Easy S’mores Ice Box Cake Recipe: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert
Looking for a dessert that captures the nostalgic flavors of a campfire s’more without needing to light a single match? This easy S’mores Ice Box Cake is your answer! Made with layers of crispy graham crackers, a dreamy marshmallow filling, and crowned with a rich chocolate ganache, it’s the perfect no-bake treat for any occasion.
Alright, I might have a slight obsession with no-bake desserts, especially when summer rolls around! After diving headfirst into the deliciousness of my Twix Ice Box Cake, I simply couldn’t resist creating another effortless dessert masterpiece. And what flavor combination screams summer louder than classic s’mores?
Honestly, it’s a tough call to pick a favorite between the two ice box cakes, but this S’mores version truly brings a unique, comforting, yet refreshing twist to the table. I encourage you to whip up both and let me know which one steals your heart! You won’t regret trying either of these unbelievably simple, crowd-pleasing desserts.
Why This S’mores Ice Box Cake is Your New Go-To
This S’mores Ice Box Cake isn’t just easy; it’s a revelation. Imagine all the beloved elements of a s’more – the crisp graham cracker, the fluffy marshmallow, and the decadent chocolate – transformed into a cool, creamy cake that requires absolutely no baking. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or simply a sweet escape on a warm evening.
The magic begins with our incredible marshmallow whipped cream. Seriously, after tasting this, you’ll be tempted to grab a spoon and just eat it straight from the bowl. (Go ahead, I won’t tell anyone if you take a few spoonfuls – maybe four or five, just to be sure it’s perfect, right?). The combination of light, airy whipped cream and sweet marshmallow fluff creates a filling that is utterly divine and the true star of this dessert.
Crafting Your Marshmallow Dream Filling
Making the marshmallow whipped cream is straightforward. Start by beating your heavy cream until it just begins to thicken. This is the ideal moment to introduce the marshmallow fluff. Adding it at this stage allows for seamless incorporation and ensures a stable, cloud-like consistency. Continue beating until stiff peaks form, indicating your cream is perfectly whipped and ready to hold its shape. Finally, gently fold in a generous handful of miniature marshmallows, adding delightful pockets of chewiness and extra marshmallowy goodness to every bite.
Layer by Layer: Assembling Your Ice Box Cake
Once your irresistible marshmallow cream is ready, the layering process begins. It’s like building a delicious edible fort! Start with a foundational layer of graham crackers at the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan. These will soften beautifully as the cake chills, mimicking the crumbly texture of a s’mores base. Next, spread half of your luscious marshmallow whipped cream evenly over the graham crackers. This creates a thick, creamy layer that will set up wonderfully.
Repeat the process: another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining marshmallow whipped cream, and then a final layer of graham crackers. The beauty of an ice box cake is how the crackers absorb the moisture from the cream, transforming into a tender, cake-like texture overnight.
The grand finale is a silky smooth chocolate ganache. This topping is incredibly simple to make, requiring just two ingredients: semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Melt them together until smooth and glossy, then pour it over the final layer of graham crackers. The pan will be full of deliciousness, so make sure to leave some room in your fridge!
The Recipe: S’mores Ice Box Cake
Ready to create this incredible no-bake dessert? Here’s the detailed recipe to guide you through each step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with minimal effort!
S’mores Ice Box Cake
Ingredients
- 13 1/2 sheets graham crackers
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 7 oz jar marshmallow fluff
- 2/3 cup miniture marshmallows
- CHOCOLATE GANACHE
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
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In the bowl of your stand mixer beat the 2 cups cream until it starts to thicken. Add in the marshmallow fluff and beat until stiff peaks form and the marshmallow fluff is combined. Fold in the miniature marshmallows.
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Place a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan (I used 4 1/2 sheets) Spread half of the marshmallow cream over the graham crackers. Repeat layers. Place a final layer of graham crackers on top.
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For the chocolate ganache: in a microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate chips with the cream in 15 second intervals stirring after each until melted and smooth. Spread over the top of the graham crackers. The pan will be full. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
Tips for a Perfect S’mores Ice Box Cake
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the refrigeration! The minimum 4 hours allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb the creamy filling, creating that desirable cake-like texture. For best results, chill overnight.
- Cold Cream for Whipping: Ensure your heavy whipping cream is very cold. This helps it whip up faster and achieve stiff peaks more easily. You can even chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachments for 10-15 minutes beforehand.
- Smooth Ganache: When making the chocolate ganache, melt the chocolate chips and cream gently. Microwaving in short intervals and stirring well between each ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency without burning the chocolate.
- Cutting Clean Slices: For neat slices, use a sharp knife and clean it with warm water between each cut. This prevents the chocolate ganache from cracking and sticking.
Delicious Variations to Explore
While the classic S’mores Ice Box Cake is phenomenal on its own, feel free to experiment with these exciting variations:
- Chocolate Graham Crackers: Swap regular graham crackers for chocolate-flavored ones for an even deeper cocoa experience.
- Extra Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the marshmallow whipped cream for added texture and chocolate bursts.
- Toasted Marshmallows: For an authentic campfire touch, gently toast some miniature marshmallows with a kitchen torch just before serving. This adds a beautiful golden-brown color and smoky flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the chocolate ganache before serving can add another layer of sweetness and complexity.
- Cookie Crumb Base: Instead of whole graham crackers, you could use a graham cracker crust (crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter) as your bottom layer for a different texture.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This S’mores Ice Box Cake is best served chilled. Once it has set, slice it into squares and serve immediately. It’s a fantastic dessert for any gathering, and its no-bake nature means less stress on busy days.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days, it will remain delicious for a few more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an “Ice Box Cake”?
An ice box cake is a no-bake dessert typically made with layers of cookies, crackers, or wafers and whipped cream or pudding. The dessert is then refrigerated (in an “ice box” or refrigerator) for several hours or overnight, allowing the cookies or crackers to soften and take on a cake-like consistency as they absorb moisture from the creamy layers.
Can I use homemade marshmallow fluff?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade marshmallow fluff recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought fluff to integrate well into the whipped cream.
Can I freeze S’mores Ice Box Cake?
While you can freeze ice box cakes, the texture might change slightly upon thawing, especially the graham crackers and marshmallow cream. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy this cake fresh and chilled from the refrigerator. If you do freeze it, cover it tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving.
How many graham cracker sheets do I need?
The recipe specifies 13 1/2 sheets, which translates to about 4 1/2 whole graham cracker rectangles per layer in a 9×9 inch pan. Depending on your brand of graham crackers and how tightly you fit them, you might use slightly more or less. Breaking them to fit is perfectly fine!
What if my ganache hardens too much?
If your chocolate ganache sets too much before you can spread it, you can gently reheat it in the microwave for 5-10 second intervals, stirring until it becomes pourable and smooth again.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite No-Bake Treat Awaits!
This Easy S’mores Ice Box Cake is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. It perfectly encapsulates the joy of s’mores in a convenient, no-fuss dessert that’s ideal for any warm-weather occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful, creamy, and chocolatey masterpiece. You’ll wonder why you ever waited to make it!
