Easy No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake
If you're craving s'mores but don't want to build a campfire, this easy S'mores Icebox Cake is the summer dessert to make. With layers of graham crackers, marshmallow cream filling, and chocolate ganache, it's a one-pan, no-bake treat everyone loves.
For another favorite icebox cake, try No Bake Icebox Cake with Summer Berries or this Easy Peach Icebox Cake.
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Why You'll Love This No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake
Just like our Summer Berries Icebox Cake, this s'mores icebox cake is a hallmark of the season-an effortless, fuss-free dessert with delicious, chocolaty s'mores flavors. We're skipping the meringue for a simpler, no-fuss whipped topping and marshmallow fluff filling! Here's why we love this dessert:
- No oven required!
- Ready in minutes (plus chill time).
- Kids love it, adults adore it.
- Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a simple weeknight treat.
- All the classic s'mores flavor, without the sticky mess of a campfire.
- Made with readily available ingredients.
There's something about summer that absolutely requires s'mores, whether in the form of a s'mores cookie or mini s'mores cookie cups. This icebox cake skips the baking, but not the delicious flavors!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake
- Ingredients
- 12 Layer No Bake S'mores Cake
- How to Make - Step Numbers and Layering
- How to Make Chocolate Ganache
- Graham Cracker Layers
- Toasted Marshmallow Topping
- Pro Tips for Success:
- Variations
- Recipe FAQs
- Easy No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake Recipe
- More No-Bake Dessert Recipes to Also Try
- 💬 Comments
Ingredients
This dessert recipe uses 5 main ingredients, plus a few optional toppings, to create all the classic flavors of s'mores in an easy, no-bake icebox cake.
- Graham crackers
- Whipped topping (You can use homemade whipped cream or Cool Whip, thawed)
- Marshmallow fluff (or crème)
- Chocolate bars (milk chocolate is traditional, but I'm using a mix of both dark and milk. It's important to use quality chocolate as it's the flavor of the cake!)
- Heavy cream to create a delicious ganache chocolate filling
- Topping: Marshmallows, chopped chocolate, graham cracker crumbs
12 Layer No Bake S'mores Cake
This easy s'mores cake has layers of graham crackers, chocolate ganache, and a fluffy marshmallow cream filling. It's finished with a final layer of marshmallow cream and, if desired, toasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and chopped chocolate just before serving.
- 6 layers of graham crackers
- 4 layers of marshmallow creme
- 2 layers of chocolate ganache
How to Make - Step Numbers and Layering
Step 1: Prepare the pan. Line a loaf pan or square baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy lifting.
Step 2: Make the ganache. Chop pieces of quality chocolate and place them in a bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until scalding (not boiling). Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Gently stir until combined, and the chocolate has melted. Cover and refrigerate.
Step 3: Make the marshmallow cream filling. Gently fold together the thawed whipped topping and marshmallow fluff until just combined. Don't overmix.
Step 4: Layer the cake. Spread a very thin layer of marshmallow cream filling on the bottom of the prepared pan. This helps anchor the first layer of graham crackers.
Add a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit the pan. Spread about ¼ of the marshmallow cream filling evenly over the crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, then spread half of the chocolate ganache over the top.
Continue layering graham crackers, marshmallow cream filling, and ganache until the pan is filled, finishing with a final layer of marshmallow cream filling on top.
Step 5: Chill. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the crackers to soften and the cake to set.
Step 6: Garnish and serve. Just before serving, lift the cake from the pan and slice into squares or slices. Garnish with graham cracker crumbs, chopped chocolate, and mini marshmallows, if desired
How to Make Chocolate Ganache
Did you know you only need 2 ingredients to make velvety, rich chocolate ganache? That's one of the reasons I love making Chocolate Ganache Mini Tarts!
Heat the heavy cream until warm and steamy to make an easy ganache, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes and then stir. It will appear very liquid but comes together as you stir. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the icebox cake.
For the smoothest ganache, use chopped baking chocolate or quality chocolate bars rather than chocolate chips, which often contain stabilizers that can keep them from melting as smoothly. Milk chocolate gives the most classic s'mores flavor, while a mix of milk and dark chocolate adds a deeper chocolate flavor.
Graham Cracker Layers
The graham crackers are the structure of the cake. You'll need a little over one standard box, about 30 to 36 graham crackers, depending on the size of your pan. As the cake chills, the crackers soften into tender, cake-like layers while still giving the dessert enough structure to slice.
A layer of graham crackers sits between the marshmallow cream filling and the chocolate ganache layers. For the cleanest slices, finish with marshmallow cream on top, cover, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Toasted Marshmallow Topping
The topping is optional, but it gives this icebox cake the look and flavor of classic campfire s'mores. Use mini or regular marshmallows, then toast them lightly with a kitchen torch just before serving. If using the oven broiler, toast the marshmallows separately on a foil-lined baking sheet and add them to the chilled cake before serving.
Pro Tips for Success:
While this cake is simple to make, a few small details make all the difference: use quality chocolate, chill the cake long enough for the graham crackers to soften, and keep the marshmallow cream filling light and fluffy.
- Don't overmix the filling: Gently fold the whipped topping and marshmallow fluff to maintain airiness.
- Chill time is key: This is crucial for the crackers to soften and the cake to set properly. Don't rush it!
- Graham cracker layers are essential: The cake has six graham layers, which give it the stability it needs when slicing and serving. We've swapped a whipped topping for the traditional meringue filling for easy preparation. The texture will be softer, but the graham crackers give it structure. Don't skip these layers.
- For easy slicing: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
- Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or mini chocolate candies to the layers.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Try different types of chocolate (I'm using a combination of milk and dark).
- Crush some graham crackers for a crumb topping.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! In fact, this dessert needs to be made ahead. It needs at least 12 hours to chill (overnight is even better), which allows the layers to set and the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture.
Once assembled, the icebox cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to keep it fresh.
Absolutely. While store-bought whipped topping keeps things simple and stable, homemade whipped cream works beautifully too. Just keep in mind that homemade whipped cream may soften a bit faster than whipped topping when stored.
Traditional versions often use a meringue topping that requires whipping egg whites and sometimes even torching. This version skips all that-using marshmallow fluff and whipped topping for a sweet, fluffy, no-fuss finish. No special equipment or technique needed.
Yes, you can freeze it! Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. It also makes a delicious frozen treat if served straight from the freezer in slices.
Easy No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 18-20 graham crackers sheets
- 2 (4-oz) chocolate bars or 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz whipped topping thawed
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
- Optional Garnish: graham crackers and chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Line an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch or 9 x 5-inch loaf pan (or a square baking pan) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the cake out. This makes slicing and serving easy! Set aside.
Make the Ganache
- Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to gently simmer. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Slowly stir together until combined and the chocolate has melted. Cover and refrigerate until set and spreadable while preparing the cake.
Make the Marshmallow Cream Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping and marshmallow fluff.
Layer the Cake
- Spread a thin layer of marshmallow cream filling on the bottom of the prepared pan. This helps anchor the crackers. Top with a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit the pan. Spread ¼ of the marshmallow cream filling evenly over the crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, then top with half of the chocolate ganache. Continue layering graham crackers, marshmallow cream filling, and ganache until the pan is filled, ending with a final layer of marshmallow cream filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight. Before serving, garnish with additional graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chunks, and mini marshmallows, if desired.
- Before serving, garnish with additional graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chunks and mini marshmallows, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Graham Crackers: The number of crackers you will need depends on the pan size you are using. For an 8 ½ x 4 ½ inch loaf pan (which I'm using here), you will need 18-20 crackers. You will need more for a square pan or a larger loaf pan. Plan on about three sleeves of whole sheet crackers.
- Whipped Cream: You can use whipped topping or homemade whipped cream. I prefer the flavor of fresh whipped cream, but Cool Whip's convenience is hard to beat.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes to Also Try
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- 3 Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Pie
- Easy No-Bake Cheesecake
- 10 Minute No Bake Lemon Pie
These easy no-bake desserts are perfect when the weather is warm, and the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. For more ideas, see all our no-bake dessert recipes.
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Spread a thin layer of what into the prepared pan?
Thank you for asking! Spread a thin layer of the marshmallow cream filling into the bottom of the prepared pan. This helps anchor the first layer of graham crackers and makes the cake easier to layer. I’ll clarify that in the recipe card too — I appreciate you catching it!
Ridiculously EASY- - Ridiculously DELICIOUS !!! I think it should get platinum stars instead of gold... just sayin... 😉
Yay!! Thank you for trying it, Kathy— I’m so happy you loved it 🎉
This icebox cake is SO fun to make— I love serving it for fun treats with almost zero effort. The key is really great chocolate. The ganache elevates the dessert to scrumptious status immediately. For that reason, I always opt for chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips!