Frozen S’mores: The Ultimate Cool, Creamy, Chocolatey Summer Dessert
If you’re looking for the perfect summer dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshing, Frozen S’mores will quickly earn a top spot on your list. Inspired by the campfire classic, these no-bake frozen treats take the essence of traditional s’mores—graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow—and transform them into an irresistible frozen dessert bar. Made with simple ingredients like chocolate pudding, marshmallow fluff, whipped topping, and cream cheese, Frozen S’mores offer a rich, creamy, and satisfyingly cool alternative to your usual sweets.
This frozen twist on a beloved classic is incredibly easy to make, loved by both kids and adults, and perfect for hot weather. Whether you’re preparing for a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or just looking for something indulgent to keep in the freezer, Frozen S’mores check all the boxes.
What Makes Frozen S’mores So Special?
There are hundreds of frozen desserts out there, so what makes Frozen S’mores stand out from the crowd? The answer lies in their unique texture, flavor layers, and versatility. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try for every dessert lover:
A Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
Frozen S’mores hit all the right notes with their combination of:
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Smooth, rich chocolate pudding that brings deep cocoa flavor
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Fluffy, sweet marshmallow layer that mimics roasted mallows
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Cool, creamy whipped cream cheese that adds tang and structure
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Crisp graham cracker layers that hold everything together while offering a satisfying crunch
Ideal for Hot Summer Days
Unlike traditional baked desserts, Frozen S’mores are:
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No-bake and oven-free
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Ice-cold and refreshing
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Easy to store and grab straight from the freezer
Incredibly Easy and Fun to Make
You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up a batch. The steps are simple and fast, making this a great recipe for:
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Quick weeknight treats
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Kid-friendly cooking projects
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Make-ahead party desserts
Ingredients You’ll Need for Frozen S’mores
One of the best things about this dessert is how few ingredients it requires. Each one plays an important role in delivering that classic s’mores flavor with a frozen twist.
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of Frozen S’mores:
Main Ingredients
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1 box instant chocolate pudding
Prepare this according to the package directions using cold milk. It forms the chocolatey base of the dessert. -
1 cup whipped topping
You can use Cool Whip or any store-brand whipped topping. It adds lightness and helps bind the marshmallow layer. -
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
Tangy, creamy, and rich, this ingredient balances the sweetness and creates a cheesecake-like texture. -
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
Sticky and sweet, marshmallow fluff is the star that brings the s’mores essence to life. -
1 sleeve graham crackers (halved)
You’ll need about 12–14 whole sheets, broken into squares, to form the sandwich-style base and top.
Optional Add-ins and Customization Ideas
You can also get creative by adding:
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Mini chocolate chips
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Peanut butter swirls
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Crushed nuts or sprinkles
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Cocoa nibs or crushed Oreo cookies
These additions can elevate the texture, add crunch, or bring in new flavor notes.
How to Make Frozen S’mores: Step-by-Step Guide
This no-bake recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. You’ll layer, freeze, and slice for a sweet summer dessert you’ll want to make on repeat.
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Layer
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In a mixing bowl, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk (usually 2 cups, but follow your package instructions).
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Whisk for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
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Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Cream Layer
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In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the marshmallow fluff until smooth and fluffy.
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Fold in the whipped topping gently with a spatula. Take care not to deflate it too much.
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You should end up with a creamy, cloud-like mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
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Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, making sure it overhangs the edges for easy lifting later.
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Arrange half of the graham crackers in a single layer on the bottom.
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Spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the graham crackers.
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Gently spoon and spread the marshmallow cream mixture on top of the pudding layer.
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Finish by topping with the remaining graham crackers, aligning them with the bottom layer to make slicing easier.
Step 4: Freeze and Serve
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Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
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Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until completely firm.
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Use the parchment paper to lift the dessert from the pan.
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Slice into squares or rectangles along the graham cracker lines.
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Serve immediately or store in a freezer-safe container for future treats.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Frozen S’mores
Want to take your Frozen S’mores to the next level? Here are some tried-and-true tips to get the best texture, flavor, and presentation:
Chill Before You Build
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If you have time, chill the chocolate pudding layer in the fridge before spreading on the marshmallow mixture. This helps keep the layers defined and prevents them from blending together.
Use a Hot Knife to Cut Clean Slices
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Run a sharp knife under hot water and dry it before slicing. This helps the knife glide through the frozen layers without cracking the graham crackers.
Wrap Individually for Easy Storage
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Once sliced, wrap each piece in plastic wrap or parchment paper and keep in a sealed freezer-safe container. This makes them grab-and-go ready for summer snacking.
Add Decorative Touches
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Before freezing, sprinkle the top with:
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Mini chocolate chips
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Crushed graham crackers
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Drizzled melted chocolate
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Toasted coconut flakes
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These additions boost both presentation and flavor.
Delicious Variations You Can Try
Frozen S’mores are amazing on their own, but there are countless ways to remix this treat and create new versions to fit your preferences.
S’mores with a Peanut Butter Twist
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Spread a layer of peanut butter on the bottom graham crackers before adding the pudding.
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Add chopped peanuts or a peanut butter drizzle to the top for extra crunch.
Cookies & Cream Frozen S’mores
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Mix crushed Oreos into the pudding or marshmallow layers.
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Use chocolate graham crackers or even sandwich cookies instead of graham crackers.
Banana Split Frozen S’mores
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Add a layer of sliced bananas between the pudding and marshmallow mixture.
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Top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and chopped nuts before freezing.
Mocha Frozen S’mores
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Mix 1 tsp of espresso powder into the pudding for a coffee-chocolate combo.
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Dust the top with cocoa powder before freezing.
When and Where to Serve Frozen S’mores
This dessert is incredibly versatile and fits into any casual or celebratory setting. Here are a few perfect occasions for serving:
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Summer BBQs and cookouts
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Poolside gatherings and parties
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Children’s birthdays or sleepovers
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Potluck desserts
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Holiday picnics like 4th of July or Memorial Day
Because they’re mess-free and handheld, they’re ideal for outdoor events and casual snacking.
Healthier and Allergy-Friendly Alternatives
If you’re looking for ways to make this recipe suit different dietary needs, it’s easy to modify with a few simple swaps.
Health-Conscious Options
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Use low-fat or sugar-free pudding
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Choose light whipped topping and reduced-fat cream cheese
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Opt for whole-grain or low-sugar graham crackers
Dairy-Free Version
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Use dairy-free pudding mix and plant-based milk (like almond or oat)
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Choose vegan whipped topping such as coconut whip
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Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative
Gluten-Free Version
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Swap graham crackers with certified gluten-free alternatives
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Always double-check the labels of all packaged ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free
How to Store and Make Ahead
Frozen S’mores are a dream when it comes to prep and storage. They hold up beautifully in the freezer and can be enjoyed for weeks.
Storage Guidelines
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Store slices in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap.
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Frozen S’mores will stay fresh for up to one month.
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Let them thaw at room temperature for 3–5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Make a double batch and freeze half for future use.
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Assemble the day before a party to reduce last-minute prep.
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Pre-slice and wrap for lunchbox desserts or after-dinner treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade chocolate pudding?
Yes, as long as it’s thick and fully set. Homemade pudding adds a gourmet touch to the dessert.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese gives the dessert structure and tang, but you can replace it with extra whipped topping or Greek yogurt if desired.
How long do Frozen S’mores last in the freezer?
Properly stored, they can last up to 4 weeks without a significant loss of flavor or texture.
Can I toast the marshmallow layer?
While the marshmallow fluff is not designed to be toasted, you can torch the top lightly before freezing if you want a roasted flavor. Be cautious with melting!
Final Thoughts: A Cool Dessert Classic You’ll Crave All Summer
Frozen S’mores are one of those rare desserts that manage to be fun, simple, nostalgic, and gourmet all at once. They offer the satisfying flavors of the traditional s’more—chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker—but with a creamy, chilled twist that makes them perfect for warm weather.
Whether you enjoy them as a quick weeknight dessert, a weekend treat for guests, or a frozen snack to cool down after a long day, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever made it through a summer without a stash of Frozen S’mores waiting in your freezer.
Ready to Make It?
Get started today and share your own Frozen S’mores creations online! Tag us on social media and tell us which variation was your favorite. We love to see how you make this recipe your own!
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Frozen S’mores
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and refreshing twist on the classic s’more, these Frozen S’mores feature layers of chocolate pudding, marshmallow fluff, and whipped cream cheese sandwiched between crisp graham crackers—perfect for summer!
Ingredients
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding (prepared as directed)
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, halved (12–14 full sheets)
Instructions
- Prepare chocolate pudding according to box instructions and let thicken.
- Beat cream cheese and marshmallow fluff until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment and layer graham crackers.
- Spread chocolate pudding, then marshmallow cream mixture. Top with graham crackers.
- Freeze 6+ hours or overnight. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use a hot knife to slice clean bars after freezing.
- Chill pudding before layering to help with stability.
- Wrap bars individually for grab-and-go freezer snacks.
- Add mini chocolate chips or peanut butter for variations.
- Graham crackers may soften slightly but remain delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Freezer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: frozen s'mores, no bake dessert, summer dessert, chocolate marshmallow bars, graham cracker treats, kid-friendly dessert, pudding s’mores