Chilled S'mores Treat

This frosty s'mores treat brings campfire vibes to a cool, refreshing dessert that's perfect for hot summer gatherings. The combo of rich chocolate pudding topped with airy marshmallow fluff captures that classic s'mores taste while the chilled format gives a fun twist on the traditional favorite.

My children spotted this at a neighborhood summer bash and kept asking me to make it at home. Now it's our favorite dessert for backyard parties and has gotten quite a reputation among friends who always want it when they stop by.

Ingredients

• 1 box instant chocolate pudding 5.9 ounces: makes a smooth chocolate foundation with zero baking needed
• 2.5 cups whole milk: gives you the creamiest pudding consistency don't swap for lower fat options
• 2.5 cups Cool Whip: thawed and split between mixtures adds airiness and helps everything freeze just right
• 12 graham crackers: snapped in half for the authentic s'mores base try honey flavor for the real deal
• 5 ounces cream cheese: softened to room temp for easy mixing don't rush this step
• 6 ounces marshmallow creme: slightly less than a full jar brings true marshmallow flavor without the hassle of melting actual marshmallows
• Pinch of salt: cuts the sweetness and brings out all the tastes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Your Pan Ready:

Cover your 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper letting extra hang off the edges. Don't skip this step as it's super important for pulling out the dessert later so be sure the paper goes up all sides with some extra.

Mix Up the Chocolate:

Stir the pudding mix milk and 1/2 cup Cool Whip until totally smooth. Give it a good two minutes of mixing to get rid of all lumps and create a velvety bottom layer that freezes wonderfully.

Start Layering:

Put half your graham crackers across the dish bottom making an even layer. Pour your chocolate mixture on top and smooth it into all corners. Stick it in the fridge for about 15 minutes just to firm up enough for the next part.

Whip Up the Marshmallow Mix:

Mix cream cheese and marshmallow creme until totally smooth using your electric mixer at medium for around 2 minutes. It should look fluffy with no lumps at all. Carefully fold in the last 2 cups of Cool Whip and salt with a spatula using gentle motions to keep it airy.

Finish Building:

Spread your marshmallow blend evenly over the cooled chocolate layer working from middle to edges. Place the rest of your graham crackers on top pressing them down very lightly. Cover everything tightly with foil and freeze for at least 6 hours but better yet overnight.

Cut and Enjoy:

Take from freezer and use the parchment overhang to lift the whole dessert out. Set on a cutting board and use the visible crackers as guides to cut perfect portions. Let it sit for 5 minutes before eating for the best texture.

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The marshmallow creme really makes this dish stand out. I found that using a slightly warmed spatula when spreading helps get the smoothest finish. Last summer we made this for my daughter's grad party and ended up making three batches because everyone kept coming back for more.

Texture Tips

This treat changes as it sits out. For a harder ice cream sandwich feel eat it right after taking it from the freezer. For something closer to real s'mores let it sit at room temp for 8 to 10 minutes before digging in. The graham crackers naturally get softer while frozen which gives you that perfect bite instead of crumbling all over when you eat it.

Flavor Variations

What's great about this dessert is how easy it is to change up. You can try chocolate graham crackers for more chocolate flavor. You might also want to play with different pudding types like white chocolate or cheesecake for something new. I really love adding a thin layer of caramel between the pudding and marshmallow for a caramel s'mores version that tastes amazing.

Make Ahead Strategy

This treat is so great for making early. I often fix several batches in summer and keep them wrapped up in my freezer. They stay perfectly good for up to 2 months when stored right. For best results wrap single pieces tightly in plastic then put them in a freezer container with a good lid. Don't forget to mark the date so you remember when you made them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should the dessert freeze?

Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best firmness. This ensures it’s perfectly set for slicing.

→ Can I prep this dish before the event?

For sure! Once frozen, it keeps in the freezer for up to 2 months if wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in a container.

→ What if I can’t get marshmallow fluff?

No problem! Melt 2 cups of marshmallows with 2 tablespoons of corn syrup in the microwave and let it cool slightly. Works great as a fluff substitute!

→ How do I serve frozen s'mores?

Let the dessert sit out for 5-10 minutes to soften just a bit. That’ll make it easier to slice and enjoy!

→ Can I use lower-fat ingredients?

Yes! Swap for low-fat milk, cream cheese, or whipped topping. It’ll still taste great, but textures might vary slightly.

→ Why do the graham crackers feel softer after freezing?

They soak up some moisture as they freeze, which gives them a softer bite. That’s normal and actually makes them easier to eat frozen.