Meet the ultimate picnic dessert: S'mores Icebox Cake! This easy make-ahead dessert is quick to throw together with just a few ingredients and the results are beyond delicious.
S'mores Icebox Cake
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Check out some of my other summer dessert recipes:
It's strange that I love creating icebox cake recipes because I really didn't grow up eating them. It wasn't until I was an adult that I even learned what they are. Perhaps I'm making up for lost time?
To me, it's not summer without s'mores! Deliciously toasted marshmallows (golden brown, thankyouverymuch!) melty chocolate and crisp graham crackers make a sticky-sweet treat that both kids and adult go nuts for. I knew I wasn't some sort of a chocolate icebox cake recipe, so s'mores served as the perfect inspiration for today's recipe.
On my first test, I started using marshmallow fluff which was something of a nightmare! I sort of hate working with fluff anyway, because it's a sticky mess. I found whipped topping to work best in the layers and then I topped it with mini marshmallows.
Tips for making this icebox cake recipe
- I use an 8" x 8" baking pan for this recipe.
- It's ok if the graham crackers overlap, they'll all come together as it chills. You can gently push them down to make the layer more even.
- It's ok if the graham crackers break as this sets, it will all come together as the cake sets.
- I like to pop this under the broiler for around 2 minutes before serving. The cake itself will stay cold, but the marshmallows will get perfectly toasted on top (just keep the oven door open and keep a close eye on them). If you have a creme brûlée torch, that would also work.
- An offset spatula makes spreading the pudding and whipped topping super easy.
What is an icebox cake?
An icebox cake is a no-bake dessert that involves layering crispy cookies and wet things like pudding or whipped cream (traditionally chocolate water cookies whipped cream) and storing it in the refrigerator. As it chills, the wet ingredients help to soften the cookies, giving them more of a cake-like texture.
Are there other names for icebox cake?
Some people refer to this as a dessert lasagna, a dessert lush, a dream dessert or an icebox pie. No matter what you call it, this is a dessert the whole family will love!
How long do you refrigerate an icebox cake?
I've found the optimal time to be 3 hours but you can always chill longer if you'd like it to soften up a bit more.
How long does icebox cake last?
A couple days covered in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze icebox cake?
Yes, this will give your cake a texture similar to ice cream. Be sure to remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes prior to serving to let it soften a bit.
Ingredients for this chilled smores dessert
- Instant chocolate pudding
- Milk
- Whipped topping
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
How to make an icebox cake
- Start by mixing the pudding mix and the milk together until it thickens.
- A thin layer of whipped topping on the bottom of the pan and then make a layer of graham crackers.
- Spread a layer of pudding and then another layer of graham crackers.
- Spread another layer whipped topping and then and then another layer of graham crackers.
- Spread another layer of pudding and then another layer of graham crackers.
- Spread another layer whipped topping and then and then another layer of graham crackers.
- Spread another layer of pudding and then top with marshmallows.
- Chill for at least 3 hours.
- Place the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown marshmallows before serving (optional but totally recommended).
- Devour!
Helpful tools:
S'mores Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup + 3 Tablespoons whipped topping
- 23 Graham crackers
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to mix the pudding and the milk until it thickens to a soft set, about two minutes. Set aside.
- Place 3 Tablespoons whipped topping into the 8" x 8" pan and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer on the bottom of the pan.
- Line three graham crackers next to each other and then 1 and ½ graham crackers in the remaining space (the idea is to make a single layer, but its ok if they overlap a bit. You can gently press them down with your hands to make them a bit more even.
- Take ½ cup of pudding and gently spread it into a single layer on top of the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding.
- Spread ½ cup whipped topping evenly onto the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the whipped topping.
- Spread ½ cup pudding evenly onto the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding.
- Spread ½ cup whipped topping evenly onto the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the whipped topping.
- Spread remaining pudding in an even layer on top of the graham crackers.
- Spread marshmallows in an even layer over the top of the pudding and gently press in.
- Cover and chill for 3 hours or more (the longer it chills, the softer the graham crackers will get).
- (Optional) before serving place the oven rack at the second highest place and broil the marshmallows on top of the cake for 2-3 minutes watching carefully until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Video
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