Capture the essence of a campfire classic in a scoopable, frozen delight! This S’mores Ice Cream recipe takes all the iconic elements—toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers—and blends them into a simple, no-churn ice cream that doesn’t require a special machine. By using a sweetened condensed milk base, the result is an incredibly creamy, smooth, and scoopable ice cream that is every bit as delicious as a traditional churned version. It’s the perfect summer dessert to beat the heat and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Ice Cream
- No-Churn Simplicity: No need for an ice cream maker! Just a bowl, a mixer, and a freezer.
- Intense S’mores Flavor: We incorporate all three key components to create a balanced, authentic taste.
- Silky & Creamy Texture: The sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream base ensures a perfectly smooth finish without any ice crystals.
- Easy to Customize: Add more or less of your favorite mix-ins to make it your own.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: This nostalgic dessert is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, very cold1
- 1 (14 oz / 400ml) can sweetened condensed milk, very cold2
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract3
- A pinch of salt
For the Mix-ins:
- 1 ½ cups (100g) mini marshmallows
- 1 cup (100g) chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate bar (Hershey’s works well for a classic s’mores flavor)
- 1 cup (90g) crushed graham crackers
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Baking sheet4
- Parchment paper5
- Medium saucepan6
- Large mixing bowl7
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)8
- Spatula9
- Loaf pan or freezer-safe container10
Instructions
Part 1: Prepare the Mix-ins
- Toast the Marshmallows: Spread the mini marshmallows in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.11 Place the sheet under a broiler on high heat for 30-60 seconds, or until the tops are golden brown.12 Watch them carefully, as they can burn in an instant! Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Crush the Graham Crackers: Place graham crackers in a plastic bag and crush them into a mix of small pieces and crumbs.13
- Chop the Chocolate: Roughly chop the chocolate bar into chunks.14
Part 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
- Whip the Cream: In a large, cold bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.15 The cream should be thick and hold its shape.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the cream. Fold until no white streaks remain and the mixture is uniform.
Part 3: Assemble and Freeze
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold the cooled toasted marshmallows, chopped chocolate, and crushed graham crackers into the ice cream base. Reserve a small amount of each for the final topping.
- Transfer to Pan: Scrape the ice cream mixture into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe container.16 Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the reserved marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers over the top of the ice cream.
- Freeze: Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
Storage and Essential Tips for the Best S’mores Ice Cream
- Cold is Key: For the best results, make sure your heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and mixing bowl are all very cold before you begin.
- Don’t Over-Whip: Watch the cream carefully to ensure it doesn’t get over-whipped, which can make it grainy.
- Broiling Tip: The marshmallows toast very quickly, so do not walk away from the oven.17
- The Crunch Factor: While the graham crackers will soften in the ice cream, adding them right before freezing helps them retain some of their texture.
- Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Share Your Sweet Creation!
Did you make a batch of this delicious S’mores Ice Cream? We’d love to see it! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @Foodieideas and use the hashtag #SmoresIceCream. What’s your favorite summer dessert?