If you are craving a refreshing twist on a classic campfire favorite, this Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe will totally excite your taste buds. Combining the tangy bright flavor of lemon pudding with the traditional layers of graham crackers and creamy marshmallow, this dessert takes s’mores to a whole new level. It’s perfect for warm weather or any time you want a delightful, chilled treat that’s light, creamy, and bursting with citrus sunshine. Trust me, once you try this Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe, it will become your go-to dessert for gatherings or sweet cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures that make this dessert unforgettable. From the crunchy graham crackers to the smooth, zesty lemon pudding, every element balances perfectly to create that dreamy Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe experience.
- 12 sheets graham crackers: Provides the classic crisp, slightly sweet structure that holds everything together beautifully.
- 6.8 ounces instant lemon pudding mix: Adds the refreshing citrus flavor and creamy base essential for that zingy lemon punch.
- 3¼ cups milk: Needed to activate the instant pudding and make it luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 8 ounces whipped topping (divided, thawed): Brings lightness and fluffy texture to both layers, keeping the dessert airy and fun.
- 5 ounces cream cheese: Gives richness and a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the lemon and marshmallow flavors.
- 7 ounces marshmallow cream: Delivers the signature sweet, marshmallow taste reminiscent of campfire s’mores in every bite.
How to Make Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Graham Cracker Base
Start by lining a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper; rolling it into a ball and flattening it makes it easier to fit snugly into the pan. Next, break your graham cracker sheets into squares and neatly arrange 12 of these squares in rows across the bottom. This forms the crunchy foundation for your Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Pudding Layer
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix, milk, and half a cup of whipped topping until everything is fully blended and creamy. Spread this luscious lemon layer evenly over your graham cracker base. Pop the dish into the freezer for 15 minutes to help the pudding set slightly and hold the layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Marshmallow Mixture
Take the cream cheese and marshmallow cream and beat them together until smooth with an electric mixer. Once silky, fold in the remaining whipped topping by hand with a spatula to keep it light and fluffy. This mixture creates the dreamy, sweet middle layer of the dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Top Layers
Remove the pan from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture over the slightly firm lemon pudding layer. Then, carefully layer the remaining graham cracker squares on top in neat rows, creating that classic s’mores look but with a frosty twist.
Step 5: Freeze Until Set
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for at least six hours or preferably overnight until fully solid. This step ensures your Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe is perfectly chilled and sliceable for easy serving.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
To serve, lift the dessert out using the parchment paper edges and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 squares, following the graham cracker divisions for neat servings. Enjoy immediately or keep extra pieces stored in the freezer.
How to Serve Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little grated lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving to add an extra burst of citrus aroma and some delicate sparkle. Fresh mint leaves also pair nicely, providing a lovely color contrast and refreshing note.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light berry compote to add complementary flavors that enhance the lemon’s brightness without overpowering the creamy layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve the Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe in individual clear cups layered with crushed graham crackers and a drizzle of honey. Another charming idea is to cut the dessert into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with colorful paper liners for easy grabbing at social gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. They will maintain their texture and flavor beautifully for up to a week.
Freezing
The Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe is designed to be frozen, so it freezes wonderfully without losing any of its delightful textures or zesty flavor. Just make sure everything is sealed well to prevent any freezer burn or absorption of other odors.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed frozen. Thawing it slightly at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving can soften it just enough to enhance the creamy textures but avoid warming it completely to maintain that signature frozen delight.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of instant lemon pudding?
Fresh lemon juice alone won’t give the same creamy, set texture that instant lemon pudding mix provides, which is essential for holding the layers together. The pudding mix combines tangy lemon flavor with the right consistency.
What if I don’t have marshmallow cream?
You can substitute marshmallow fluff with mini marshmallows melted gently and stirred into the cream cheese mixture, but be careful not to overheat or scorch the marshmallows for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap regular milk for a plant-based alternative and choose dairy-free whipped topping and cream cheese substitutes. The lemon pudding mix would need to be checked for dairy ingredients or replaced with a suitable dairy-free lemon pudding recipe.
How long does this dessert keep in the freezer?
The Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to one week when properly stored. Beyond that, the graham crackers might start to lose their crunch, though it will still taste good.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep the same ratios and layer sizes, adjusting the pan size accordingly. The layers and freezing times stay the same, making it easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
This Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully fresh at the same time. Its unique lemony twist breathes new life into classic flavors and textures you already love. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with friends and family—the cool, creamy, and citrusy magic will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Print
Frozen Lemon S’mores Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Frozen Lemon S’mores is a delightful no-bake dessert that layers lemon pudding, whipped cream, marshmallow cream, cream cheese, and graham crackers into a refreshing and tangy treat. Perfect for summer or anytime you want a cool and sweet indulgence, this dessert combines classic s’mores elements with a zesty lemon twist, frozen to a creamy, sliceable consistency.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 12 sheets graham crackers (full rectangular sheets)
Lemon Pudding Mixture
- 6.8 ounces instant lemon pudding mix (two 3.4-ounce boxes)
- 3 ¼ cups milk
- ½ cup whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces whipped topping, divided (thawed, save ½ cup for pudding mixture and remaining for cream cheese mixture)
- 5 ounces cream cheese
- 7 ounces marshmallow cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. To help the parchment lay flat, roll it into a ball then flatten it out before placing in the pan. Break the graham cracker sheets into squares.
- Arrange Graham Crackers: Lay down 12 square graham crackers evenly in rows on the parchment paper, forming the base layer.
- Make Lemon Pudding Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix, 3 ¼ cups milk, and ½ cup whipped topping until smooth and well blended.
- Layer Pudding: Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers in the pan. Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, blend the cream cheese and marshmallow cream until smooth. Fold in the remaining whipped topping with a silicone spatula gently until fully combined.
- Top the Pudding Layer: Remove the pan from the freezer and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pudding layer.
- Add Second Graham Cracker Layer: Layer the remaining graham crackers in rows over the cream cheese mixture to form the top crust.
- Freeze: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until the dessert is solid.
- Serve: When ready to serve, lift the dessert out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Cut into 12 pieces following the graham cracker squares as guides. Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
Notes
- Rolling the parchment paper before placing it in the pan helps it fit better without folding or wrinkling.
- Use thawed whipped topping for easy mixing and proper consistency.
- Let the pudding layer chill before adding the cream cheese layer to achieve distinct layers and prevent mixing.
- Freeze for the full recommended time to ensure the dessert is firm and slices cleanly.
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to one week for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
