picnic, or potluck. Imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces when you unveil these delightful treats!

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your kids (or your friends!), and get ready to embark on a frozen smores adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, your stories, and your tips in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Let’s spread the frozen smores love and inspire others to try this amazing recipe. Happy baking (or rather, happy freezing!) and enjoy every delicious bite! Don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your creations! I’m so excited to see your take on these delightful Frozen Smores.