This s’mores icebox cake is a no-bake recipe that is absolutely perfect for summer. It has layers of graham cracker, marshmallow whipped cream, and dark chocolate ganache, tasting just like a s’mores cake without the oven! So easy to put together and perfect to feed a crowd.
A Perfect S’mores Dessert for Summer
S’mores Icebox Cake is so easy to make and a great refreshing summer dessert! You only need x ingredients and there is no baking required. Goes to show that you don’t always need an oven to make a delicious dessert. Honestly, saves me a little bit on my AC bill in the summer since my oven tends to raise the temperature of my entire tiny Chicago city apartment.
This icebox cake has layers and layers of graham crackers, marshmallow whipped cream, and chocolate ganache. At the end, it’s like eating a s’mores cake that didn’t need to spend a single second in the oven. You can also prepare it ahead of time to bring to a picnic, potluck, BBQ, or even to the beach.
What is an Icebox Cake?
An Icebox cake is a no-bake dessert that sets in the fridge. It usually consists of layers of cookies or crackers paired with a cream or pudding. That’s right, there isn’t actually cake per se in it, but as it sets the cream softens the crackers to a tender consistency. It was first introduced in the 1930s as a way to promote the new icebox appliance, hence the name. It became so popular that we’re all still making it to this day!
Ingredients for S’more Icebox Cake
This s’mores inspired icebox cake only requires five ingredients:
- 2 packs of graham cracker sheets
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Marshmallow Fluff
- Dark Chocolate Chips: I personally prefer dark chocolate but you are welcome to use any chocolate
- Mini Marshmallows
Easy right? Then in terms of equipment all you will need is a 9”x5” loaf pan and some plastic wrap. A kitchen torch is optional, but can add a nice toasty touch to the top of your cake.
How to Make It
Start by lining a loaf pan completely with two layers of plastic wrap. Two layers instead of one to give it a little more support since you’ll be lifting the cake out using the wrap.
Next, prepare all of the fillings. Make a marshmallow whipped cream by first beating heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, then beat in marshmallow fluff until you have stiff peaks. Save a bit of this marshmallow whipped cream to top the cake with when you’re ready to serve.
Make chocolate ganache by heating up more heavy whipping cream until steaming, then stirring in dark chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth. Let the ganache cool a bit before using.
Assembling the Icebox Cake
To assemble the icebox cake, you’re going to work in layers: graham cracker, whipped cream, ganache, repeat. In total you will have 3 layers of marshmallow cream. Reference the pictures to see what I mean! This means that for each layer, you should strive to use around ⅓ of the marshmallow whipped cream and ⅓ of the chocolate ganache.
After assembling the cake, cover it and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours. While in the fridge, the marshmallow cream with seep into the graham crackers to soften them. Before serving, freeze the cake for around 30 minutes to an hour, then top with the reserved whipped cream and some mini marshmallows to serve.
Customization Ideas
While this s’mores icebox cake is delicious as is, here are some fun ideas to make it even better!
- Instead of using classic graham crackers, try cinnamon or chocolate to give the flavor a twist.
- Replace one or more of the graham cracker layers with a different cookie of choice such as Oreos or chocolate chip cookies. Bonus points if they’re homemade chocolate chip cookies.
- I love dark chocolate for this icebox cake, you are free to use milk chocolate or extra dark chocolate.
- Add a layer of caramel sauce or dulce de leche on top of the ganache to make caramel s’mores icebox cake
Did You Make This Recipe?
If so, I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and/or comment to spread the love and help others find this recipe.
Also feel free take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @toppedwithhoney. Looking forward to seeing your refreshing s’mores icebox cake.
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S’mores Icebox Cake
No-Bake S’mores Icebox Cake
Ingredients
Marshmallow Whipped Cream
- 1¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp marshmallow fluff
Chocolate Ganache
- 1¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
For Assembly
- 15 Graham cracker sheets
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
Ingredient Prep
- Line a 9×5" loaf pan with two layers of plastic wrap.
- In a medium microwaveable bowl, heat the ⅔ cup of heavy whipping for 30 seconds, or until it is steaming (but not boiling). Add the chocolate chips and whisk until smooth. If needed, microwave the mixture for an additional 15 seconds to help the chocolate chips melt. Set this aside to cool while you prepare the whipped cream.
- In a mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the other 1¾ cup heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Then, add the marshmallow fluff and continue beating until you have stiff peaks. Avoid over-whipping the cream, but if you do simply add a little more heavy whipping cream to thin it out.
- Remove ¾ cup of the whipped cream and set it aside in the fridge to use later for topping the cake.
Assemble the Cake
- Add a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom of your pan. You may need to break them in order to fit.
- On top of the graham crackers, spread ⅓ of the marshmallow whipped cream in an even layer. Then spread ⅓ of the ganache over the cream.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top and repeat with a layer of cream, followed by a layer of ganache. Then repeat one last time, finishing with one last layer of graham crackers on top. In total, you will have three layers of whipped cream.
- Cover the cake and let it rest in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible. Transfer to the freezer an hour before serving.
- Once you a ready to serve, use the plastic wrap to help lift the cake out of the pan and flip it over so that what was the bottom is now the top. Spread the reserved whipped cream on top and sprinkle with mini marshmallows. If desired, lightly toast the tops with a kitchen torch. Cut into even slices and enjoy!
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