If you have a sweet tooth and a love for camping treats, you are going to absolutely adore this Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It takes the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores—the crunch of graham crackers, the creaminess of melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows—and transforms them into an irresistible no-bake cheesecake bar that’s frozen to perfection. These bars are the answer to a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make but impressive to serve at any gathering or whenever a cozy treat calls your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the graham crackers providing a buttery crust to the rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallows blending into a luscious filling, every component is essential for that iconic s’mores taste with a cool cheesecake twist.
- Graham crackers (10 crushed): The base of your crust, giving a crunchy and slightly sweet foundation.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness without overpowering the flavor.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Whipped into the chocolate for a velvety texture that feels luxurious on the palate.
- Chocolate bars (8 oz, chopped): Choose your favorite chocolate to melt into the filling, bringing deep cocoa flavor.
- Large marshmallows (2 cups): Essential for that signature gooey, sweet bite suspended in the creamy chocolate layer.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors without being noticeable on its own.
How to Make Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish. This crust will bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant, creating the perfect sturdy but tender base for your cheesecake bars. Let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
While the crust cools, gently heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate bars, letting it sit for a few minutes to soften before stirring until smooth and glossy. This rich chocolate ganache forms the heart of your filling, blending perfectly with the crust and marshmallow mix.
Step 3: Fold in the Marshmallows and Assemble
Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, fold in the large marshmallows gently so they’re evenly distributed without melting completely. Pour this cozy filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. This is where that indulgent s’mores magic truly comes alive.
Step 4: Freeze Until Firm
Cover your assembled pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze the bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Freezing allows the layers to set and develop that perfect bite—firm enough to slice yet soft and creamy when you dig in.
How to Serve Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up presentation and flavor, sprinkle some extra crushed graham crackers on top right before serving. You can also toast a few mini marshmallows and place them on each bar for a smoky, warm contrast that heightens the nostalgic feel. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a few chocolate chips scattered over the top add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra creamy bite. If you want something refreshing, a basket of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries complements the richness with their bright, tangy notes. A hot cup of coffee or a rich glass of cold milk also makes an ideal companion to these decadent treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for an inviting dessert platter. You could also serve them in individual glasses layered with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a fun twist on traditional presentation. Wrapping squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes for adorable party favors or lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe tightly covered in an airtight container in the freezer. Because they’re frozen, they hold up incredibly well and maintain both their texture and flavor for several days, making them a fantastic treat to have on hand whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
This recipe is designed to be frozen, so you can easily prepare it ahead of time. To freeze, tightly cover the pan with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw the bars just enough to slice easily—about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature—and enjoy chilled for that perfectly refreshing mouthfeel.
Reheating
While these bars are meant to be enjoyed frozen, if you prefer a softer texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid using a microwave to reheat as it may cause the marshmallows to melt unevenly and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large marshmallows?
Absolutely! Mini marshmallows will blend more evenly throughout the filling, and you might find they create a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that large marshmallows add a lovely chewiness and visual appeal when sliced.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate bars and vegan butter for the crust. This will give you a delicious dairy-free version of these Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe that still tastes indulgent.
How long do these bars last in the freezer?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the bars will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Beyond that, the texture may start to degrade, but the flavor generally remains enjoyable for some time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free graham crackers to make sure your crust stays free of gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert perfect for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without them falling apart?
For clean slices, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes after removing from the freezer to soften slightly. Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to get those perfect squares without cracking or crumbling.
Final Thoughts
This Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe truly captures everything wonderful about the classic campfire treat in a smooth, creamy, and refreshingly frozen form. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family dessert, or just a special treat for yourself, these bars are sure to bring smiles and satisfied sweet cravings. Don’t wait to try it out—you might just have found your new favorite dessert!
Print
Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Frozen S’mores recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat by combining a crispy graham cracker crust with a creamy chocolate and marshmallow filling, all frozen to perfection. Ideal for warm weather, these chilled squares are simple to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a refreshing texture and nostalgic flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 10 graham crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz chocolate bars, chopped
- 2 cups large marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish forming an even layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Make Chocolate Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it is steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate bars in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir gently until you achieve a smooth, glossy ganache.
- Add Marshmallows: Fold the large marshmallows gently into the warm chocolate filling until they are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble and Freeze: Pour the marshmallow chocolate mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it into an even layer. Cover the baking dish and freeze for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
- Serve: Once frozen solid, slice into squares and serve chilled for a cool, indulgent treat.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor and smoother texture.
- For a variation, try mixing in a sprinkle of sea salt on top before freezing for a salted chocolate twist.
- Store leftovers covered in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- You can substitute marshmallows with mini marshmallows if preferred, adjusting quantity accordingly.
