Frozen S’mores: A Cool Twist on a Classic Treat

Nostalgic Appeal

These Frozen S’mores take me straight back to childhood camping trips and those magical moments gathered around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and making gooey s’mores. The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow is a classic for a reason. It’s a treat that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and those carefree summer nights.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made s’mores or ice cream treats, there’s something truly special about making these Frozen S’mores from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of layering and freezing the s’mores is a fun and easy activity, especially for kids.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful combination of crunchy graham crackers, creamy chocolate pudding, and a fluffy marshmallow cream cheese mixture. The graham crackers provide a satisfying crunch, the chocolate pudding adds a rich and creamy chocolate flavor, and the marshmallow cream cheese mixture brings a sweet and airy texture with a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these Frozen S’mores so special! We start with [graham crackers, broken in half, providing a crunchy base and topping for the s’mores]. Then comes the [instant chocolate pudding mix and milk, whisked together with Cool Whip for a creamy and chocolatey layer]. We also incorporate [cream cheese and marshmallow creme, beaten together until smooth for a fluffy and sweet filling]. The [Cool Whip, folded into the marshmallow mixture for extra lightness and airiness]. And finally, the [pinch of salt, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a 9×13 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper, a medium bowl for mixing the pudding and marshmallow mixtures, a whisk, and a spatula for spreading the layers.

Ingredients

• 1 (5.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 ½ cups Cool Whip, defrosted and divided
• 12 graham crackers, broken in half and divided
• 5 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 6 ounces marshmallow creme, a little less than 1 jar
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra parchment hanging over the sides.
2. Make the Chocolate Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and 1/2 cup Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
3. Layer the Graham Crackers and Pudding: Lay half of the graham crackers evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the pudding mix into an even layer over the top and chill.
4. Make the Marshmallow Layer: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and marshmallow creme until smooth. Fold in the remaining 2 cups Cool Whip and a pinch of salt.
5. Assemble and Freeze: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Place the remaining graham crackers over the top. Cover with foil. Freeze for 6 hours, or until firm enough to cut through.
6. Slice and Serve: Pick up the overhanging parchment to remove the frozen filling. Place on a cutting board, using the graham crackers as a guide, slice the layers into 12 squares. Trim away any excess of the frozen filling. Enjoy while softened or store in the freezer in a zip-top bag. If frozen, allow sandwiches to soften at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating.

Troubleshooting

• S’mores are too hard: If the s’mores are too hard to cut or bite into, let them soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• Pudding layer is runny: Make sure the pudding mixture is chilled thoroughly before adding the marshmallow layer. You can also try using a thicker pudding mix.
• Marshmallow layer is too sweet: Reduce the amount of marshmallow creme or add a bit more cream cheese to balance the sweetness.

Tips and Variations

• Use different flavors of pudding mix, such as vanilla or butterscotch.
• Add different mix-ins to the marshmallow layer, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Frozen S’mores are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They’re perfect for a hot summer day, a backyard barbecue, or any time you want a refreshing and nostalgic treat.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one s’more. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Fat: Approximately 12-15g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 7-8g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 20-30mg
• Protein: Approximately 3-4g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
• Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
• Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
• Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of pudding), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make these Frozen S’mores ahead of time?

A: Yes! They are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply freeze them and take them out when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie?

A: While graham crackers are classic for s’mores, you can experiment with other types of cookies, such as chocolate sandwich cookies or digestive biscuits.

Q: Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?

A: Yes! You can use vegan cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, and Cool Whip alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.