Okay, gather ’round, friend! Let me tell you about these frozen smores – they are a summer lifesaver, especially when you want that campfire treat without, you know, actually building a fire. I remember one sweltering Fourth of July; the kids were begging for smores, but the thought of standing over a hot grill made me want to hide in the AC. That’s when the idea hit me: why not frozen smores?
These aren’t your average, melted-mess smores. Imagine this: a crisp graham cracker crust, a layer of creamy, dreamy chocolate ganache, and a top layer of homemade marshmallow fluff that’s been perfectly toasted and then, crucially, frozen. It’s cold, it’s sweet, it’s utterly divine, and it’s the perfect antidote to a scorching summer day. The kids went wild, my husband declared me a genius (a slight exaggeration, but I’ll take it!), and frozen smores became a permanent fixture in our summer dessert rotation.
The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make. I know, “homemade marshmallow fluff” sounds intimidating, but trust me, it’s simpler than you think, and the taste difference is out of this world. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, which is a huge win when you’re juggling a million other things. There are tons of recipes for marshmallow fluff online, but I find that Sally’s Baking Addiction has a great one.
I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years, and I’m so excited to share it with you. I know you’re going to love how simple, refreshing, and utterly delicious these frozen smores are. Even better, your family will love them too!
So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite tunes, and let’s get started! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Most importantly, remember to have fun with it. Now let’s make some frozen smores.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful frozen smores. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; I’ll share some easy substitutions.
- Graham Crackers (1 ½ cups crumbs): The foundation of our frozen smores. I usually buy the honey graham crackers because they add a touch of extra sweetness. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers – they work just as well!
- Melted Butter (6 tablespoons): This binds the graham cracker crumbs together. I prefer unsalted butter, but salted works in a pinch. Just reduce the amount of salt you add to the crust.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds a bit of sweetness to the crust. You can use brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): The heart of the chocolate ganache. I’ve used dark chocolate chips before, and it adds a richer, more intense flavor. If you like milk chocolate, that would work too!
- Heavy Cream (¾ cup): Makes the ganache smooth and creamy. Don’t substitute with milk; it won’t work the same.
- Marshmallow Fluff (7 ounces): Okay, here’s where you have options. You can use store-bought marshmallow fluff for convenience, but I highly recommend making your own. It tastes so much better, and you know exactly what’s in it! Check out the link I shared above for a great homemade marshmallow creme recipe.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the marshmallow fluff.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness.
A few tips from my kitchen:
- I like to crush my graham crackers in a food processor for a super fine crumb, but a zip-top bag and a rolling pin work just as well.
- When melting the chocolate chips and heavy cream for the ganache, be patient! Use low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning.
- For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business and make some amazing frozen smores! Trust me, it’s easier than it looks.
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until everything is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the chocolate ganache. This step helps the crust hold its shape and prevents it from getting soggy. My son, Max, once skipped this step, and the crust was a crumbly mess. So, don’t skip the step!
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute or two to allow the chocolate to melt. Then, whisk gently until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Place the dish in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. This prevents the marshmallow layer from sinking in.
- Prepare the Marshmallow Fluff: If you’re using store-bought marshmallow fluff, you can skip this step. If you’re making your own, follow your recipe instructions. Once the marshmallow fluff is ready, spread it evenly over the partially frozen chocolate ganache.
- Toast the Marshmallow Fluff (Optional): For that authentic s’mores flavor, you can toast the marshmallow fluff with a kitchen torch. Be careful not to burn it! If you don’t have a torch, you can broil it in the oven for a minute or two, watching it very closely. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, or just not in the mood.
- Freeze: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Freezing is KEY to making these frozen smores!
- Cut and Serve: Remove the frozen smores from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly. Cut into squares and enjoy!
My Pro Tips:
- If the ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To prevent the marshmallow fluff from sticking to your spatula, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- For easy cutting, run a knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.
- My daughter, Lily, loves to sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the frozen smores for a sweet and salty flavor combo.
Serving Ideas
These frozen smores are so versatile, they’re perfect for almost any occasion. Here are a few ways I like to serve them:
- Summer BBQs: These are a guaranteed hit at any backyard barbecue. They’re refreshing, easy to eat, and everyone loves them.
- Birthday Parties: Forget the cake – these frozen smores are a fun and unique dessert option for birthday parties. You can even add sprinkles or other toppings to make them extra festive.
- Movie Nights: A perfect treat to enjoy while snuggling up on the couch for a family movie night.
- After-School Snack: A sweet and satisfying reward for a long day at school.
- Simple Dessert: Sometimes, you just need a little something sweet after dinner. These frozen smores are the perfect solution.
- Garnish with fruit: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Leftover Love: If you happen to have any frozen smores leftover (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to a week.
Portion Sizes: I usually cut the 8×8 inch pan into 16 squares, which is a good portion size for a dessert. However, you can cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.
My family loves these frozen smores, and they always disappear quickly. They’re the perfect combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker goodness, all in a refreshing frozen treat.
FAQs
Got questions about making frozen smores? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions I get from friends and family:
Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff instead of making my own?Absolutely! While homemade marshmallow fluff is amazing, store-bought works just fine, especially if you’re short on time.
Can I make these ahead of time?Yes, you can! In fact, I highly recommend making them ahead of time. They need at least 2 hours in the freezer to set properly. You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from getting soggy?Baking the crust before adding the chocolate ganache helps to prevent it from getting soggy. Also, make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the ganache.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?Yes, you can! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would work. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking. I once tried a version with peanut butter chips mixed in, and it was a hit!
Are these frozen smores gluten-free?Not unless you use gluten-free graham crackers. If you’re gluten-free, simply substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free ones.
Can I add any other toppings?Of course! Get creative with your toppings. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of caramel sauce would all be delicious additions.
How do I store leftovers?Store any leftover frozen smores in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to a week.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallow fluff?No problem! You can broil the marshmallow fluff in the oven for a minute or two, watching it very closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can skip the toasting step altogether.
Can I make these into individual frozen smores bites?Yes! Instead of using an 8×8 inch baking dish, you can use a muffin tin or silicone molds to make individual frozen smores bites. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. I made mini frozen smores bites for a party once and they were a huge hit!
Conclusion
So there you have it – my recipe for frozen smores! I hope you love them as much as my family does. They’re the perfect way to enjoy that classic campfire treat without the campfire.
Before you go, here are a few final tips to ensure your frozen smores are a smashing success:
- Don’t Overbake the Crust: A lightly golden crust is all you need. Overbaking will make it too hard.
- Be Patient with the Ganache: Let the hot cream sit on the chocolate chips for a minute or two before whisking. This will help the chocolate melt evenly and create a smooth, glossy ganache.
- Freeze Thoroughly: Make sure the frozen smores are completely frozen before cutting and serving. This will prevent them from being too soft and messy.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Feel free to tweak this recipe to your liking. Maybe add a layer of peanut butter, or use different flavored graham crackers. The possibilities are endless! My family likes to add a bit of cinnamon into the crust for an extra flavor kick.
I truly believe that sharing food is one of the best ways to connect with people. This frozen smores recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to create memories and share joy with your loved ones.
Now, go forth and make some frozen smores! And be sure to come back and let me know how they turned out. I can’t wait to hear about your creations! Also, be sure to check out my Luscious Italian Erdbeer Tiramisu for other tasty options! Happy baking!
Frozen Smores
Cool off with these easy frozen smores! A simple, no-bake dessert that combines the classic flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow in a refreshing, icy treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 graham crackers, halved
- 16 large marshmallows
- 4 ounces milk chocolate, broken into squares
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
Instructions
- Gently toast marshmallows over a gas flame or in the broiler, until lightly browned. Let cool slightly.
- Spread a thin layer of softened vanilla ice cream on one half of each graham cracker square.
- Immediately top the ice cream with toasted marshmallow, followed by chocolate squares.
- Top with the remaining graham cracker square, pressing gently to adhere.
- Wrap each frozen smore individually in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with chopped nuts before freezing.