Decadent S'mores Layered Dessert

This s'mores lasagna transforms everyone's favorite campfire treat into a decadent no-bake dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The layers of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers combine to create a dessert that captures all the nostalgic flavors of traditional s'mores in a showstopping presentation.

I first made this for my daughter's birthday party last summer when the temperature was too hot to turn on the oven. The kids were literally scraping the dish clean and three parents asked for the recipe before leaving.

Ingredients

• Chocolate pudding mix: Creates a rich chocolate layer that sets up perfectly
• Marshmallow crème: Combined with cream cheese offers a smooth marshmallow layer without the gooeyness of melted marshmallows
• Graham crackers: Provide the essential s'mores base with that honey-sweet crunch
• Mini marshmallows: Add authentic s'mores texture and that classic visual appeal
• Dark chocolate chips: Intensify the chocolate flavor and add delightful pockets of melty goodness
• Cool Whip: Creates a light cloud-like topping that balances the richness below
• Hot fudge sauce: Drizzled on top adds a glossy finish and extra chocolate intensity
• Hershey's bars: Broken into pieces make this dessert instantly recognizable as a s'mores creation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Base Mixtures:

Whisk together chocolate pudding with milk and cocoa powder until smooth and beginning to thicken. In a separate bowl beat the marshmallow crème and cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely incorporated with no white streaks. The cream cheese should be at room temperature for the smoothest results.

Layer The Foundation:

Line your prepared baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers breaking pieces as needed to fill gaps. Spread half the marshmallow mixture over the graham crackers using an offset spatula for even distribution. The layer should be approximately half an inch thick.

Add Marshmallows And Pudding:

Sprinkle 2 cups of mini marshmallows evenly over the marshmallow layer pressing them down gently so they stick. Carefully spread half the chocolate pudding mixture over the marshmallows using gentle strokes to avoid disturbing the layers beneath.

Repeat Layers:

Create a second identical layer with remaining graham crackers marshmallow mixture marshmallows pudding and dark chocolate chips. The chocolate chips should be scattered evenly across the top creating pockets of chocolate throughout.

Chill And Set:

Cover the dish with plastic wrap being careful not to let it touch the surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow all the layers to set properly and the graham crackers to soften slightly.

Add The Finishing Touches:

Top the chilled lasagna with Cool Whip spreading it in decorative swirls. Warm the hot fudge just until pourable and drizzle it artistically across the top. Finish with crushed graham crackers Hershey's pieces and remaining marshmallows for that classic s'mores appearance.

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The marshmallow cream layer is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. When I first tested with just regular marshmallows the texture was too chewy but the cream cheese marshmallow mixture creates this incredible mousse-like consistency that everyone raves about.

Make It Your Own

This dessert welcomes creative variations to suit your taste preferences. Try using cinnamon graham crackers for a warm spiced flavor or substitute white chocolate chips for a portion of the dark chocolate. For a festive holiday version add crushed peppermint candies between layers or on top.

Storage Tips

The s'mores lasagna will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days covered tightly with plastic wrap. The flavors actually continue to meld and develop over time making this an excellent make-ahead dessert. I don't recommend freezing as the texture of the marshmallow layers and Cool Whip can become grainy when thawed.

Serving Suggestions

For an elevated presentation drizzle individual servings with extra warm hot fudge sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside creates a delightful temperature contrast. For summer gatherings serve with fresh berries to cut through the richness of the dessert.

The History Behind The Magic

While traditional s'mores date back to Girl Scout campfires in the early 1920s this dessert lasagna interpretation brings those beloved flavors into a modern format. The layered dessert trend became popular in the 1980s with treats like icebox cakes and has evolved into these creative deconstructed versions of classic desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the layers set properly?

Refrigerate the dessert covered for at least 2 hours to let the layers set and hold together nicely.

→ Can I use homemade chocolate pudding instead of instant?

Yes, homemade pudding works great; just make sure it is thick and chilled before layering.

→ What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

You can substitute it with freshly whipped cream sweetened with a little sugar or vanilla extract.

→ How can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Prepare and layer the dessert the night before, then add the toppings like whipped cream, fudge, and crushed crackers just before serving.

→ Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.