Last Updated on December 11, 2024 by Cherie
Indulge in creamy S’mores ice cream, blending toasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Discover an easy recipe and creative serving ideas!
A couple of years ago, I came across S’mores, a typically American dessert that wasn’t on my radar as a UK resident. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try – and from that first bite, I understood why it’s such a beloved classic. The combination of toasted marshmallows, crunchy biscuits, and melted chocolate was perfect and it’s a flavour combination I regularly return to.
I experimented with ways to recreate the magic of S’mores, making adjustments for UK ingredients, like swapping graham crackers for digestive biscuits. It’s been a fun journey of recreating a firm US favourite.
If you’d like a look at my (now a tad boring, lol) Toasted Marshmallow recipe, you can find it here along with more seasonal ice cream inspiration – A Guide to Seasonal Ice Cream Flavours: What’s Hot This Autumn.
In this article we will explain to those who don’t know, what S’more is, we’ll explain a little about the components used in this delicious dessert and of course, we’ll share our UK-adapted recipe and method for you to learn how to create this in your own kitchen.
If you’d like to go straight to the recipe, please click on the following link, or read along to find out more.
Jump to S’mores Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
What Are S’mores?
S’mores are a quintessentially American treat, traditionally made by sandwiching a roasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers. This campfire classic brings together the sweet, smoky, and crunchy into a single bite of delicious nostalgia.
While it’s a beloved American dessert, the combination of flavours works beautifully in a variety of creations, including the ultimate festive delight: S’mores ice cream.
S’more Than Just a Name
Ever wondered why S’mores are called S’mores? The name is a playful abbreviation of “some more,” reflecting just how addictive this treat is!
The story goes back to the 1920s, when the Girl Scouts first documented the recipe. After one gooey, chocolatey bite, campers would famously ask for “some more,” and the name stuck.
This iconic dessert has since toasted its way into hearts worldwide, proving that sometimes, less really is S’more!
Why S’mores Ice Cream is a Must-Try
Imagine the rich creaminess of homemade vanilla ice cream infused with the distinctive S’mores trio:
- Toasted Marshmallows: Sweet with a hint of char for a smoky depth.
- Chocolate Swirls: Decadent ribbons or chips that melt in your mouth.
- Crunchy Graham Crackers: Providing that satisfying texture.
This frozen treat perfectly balances nostalgia with indulgence, making it a showstopper for any summer gathering.
What Are Graham Crackers?
Graham crackers are a sweet, crunchy biscuit commonly used in American desserts like S’mores, pie crusts, and cheesecakes.
Named after Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century advocate of whole-grain baking, these crackers are made from a coarse type of wholemeal flour known as graham flour.
They have a lightly sweet flavour, often with a hint of honey or cinnamon, making them ideal for pairing with chocolate and marshmallows in S’mores.
UK Alternative to Graham Crackers
While graham crackers aren’t widely available in the UK, digestive biscuits are an excellent substitute.
They share a similar texture and sweetness, and their crumbly nature works perfectly in desserts. And you can get chocolate-coated digestive too adding even more to the chocolate element of this dessert.
To mimic the slight honey flavour of graham crackers, you can:
- Use plain digestives as they are.
- Add a touch of honey or golden syrup if making a crust or blending them into desserts.
Whether crushed for a pie base or broken into chunks for S’mores ice cream, digestive biscuits make an easy and delicious stand-in for graham crackers.
So, no need to scour speciality shops—your local supermarket has you covered!
Homemade S’mores Ice Cream Recipe
Now we’ve broken down the components, here’s our Homemade S’mores Ice Cream recipe, along with step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients
For the ice cream base:
- 475ml double cream
- 150ml whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 75g caster sugar
For the add-ins:
- 170g dark chocolate (chips or chopped)
- 120g mini marshmallows
- 6 graham crackers (or digestive biscuits), broken into small pieces
Method
- Prepare the Dairy Base
In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, vanilla, and salt over medium-low heat until just simmering. - Make the Custard
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a separate bowl until pale and creamy.
- Slowly add the heated cream mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the pan and cook on low, stirring until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (around 8 minutes).
- Cool the Custard
Strain the custard into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Prepare the Add-Ins
- Melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring continuously.
- Toast the marshmallows under a grill for 30–60 seconds until golden.
- Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled custard into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As it thickens, gradually add the toasted marshmallows and drizzle in the chocolate. Finally, fold in the graham cracker pieces. - Freeze and Serve
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover it with parchment paper, and freeze for at least 2 hours for a firmer texture. Serve in cones, bowls, or even between graham crackers for a fun twist!
NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker – keep on reading, we’ve listed instructions below for you to make this without an ice cream maker.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe produces approximately 8 servings. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 604 | Fat: 43.6g | Carbohydrates: 47.8g | Protein: 6.5g
These values are approximate and based on standard ingredient measurements. They may vary slightly depending on the brands and specific products used.
Creative Serving Ideas for S’mores Ice Cream
S’mores ice cream is a very versatile dessert that can be served in countless ways to elevate its indulgence. Whether you’re looking to recreate the campfire experience or add an elegant twist, these ideas will inspire you to make the most of this delectable treat.
1. S’mores Sundae
Create the ultimate sundae by layering scoops of S’mores ice cream in a tall glass. Top with:
- Whipped cream
- Extra toasted marshmallows
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce or hot fudge
- Crumbled digestive biscuits for added crunch
For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts or crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet contrast.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Scoop the ice cream between two graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or chocolate chip cookies. For added flair:
- Dip the edges of the sandwich in melted chocolate and roll in sprinkles or crushed nuts.
- Wrap in parchment paper and freeze for a perfect grab-and-go dessert.
3. Milkshakes
Transform your S’mores ice cream into a decadent milkshake by blending it with cold milk. To serve:
- Rim the glass with melted chocolate and biscuit crumbs.
- Top with whipped cream, a toasted marshmallow, and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
For an adult twist, add a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or bourbon.
4. Campfire-Inspired Winter Dessert
Serve S’mores ice cream with sparklers for a festive touch. Pair it with:
- Warm brownies or blondies for a delightful hot-and-cold contrast.
- A side of homemade hot chocolate to evoke cosy campfire vibes.
5. Dessert Pizza
Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on a pre-baked cookie or brownie base, then top with scoops of S’mores ice cream. Garnish with:
- Mini marshmallows (toasted if desired)
- Drizzles of caramel and chocolate sauces
- Crushed biscuits or cookie pieces
Slice and serve as a fun party dessert!
6. Waffle Cone Parfaits
Fill waffle cones with alternating layers of S’mores ice cream, biscuit crumbs, and chocolate sauce. Top with whipped cream and a marshmallow, then lightly torch the marshmallow for that signature smoky flavour.
7. Custom Toppings Bar
For a crowd-pleasing dessert, set up a DIY toppings bar so guests can customise their S’mores ice cream creations.
Include options like:
- Crushed Oreos or Biscoff biscuits
- Chopped candy bars (Snickers, Reese’s, or Toblerone)
- Fresh berries for a fruity balance
- Flavoured syrups (caramel, butterscotch, or raspberry)
- Toasted coconut flakes
8. Ice Cream Cake
Layer S’mores ice cream with crumbled biscuits and fudge sauce in a springform pan. Freeze until firm, then top with marshmallow fluff and torch lightly for a show-stopping dessert centrepiece.
With these creative serving ideas, S’mores ice cream becomes more than just a dessert – it’s an experience that can be tailored for any occasion, from casual family nights to elegant dinner parties. Which one will you try first?
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!
Don’t have an ice cream maker? You can still enjoy homemade S’mores ice cream with this simple no-churn method. While it won’t be as creamy as churned ice cream, it’s still utterly delicious and easy to make.
No-Churn Method
- Prepare the Custard Base
Follow the recipe to make and chill the custard base. - Freeze the Mixture
Pour the chilled custard into a shallow, freezer-safe container (a 9×13-inch dish works well). - Stir Regularly
Place the dish in the freezer and stir the mixture vigorously every 20–30 minutes with a stiff whisk or handheld mixer. This breaks up ice crystals and mimics the churning process. Repeat 4–5 times over 2–3 hours. - Add Your S’mores Flavours
Once the mixture starts to thicken, fold in the toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and digestive biscuit pieces. - Freeze Until Firm
Cover the dish with parchment paper or a lid and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until it reaches a scoopable consistency.
For more information on how to make ice cream with an ice cream maker, please see our article – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker – which provides numerous hints and tips for best results.
Serving Tip
To soften the no-churn ice cream for serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Serve in bowls, cones, or as a topping for brownies for an irresistible treat!
Have you tried making S’mores ice cream at home? What are your favourite ways to serve it? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow dessert lovers!
We hope that you have enjoyed our article – S’mores Homemade Ice Cream Recipe Ideas – and that we have inspired you to give this recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.
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Delightful! Combining the nostalgic flavors of s’mores with the creamy indulgence of ice cream is such a creative and tempting idea. The step-by-step instructions make it approachable for all skill levels, which is perfect for anyone wanting to try a fun and rewarding recipe at home. I love how you’ve included variations to customize the recipe—whether someone prefers extra chocolate or a stronger marshmallow flavor, there’s room for creativity. The tips for achieving that perfect, smooth texture are also incredibly helpful.
Have you tried experimenting with any other campfire-inspired flavors? A toasted coconut or caramel twist might also be fun to explore. Thank you for sharing this scrumptious recipe—it’s definitely going on my list to try for the next family gathering!
Hey Alan,
Thanks for your enthusiastic comment and thoughts on our S’more Homemade Ice Cream Recipe, So glad to hear that you appreciate the combination of S’more and ice cream, it seemed like a very obvious combination and it works beautifully!
It’s rewarding to hear that our step-by-step instructions resonate well with you and make the recipe approachable for everyone, and even more rewarding to hear we have inspired you to give our recipe a go yourself. Your enthusiasm for customising the recipe is exactly what we hope to inspire in our readers.
I love your suggestion about experimenting with other campfire-inspired flavours like toasted coconut or caramel. Those sound like fantastic ideas, and I might just have to give them a try myself!
Thanks again for your kind words, and I hope you enjoy making this recipe for your family gathering. Any problems, please do drop us a comment and we’d love to hear how it turns out!
All the best,
Cherie 🍦🙂