Frozen S’mores Bars offer a delightful twist on a classic campfire treat, combining luscious layers of creamy chocolate pudding, airy whipped topping, and sweet marshmallow creme, all nestled between crisp honey graham crackers. This no-bake marvel requires only chilling, making it the perfect stress-free dessert for any occasion, especially during the warmer months.
author’s note
Frozen S’mores, No Campfire Needed! A Summer Essential!
There’s nothing quite like a traditional s’more, but when the summer heat is intense, gathering around a roaring campfire isn’t always the most appealing idea. That’s precisely why these Frozen S’mores Bars have become my go-to obsession! They capture all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic s’more – the crunchy graham cracker, the sweet, gooey marshmallow, and the rich chocolate – but in a wonderfully chilled, mess-free bar form.
My kitchen during summer transforms into a no-bake zone. I find myself constantly whipping up refreshing, cold treats that don’t require turning on the oven, like my favorite Simple Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, indulging in homemade Gelato, or crafting delightful Loaded Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars. If it’s cold, creamy, and keeps my kitchen cool, I’m absolutely on board.
These Frozen S’mores epitomize easy summer dessert making. They are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring no baking at all. Just a few simple steps of layering, a good chill in the refrigerator, and you’re ready to savor a truly spectacular treat. The balance of textures and flavors – from the crisp graham to the velvety pudding and the pillowy marshmallow creme – makes every bite a pure delight. They are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults at any summer gathering or simply as a refreshing family treat!
The Magic Behind Each Layer: Essential Frozen S’mores Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Frozen S’mores Bars starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Using the right type and quality ensures the best texture, flavor, and overall stability of this delightful no-bake dessert. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these irresistible treats:
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: This is the foundation of our rich chocolate layer. It’s crucial to use one 5.9-ounce box of instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety. Instant pudding sets beautifully without heat and provides the creamy, dense texture needed for these bars. Avoid sugar-free or low-fat versions, as they can affect the final consistency and flavor.
- Whole Milk: For unparalleled creaminess and richness in your pudding layer, whole milk is highly recommended. The higher fat content contributes to a smoother, more luxurious texture. While 2% milk can work, it will result in a slightly less rich and creamy consistency.
- Frozen Whipped Topping: This ingredient adds a light, airy fluffiness to both the chocolate and marshmallow layers. Ensure it’s fully thawed before incorporating it into your mixtures for a smooth, lump-free result. Regular, full-fat whipped topping (like Cool Whip) provides the best texture and stability. While homemade whipped cream is delicious, it tends to be less stable when frozen and might not hold up as well in this recipe.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to the marshmallow layer’s delightful tang and stability! Always opt for full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Whipped or low-fat cream cheese contains too much air or water, which can compromise the structure and flavor of your bars. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for effortless blending.
- Marshmallow Creme: This is where the quintessential s’mores flavor truly shines! Marshmallow creme (also known as marshmallow fluff) provides that sweet, gooey, and distinctively marshmallowy taste without the need for actual toasted marshmallows. I find brands like Kraft® Jet-Puffed work wonderfully for their consistent texture and flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt: Just a small pinch of fine sea salt plays a surprisingly significant role. It beautifully balances the sweetness of the other ingredients and enhances all the flavors, making them pop. Don’t skip this tiny but mighty addition!
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is a flavor powerhouse. Even a modest amount contributes a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the overall taste profile of the dessert.
- Honey Graham Crackers: These are the essential “bread” of our s’mores bars, providing a satisfying crunch and that classic honey-graham flavor. They form the top and bottom layers, offering a textural contrast to the creamy fillings. For an exciting twist, consider experimenting with chocolate graham crackers to intensify the chocolatey goodness!
Choosing high-quality ingredients and ensuring they are prepared as specified (like thawing or softening) is key to achieving the perfect, irresistible Frozen S’mores Bars every time.
Crafting Your Frozen S’mores Bars: Expert Tips for Success
Making these Frozen S’mores Bars is incredibly straightforward, but a few expert tips can ensure your dessert turns out perfectly firm, beautifully layered, and utterly delicious. Pay attention to these details for the best no-bake experience:
- Prepare Ahead for Perfection: Patience is a virtue with these bars! They require a minimum of 8 hours, and ideally, an overnight chill in the freezer, to set completely. This crucial setting time ensures the layers are firm enough to cut cleanly and hold their shape beautifully. Planning ahead makes these bars an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties, potlucks, or busy weeks.
- The Parchment Paper Secret: Do not underestimate the power of parchment paper! Lining your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and leaving a generous overhang on the sides is absolutely essential. This simple step creates “handles” that allow you to easily lift the entire frozen slab out of the pan for perfect cutting. Without it, removing the bars cleanly would be nearly impossible.
- Achieving Silky Smooth Layers: The key to beautifully smooth and incorporated layers lies in ingredient preparation. Ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to room temperature – this prevents lumps and guarantees a velvety texture when mixed. Similarly, your frozen whipped topping must be completely thawed. These small details make a big difference in the final consistency of your chocolate pudding and marshmallow creme layers.
- Precision Cutting with a Warm Knife: Once your bars are perfectly chilled and firm, cutting them cleanly can be tricky. The professional secret is to use a warm, sharp knife. Run your knife under hot water for a few seconds, wipe it dry, and then make your cut. The warmth helps the blade glide through the frozen layers without tearing or dragging, resulting in neat, clean slices. Repeat this process for each cut for the best presentation.
- The Art of Serving: While these are “frozen” s’mores, they are best enjoyed slightly softened. Allow your bars to sit out at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period ensures they are easier to bite into, offering a delightfully creamy and less icy texture while still being wonderfully cold and refreshing.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While convenience is a highlight of this recipe, using good quality ingredients will elevate the taste significantly. Invest in a reputable brand of instant pudding mix and fresh, flavorful honey graham crackers for the best results.
Quick Tip: High-Protein Alternative
Looking for a version that packs a protein punch? You can easily adapt this concept! Check out these frozen protein s’mores for a healthier twist on your favorite chilled treat.
Quick Tip: Perfectly Softened Cream Cheese
Softening cream cheese to room temperature is paramount for a smooth, lump-free marshmallow layer. If you forget to take it out an hour before you start baking, don’t fret! You can quickly soften unwrapped brick-style cream cheese in the microwave. Use a low power setting and heat it in 10-15 second bursts, flipping it between bursts, until it’s pliable but not melted. This ensures it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating that luxurious texture.
Exciting Variations for Your Frozen S’mores Bars
While the classic Frozen S’mores Bars are undeniably delicious, they also serve as a fantastic canvas for creativity! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and textures to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are some inspiring variations to “change things up” and make these bars truly your own:
Unleash Your Inner Chef with These Twists!
- Flavored Pudding Adventure: The chocolate pudding layer is wonderfully versatile. Instead of chocolate, try swapping it out for a vanilla pudding mix for a lighter flavor, or butterscotch for a rich, caramel-like essence. Lemon or banana pudding could offer a surprisingly refreshing and fruity twist, still perfectly complementing the graham cracker and marshmallow notes.
- Different Graham Crackers, New Dimensions: The honey graham crackers are traditional, but why stop there? Elevate your bars with chocolate graham crackers for an intensified cocoa experience, or cinnamon graham crackers to add a warm, spicy undertone. For a truly unique crunch, consider using shortbread cookies, digestive biscuits, or even pretzel thins for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Add Delightful Inclusions: Mix extra goodies into the marshmallow layer to add texture and flavor. Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), crushed cookies (Oreo crumbs work wonders!), or bits of toffee or caramel could transform these bars into an even more decadent treat.
- A Fresh Fruit Layer: For a burst of natural sweetness and a refreshing counterpoint, add a thin layer of thinly sliced fresh fruit between the chocolate and marshmallow layers. Strawberries, raspberries, or bananas are excellent choices that pair beautifully with chocolate and marshmallow flavors. Ensure the fruit layer isn’t too thick to maintain the bar’s structure.
- Drizzles and Toppings Galore: Once your S’mores bars are assembled, chilled, and cut, take them to the next level with a decadent drizzle! A generous swirl of melted chocolate, a rich caramel sauce, or a simple ganache can add an extra layer of sweetness and a visually impressive finish. A sprinkle of mini marshmallows or chocolate shavings would also be fantastic.
- Ice Cream Dream Bars: For an ultimate indulgence, consider replacing the entire marshmallow layer with a layer of your favorite ice cream flavor. Imagine a scoop of vanilla bean, mint chocolate chip, or even coffee ice cream sandwiched between the pudding and graham crackers. Ensure the ice cream is slightly softened for easy spreading, then refreeze until firm.
Storing Your Frozen S’mores: Preserve the Perfection
One of the many advantages of these Frozen S’mores Bars is their excellent make-ahead and storage potential. Properly storing them ensures you can enjoy these delightful treats whenever a craving strikes, or have them ready for your next gathering.
Storage Solutions for Lasting Freshness
To ensure your finished Frozen S’mores Bars retain their quality and flavor:
- Individual Wrapping is Key: After cutting your bars, individually wrap each one tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn, maintains freshness, and keeps them from sticking together.
- Airtight Container for Protection: Place the individually wrapped bars in a sturdy, airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag. This provides an additional layer of protection against freezer odors and moisture, further extending their shelf life.
- Freezer Lifespan: Your Frozen S’mores Bars will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. However, for the absolute best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy them within the first month.
- Serving from Frozen: When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This brief softening period makes them easier to bite into, ensuring a perfectly creamy and enjoyable texture.
It’s worth noting that the longer these Frozen S’mores are stored, the graham crackers will gradually soften. This isn’t necessarily a drawback; in fact, many find this transformation delightful, as the graham crackers take on a texture wonderfully similar to the soft cookies in an ice cream sandwich, enhancing the overall creamy sensation of the treat! This makes them an ideal dessert to prepare in advance for any summer festivity.
Discover More Refreshing Summer Treats:
Frozen Treats
Ice Cream In A Bag
Desserts
Healthy Ice Cream Recipe
Desserts
Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Desserts
Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Pin Recipe
Print Recipe
Frozen S’mores Bars
For the best results, these S’mores bars need at least 8 hours (or ideally, overnight) to set properly, so plan your preparation time accordingly. This recipe is perfect for making the day before an event or when you need a hassle-free dessert.
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 (5.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix (see note 1)
- 2-1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, defrosted, divided
- 5 ounces cream cheese, softened (see note 2)
- 6 ounces marshmallow creme (see note 3)
- 1/6 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 honey graham crackers, broken in half
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars. (This step is crucial for successful removal!)
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the thawed whipped topping until well incorporated. Spread this chocolate pudding mixture evenly as the first layer on the bottom of your prepared pan. Place the pan in the freezer to chill while you prepare the next layer.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, marshmallow creme, fine sea salt, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Gently fold in the remaining whipped topping with a spatula until everything is thoroughly combined and light. Carefully spread this marshmallow mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate pudding layer in the pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until the bars are completely firm, which will take approximately 8 hours or ideally, overnight.
- Once the layers are fully firm, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the entire frozen filling out of the baking dish and place it onto a cutting board. Arrange 12 halves of graham crackers evenly spaced on top of the marshmallow layer. Using the graham crackers as a guide for size, slice the frozen filling into 12 individual squares (refer to note 4 for cutting tips). Trim any excess frozen filling from the edges if desired. Carefully flip each square over and place another graham cracker half onto the exposed side to complete your frozen s’mores bars. Enjoy your perfectly crafted, no-bake treat!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: For the best structure and rich flavor, use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Whipped or low-fat versions contain too much moisture and air, which will prevent the marshmallow layer from setting properly. Always soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for a perfectly smooth consistency. If you’re short on time, you can soften unwrapped cream cheese in the microwave on a low power setting in short 10-second bursts.
Note 3: You will need approximately 6 ounces of marshmallow creme (also known as marshmallow fluff). A standard 7-ounce jar will provide slightly more than needed. Marshmallow creme can be quite sticky; to make scooping easier, run your spoon under hot water, dry it quickly, and then use it to scoop out the desired amount.
Note 4: Cutting perfectly clean slices of frozen desserts can be challenging. For smooth, neat cuts, warm your knife under hot running water, wipe it completely dry, and then slice through the bars. Re-warm and dry your knife as needed for each cut. This technique helps the blade glide effortlessly through the frozen layers.
Storage: To store your finished Frozen S’mores Bars, individually wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight zip-top freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For optimal taste and texture, they are best enjoyed within the first month. Before serving, let them soften at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes to achieve the ideal creamy consistency.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.