S’mores Lasagna

S’mores Lasagna: A Gooey Slice of Campfire Nostalgia
There’s something truly magical about the first bite of a s’mores lasagna. For me, it instantly transports me back to camping trips as a kid—sticky marshmallows in hand, the gentle crackle of the fire blending with laughter, and the irresistible promise of melted chocolate tucked between crunchy graham crackers. Today, I want to bring that cozy, melt-in-your-mouth campfire memory into your kitchen with this easy s’mores lasagna, the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s become my go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, and, let’s be honest, when the “chocolate dessert” craving won’t quit.
Why You’ll Adore This S’mores Lasagna
If you’re on the fence about trying s’mores lasagna, let me tell you—this recipe is a pure burst of joy in every bite. Here’s why:
- Nostalgic Flavors, No Campfire Needed: All the ooey-gooey, chocolate-marshmallow goodness of classic s’mores is recreated right in your kitchen (no need to hunt for sticks or bug spray).
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: Seriously—no baking required! It’s almost as simple as layering your childhood dreams in a 9×13” pan.
- Impossible to Mess Up: This is the dessert that always earns rave reviews but doesn’t require you to be a pastry chef. It’s cool, creamy, and—dare I say—foolproof.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it just for your own midnight snack (no judgment), s’mores lasagna is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for S’mores Lasagna
Here’s everything you need for this chocolatey, marshmallow-filled treat (with a few of my favorite ingredient tips):
- 2¼ cups graham cracker crumbs: Go for classic honey grahams for the most authentic s’mores flavor.
- 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs (for topping): These give a crumbly, toasty finish on top.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Unsalted is my go-to to balance out the sweetness.
- ¼ cup sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Room temperature cream cheese is key for the smoothest layer.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For sweet, creamy fluffiness in the filling.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip: Makes the layers light and dreamy. (Don’t worry, you’ll use this twice.)
- 10.2 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (two 5.1-ounce boxes): The richer the chocolate pudding, the better.
- 3 cups milk: Cold, straight from the fridge, so the pudding sets up beautifully.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (yes, again!): To create that irresistible “cloudlike” top.
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs: Adds extra crunch and that classic s’mores flavor.
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows: Toasted if you like, but straight from the bag is great, too.
- Hershey candy bar squares: For that classic s’mores chocolate vibe (nothing else quite compares).
- Chocolate syrup (for drizzling): Adds a gorgeous, glossy finish.
(If you’re gluten-free or dairy-free, don’t worry—I’ve got delicious swaps in the next section!)
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect S’mores Lasagna
Ready? Here’s how you can whip up this drool-worthy no-bake dessert, step by step:
- Graham Cracker Crust:
Mix the 2¼ cups of graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and ¼ cup of sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. (I use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to get the crust nice and even—no more crumbly messes!) - Cream Cheese Layer:
Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 8 ounces of Cool Whip, then spread this luscious layer over your crust. (Don’t rush; patience here means a beautifully even filling.) - Chocolate Pudding Bliss:
Whisk together the chocolate pudding mixes with 3 cups cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Carefully spread this rich pudding over your cream cheese layer. (Pro tip: Let the pudding sit for a minute to fully thicken before spreading.) - Second Cool Whip Layer:
Top everything with another 8 ounces of Cool Whip. Use a spatula to make swirls (it’s half the fun). - S’mores Toppings:
Sprinkle ¼ cup of graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows, and Hershey bar squares evenly over the top. - Chocolate Drizzle:
Take your chocolate syrup and go wild—drizzle as much (or as little) as your heart desires. - Chill:
Let your s’mores lasagna hang out in the fridge for several hours, or overnight if you have the willpower. This lets everything set up beautifully for neat slices.
My Secret Tips and Tricks for S’mores Lasagna Success
I’ve made this easy s’mores dessert more times than I can count, and here’s what I’ve learned:
- Chill Time is Everything: The longer you let your s’mores lasagna chill (minimum 4 hours, but overnight is magic), the better the layers hold together when you slice it.
- Use Parchment Paper: For extra easy serving, line your dish with parchment before pressing in the crust—lifesaver for slicing and serving!
- Cream Cheese Must Be Soft: Take your cream cheese out early so it mixes smoothly with the powdered sugar—nobody wants lumps in their easy s’mores dessert.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate pudding for dark, or even try a layer of peanut butter pudding for a fun twist. (Yes, peanut butter lovers, it’s amazing.)
- Go Extra with Marshmallows: If you have a kitchen torch, you can lightly toast the marshmallows on top for a true “campfire” finish.
Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps
Love changing things up? Here are some delicious s’mores lasagna swaps and tweaks:
- Gluten-Free S’mores Lasagna: Use gluten-free graham crackers. The flavor’s nearly identical!
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based whipped topping, and a coconut or almond milk chocolate pudding to make a totally dairy-free s’mores dessert.
- Nutty S’mores: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or hazelnuts between layers for extra crunch.
- Banana S’mores Lasagna: Layer thinly sliced bananas between the pudding and Cool Whip for a fun, fruity twist—my kids go wild for this.
- White Chocolate Swap: Use white chocolate pudding and white chocolate squares for a lighter take that’s perfect for baby showers or spring parties.
(Looking for other easy chocolate desserts? Try layering brownie bites or caramel sauce in there too!)
How to Serve and Store Your S’mores Lasagna
This classic s’mores lasagna is best served chilled, straight from the fridge for those neat, picture-perfect slices. I like to use a sharp, wet knife (wipe between cuts!) to keep the layers crisp and tidy.
Storing leftovers is a breeze—just cover your pan tightly with plastic wrap or pop slices into airtight containers. Kept in the fridge, this no-bake dessert will stay fresh for up to 4 days (good luck making it last that long!).
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight—just know the texture may be a little softer (but still so dreamy).
FAQs: Your Top Questions About S’mores Lasagna Answered
Can I make s’mores lasagna the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, making this chocolate dessert recipe ahead gives the layers time to set and the flavors to meld. It’s even better on Day 2.
Do I have to use Cool Whip, or can I swap in homemade whipped cream?
You can totally use homemade whipped cream—just be sure to stabilize it (a scoop of instant pudding mix helps!), so your layers don’t collapse.
Will s’mores lasagna get soggy?
Not if you chill it well and serve within 3-4 days. The graham cracker crust stays surprisingly crisp!
What’s the best way to toast the marshmallows?
If you want a true roasted s’mores vibe, carefully use a kitchen torch on the marshmallow layer just before serving. Or, broil briefly in the oven—just watch it closely!
Can I use a different size pan?
You can assemble this in two 8×8 pans, or even use a trifle dish for pretty layers. Just adjust the ingredients as needed.
There you have it—the absolute best s’mores lasagna recipe to bring a dash of nostalgic fun to your dessert table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you need a “campfire night” at home, I hope this easy s’mores dessert brings a smile and maybe even a happy little memory or two. Try it—and let me know your favorite s’mores lasagna twist!