Easy Frozen Smores: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Treat

Easy Frozen Smores: the quintessential campfire treat, reimagined for the modern kitchen! Forget the sticky fingers and smoky clothes; with this recipe, you can enjoy the nostalgic flavors of s’mores any time of year, no campfire required. Imagine biting into a cool, creamy, chocolatey delight that perfectly captures the essence of summer evenings spent around a crackling fire.

S’mores, a contraction of “some more,” have a surprisingly rich history, dating back to the early 1920s. The first known recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook, and since then, they’ve become a beloved American tradition. But let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t have the time or the inclination to build a fire. That’s where this easy frozen smores recipe comes in!

People adore s’mores for their simple yet irresistible combination of flavors and textures: the sweetness of the marshmallow, the richness of the chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of the graham cracker. This frozen version takes all those elements and elevates them to a new level of deliciousness. The cool, creamy filling adds a refreshing twist, making them perfect for hot summer days or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Get ready to experience the magic of s’mores in a whole new way!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14.3 ounces) graham crackers, broken into squares
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (10.5 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

Okay, let’s get started with the foundation of our frozen smores – the graham cracker crust! This is super easy, and it’s what gives the smores that classic, comforting flavor.

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: First, you’ll need to crush those graham crackers. You can do this in a couple of ways. My favorite method is to put the graham cracker squares into a large zip-top bag and then use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. You can also use a food processor if you have one. Just pulse them until they’re finely ground. You want them to be pretty fine so that the crust holds together well.
2. Combine with Butter, Sugar, and Salt: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Make sure the butter is fully melted so it distributes evenly. Stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This is what will hold our crust together.
3. Press into Pan: Now, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to line mine with parchment paper first. This makes it super easy to lift the frozen smores out later and cut them into squares. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to really pack it down firmly. A well-packed crust is key to preventing it from crumbling later.
4. Bake the Crust (Optional): This step is optional, but I find that baking the crust for a few minutes helps it to set up even better and adds a nice toasted flavor. If you want to bake it, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely before moving on to the next step. If you skip the baking, just pop the crust into the freezer while you prepare the marshmallow layer.

Making the Marshmallow Layer

Next up, we’re tackling the gooey, delicious marshmallow layer. This is where the magic happens, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!

1. Prepare the Marshmallows: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the miniature marshmallows and heavy cream. Make sure you’re using a bowl that’s large enough, as the marshmallows will puff up quite a bit when heated.
2. Microwave the Mixture: Microwave the marshmallow mixture on high for 1-2 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. Keep microwaving and stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the marshmallows, as they can burn easily.
3. Add Vanilla Extract: Once the marshmallows are melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice depth of flavor to the marshmallow layer.
4. Pour over Crust: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it out so that it covers the entire crust.
5. Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the marshmallow layer is firm to the touch. You want it to be solid enough to support the chocolate layer.

Creating the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Now for the grand finale – the rich and decadent chocolate ganache! This is what takes these frozen smores from good to absolutely irresistible.

1. Melt the Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be patient and don’t overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Once the chocolate is melted, add the heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The ganache should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, you can add a tiny bit more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Pour over Marshmallow Layer: Remove the pan from the freezer and pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the frozen marshmallow layer. Use a spatula to spread it out so that it covers the entire surface.
4. Sprinkle with Sea Salt (Optional): If you like a little salty-sweet contrast, sprinkle the top of the chocolate ganache with flaky sea salt. This is totally optional, but I highly recommend it!
5. Freeze Again: Return the pan to the freezer and freeze for at least 2 more hours, or until the chocolate ganache is completely firm.

Cutting and Serving

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – cutting and serving these delicious frozen smores!

1. Remove from Pan: Once the frozen smores are completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can simply lift the entire slab out of the pan. If you didn’t use parchment paper, you may need to run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the smores.
2. Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the frozen smores into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but I usually aim for about 2-inch squares. If the smores are very hard, you may need to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before cutting.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the frozen smores immediately and enjoy! They’re best eaten straight from the freezer, as they will start to soften if left at room temperature for too long.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your frozen smores:

• Different Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would all be delicious.
• Peanut Butter: Add a layer of peanut butter between the graham cracker crust and the marshmallow layer for a peanut butter cup twist.
• Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallow layer before adding the chocolate ganache for a caramel smores variation.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the chocolate ganache for added texture and flavor.
• Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate ganache for a mocha flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover frozen smores in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these easy frozen smores! They’re the perfect treat for a hot summer day or any time you’re craving a little bit of campfire nostalgia.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Easy Frozen Smores are truly a must-try, especially when you’re craving that campfire flavor without the hassle of building a fire. I know, I know, sometimes you just want a quick and delicious treat, and these deliver on all fronts. They’re incredibly simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of the crunchy graham crackers, the creamy, cold ice cream, and the gooey marshmallow fluff is simply divine. It’s a textural and flavor explosion in every bite!

Why are these a must-try? Because they’re the perfect balance of nostalgia and convenience. They bring back those cherished memories of summer nights around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories, but without any of the mess or effort. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to cool down on a hot day! Forget complicated desserts that take hours to prepare; these Easy Frozen Smores are ready in minutes and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try drizzling some melted chocolate over the top before serving. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness and create a delightful salty-sweet contrast. You could also experiment with different flavors of ice cream. Chocolate ice cream would be a classic choice, but vanilla bean, strawberry, or even coffee ice cream would also be delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Chocolate Drizzle: Melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle it over the frozen smores for an extra layer of indulgence.
* Sea Salt Sprinkle: A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweetness and creates a delightful salty-sweet flavor.
* Different Ice Cream Flavors: Experiment with vanilla bean, strawberry, coffee, or even mint chocolate chip ice cream.
* Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor.
* Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a rich and gooey treat.
* Mini Smores Bites: Use smaller graham crackers to create bite-sized frozen smores.
* Seasonal Flavors: Adapt the recipe to the seasons by using pumpkin spice ice cream in the fall or peppermint ice cream during the holidays.

I’m confident that you’ll love these Easy Frozen Smores as much as I do. They’re the perfect treat for kids and adults alike, and they’re sure to become a new family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these delicious frozen treats today!

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? Did your family and friends enjoy them? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your frozen smores adventures. Don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your amazing creations! Happy smores-making! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy your Easy Frozen Smores!