Decadent No-Bake S’mores Lasagna
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about s’mores, isn’t there? Imagine those gooey marshmallows and melting chocolate sandwiched between two crispy graham crackers—now imagine all of that transformed into a Decadent No-Bake S’mores Lasagna! This recipe takes the classic camping treat and elevates it into a stunning dessert that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in. With its luscious layers of creamy goodness and that signature s’mores flavor, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why you’ll love this dish
Why should you whip up this delightful dessert in your kitchen? For starters, it’s incredibly easy and requires no baking whatsoever—perfect for those who are short on time or prefer a simpler approach to dessert-making. That creamy, dreamy combination of cream cheese, whipped cream, and chocolate gives you all the classic s’mores elements without the mess of roasting marshmallows over a fire.
This No-Bake S’mores Lasagna is especially perfect for summer gatherings when you want something sweet but don’t want to heat up the house with the oven. Kids and adults alike adore it, ensuring that it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
“This is the best dessert I’ve ever made! It tastes just like summer and everyone keeps asking for the recipe!” – Happy Dessert Enthusiast
The cooking process explained
Making this Decadent No-Bake S’mores Lasagna is a straightforward process that involves layering delicious ingredients for a striking dessert that will be the showstopper of any meal. Here’s an overview of what to expect: you’ll start with a graham cracker crust, then whip up a creamy filling, followed by layers of chocolate and marshmallow crème. It’s all topped off with fluffy whipped cream before chilling. Each layer brings a blend of textures that meld together beautifully. Let’s dive into the specific ingredients you’ll need.
What you’ll need
Key ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups marshmallow crème
Feel free to swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor or adjust the sweetness level with different types of cream cheese.
Directions to follow
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.
- Press the mixture: Take the crumb mixture and press it into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, ensuring it’s even and firm. Set aside.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set this aside for later.
- Cream the cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully blended. Spread this evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Layer the mini marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly across the cream cheese layer.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Spread the chocolate: Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly, then pour it over the marshmallow layer evenly.
- Add the marshmallow crème: Spread the marshmallow crème uniformly over the chocolate layer.
- Top with whipped cream: Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the top completely.
- Garnish: You can sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows as a garnish if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the lasagna for at least 4 hours, or until set. When ready, cut into squares to serve.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes time to serve your decadent creation, consider garnishing with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast, or offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for that extra indulgent touch. Perfect for summer BBQs or as a sweet finale to a family dinner, this dessert is sure to get rave reviews.
How to store
To keep your Decadent No-Bake S’mores Lasagna fresh, store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 5 days. If you’re looking to make it ahead of time, feel free to prepare and chill it one day in advance. While I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dessert, as the texture may suffer, if you must, store it in an airtight container and consume it within a month for the best quality.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some quick tricks to ensure your No-Bake S’mores Lasagna turns out perfectly:
- Chilling is key: Make sure to give it enough time in the fridge to set properly, which makes cutting easier.
- Room temperature ingredients: Allow your cream cheese to soften completely before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- Use a sharp knife: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice the lasagna.
Creative twists
Get creative with your layers! Consider adding peanut butter or Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist. Swap out the mini marshmallows for crushed candies or fruits like strawberries for a fresh take. You can also introduce different flavored whipped creams or experiment with different types of chocolate for a unique touch that’s all your own.
Your questions answered
Can I make this dessert a day in advance?
Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
You can use whipped topping if you’re short on time, though the texture may differ slightly.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
Be sure to microwave the chocolate at short intervals and stir it well; overheating can cause it to seize.
This Decadent No-Bake S’mores Lasagna is sure to become a staple recipe in your repertoire, combining simplicity with a fancy flair that’s bound to please every palate! Happy cooking!
No-Bake S'mores Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan, ensuring it’s even and firm. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set this aside for later.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully blended. Spread this evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly across the cream cheese layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly, then pour it over the marshmallow layer evenly.
- Spread the marshmallow crème uniformly over the chocolate layer.
- Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the top completely.
- Garnish with additional graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows if desired.
- Refrigerate the lasagna for at least 4 hours, or until set. When ready, cut into squares to serve.
