These Frozen S’mores bars combine the rich and creamy flavors of chocolate pudding and whipped topping with the sweet, gooey goodness of marshmallow creme, all sandwiched between crispy honey graham crackers. A true sensation during the warmer months, these bars require no baking and are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults!
Frozen S’mores
In the heat of summer, cold treats become a daily staple! Whether it’s this irresistible Frozen Yogurt Recipe I can’t stop raving about, this authentic Italian Gelato, or these delicious Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars, I’m always whipping up something delicious and cold that doesn’t involve turning on the oven.
These Frozen S’mores make the perfect addition to the lineup. They’re chilly, sweet, and incredibly easy to prepare! There’s absolutely no baking required, so you can keep your kitchen cool and comfortable!
Frozen S’mores offer a blend of cool, creamy, and sweet satisfaction. They’ve got all the beloved flavors of traditional S’mores — the crunchy sweetness of graham crackers, the velvety allure of marshmallow cream, and the irresistible charm of smooth milk chocolate. These elements come together to create a nostalgic, yet refreshingly new summer treat!
Frozen S’mores Ingredients
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Choose a high-quality mix for the best flavor. You could even consider a dark chocolate variety for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor. This recipe calls for one large box of instant chocolate pudding mix (5.9 ounces). Use regular instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve type, and not sugar-free or low-fat for the best texture and flavor. Very important: Follow the recipe directions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Do not prepare the pudding according to package instructions.
- Whole milk: Whole milk ensures a creamy, smooth texture in the pudding as well as a richer flavor and thicker consistency. However, if you’re looking to cut down on fat, you could substitute it with 2% milk, but be aware that the texture might be slightly less creamy.
- Frozen whipped topping: Make sure it’s thoroughly defrosted before using. If you prefer, you could substitute it with homemade whipped cream, but the frozen variety lends a certain stability to the bars. Cool Whip® is a common brand of frozen whipped topping and the one we use in our test kitchen. Be sure to choose regular, not sugar-free, or reduced-fat–they can become watery.
- Cream cheese: Opt for full-fat, brick-style cream cheese rather than low-fat or whipped varieties for a richer, more stable layer.
Frozen S’mores Ingredients, Continued
- Marshmallow creme/fluff: Marshmallow creme gives the bars that classic S’mores flavor. Use the best-quality brand for the best flavor. We love Kraft® Jet-Puffed (not sponsored).
- Fine sea salt: A tiny pinch enhances the sweetness of the dessert and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor. While it might seem like a small amount, a little goes a long way and it can make a noticeable difference to the overall flavor of the dessert.
- Honey graham crackers: The crackers provide a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. For a different twist, you could try chocolate graham crackers.
Quick Tip
Marshmallow creme/fluff can be sticky and gooey, so run your spoon under hot water, dry it, and scoop out the fluff.
How To Make Frozen S’mores (Tips)
- Prepare ahead: As the bars need at least eight hours (or ideally overnight) to set properly, plan your time accordingly. This recipe is perfect for making the day before an event.
- Quality ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients wherever possible. This is particularly important for the chocolate pudding mix and the graham crackers, as they contribute significantly to the final flavor.
- Cream cheese and whipped topping: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before starting the recipe to create a smooth, lump-free marshmallow layer. Similarly, make sure your whipped topping is completely defrosted before mixing. See “quick tip” below!
- Parchment paper: Use parchment paper to line your dish, it will make it a lot easier to remove the Frozen S’mores from the dish once they are set. Leave an overhang to use as handles.
- Cutting: When cutting your Frozen S’mores, a warm knife makes the task easier. Just run your knife under warm water, wipe dry, and then make your cut. Repeat as needed.
- Serving: Before serving, allow the Frozen S’mores to soften at room temperature for around 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, they’re too hard to bite into!
Quick Tip
Soften the cream cheese to room temperature so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients. An easy way to soften cream cheese is to leave it out of the refrigerator for about an hour before you start cooking. If you forget, you can also soften it (unwrapped) in the microwave on a low power setting.
Variations
Change Things Up!
- Flavored pudding: Swap out the chocolate pudding for another flavor. Vanilla or butterscotch would make a delicious alternative while still keeping the spirit of the traditional s’more.
- Different graham crackers: You can play around with different types of graham crackers for a twist on the traditional. Chocolate graham crackers or even cinnamon graham crackers could add an extra depth of flavor.
- Add inclusions: Consider adding inclusions into the marshmallow layer. Mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or bits of toffee could add a fun crunch and flavor.
- Fruit layer: Add a layer of thinly sliced strawberries or bananas between the chocolate and marshmallow layers for a fruity variation.
- Drizzles: Once the S’mores are assembled and cut, drizzle the top with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and a visually impressive finish.
- Ice cream: You could replace the marshmallow layer with your favorite ice cream flavor.
Storage
Storage
To store finished Frozen S’mores, individually wrap each bar in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag, and store them in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to three months but are best eaten within the first month. When ready to serve, let them soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Be aware that the longer these Frozen S’mores are stored, the softer the graham crackers will become. This isn’t necessarily a downside–they take on a texture similar to the cookies in an ice cream sandwich, and enhance the overall creaminess of the treat!
More Summer Treats To Love:
- Ice Cream In A Bag using rock salt
- Healthy Ice Cream made without bananas or avocados
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake with only four ingredients needed
- Oreo Ice Cream Cake with an Oreo cookie crust
- Ice Cream Pie with only three ingredients needed
Frozen S'mores
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. (5.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix (Note 1)
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 container (8 oz.) whipped topping, defrosted and separated
- 5 ounces cream cheese, softened (Note 2)
- 6 ounces marshmallow creme (Note 3)
- Tiny pinch fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 honey graham crackers, broken in half
Instructions
- PREP: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an extra overhang for easy removal. (Don't skip lining the pan or these won't work too well!)
- CHOCOLATE LAYER: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth. Add in ½ cup whipped topping and whisk until incorporated. Spread this pudding mix in an even layer on the bottom of the pan. Place in the freezer for now.
- MARSHMALLOW LAYER: In a large bowl, add softened cream cheese, marshmallow creme, salt, and vanilla. Use an electric hand mixer to beat until completely smooth. Add in the remaining whipped topping and gently fold with a spatula until well incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Cover tightly and place in the fridge until completely firm, about eight hours or overnight.
- FINISH BARS: Use the overhanging parchment to remove the frozen filling and place on a cutting board. Place 12 halves of graham crackers evenly spaced on top. Using the graham crackers as a guide, slice into 12 squares (See Note 4). Trim away any excess of the frozen filling. Flip each square over and add another graham cracker to the other side. Enjoy!
- STORAGE: To store finished S'mores Bars, individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a zip-top freezer bag, and store them in the freezer. They'll keep for up to three months but are best eaten within the first month. When ready to serve, let them soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.Be aware that the longer these Frozen S'mores are stored, the softer the graham crackers will become. This isn't necessarily a downside, as they take on a texture similar to the cookies in an ice cream sandwich.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
