S'mores Icebox Cake is a gluten and dairy free dessert recipe that's a hit with kids and adults alike. Sticky and sweet — no campfire needed!
There’s no question I only post recipes we absolutely LOVE here on IGE – if it’s just “ok” it’s not getting posted. That said, some recipes are easier to photograph than others, like S’mores Icebox Cake. This is one gluten free treat that’s as fun to look at as eat!
I know a ton of people are already out for the holiday but I had to sneak this gorgeous, dairy-free, gluten-free dessert recipe in before signing off until later this week. It’ll be perfect for your 4th of July bash!
All you have to do is layer gluten-free graham crackers with dark chocolate ganache (ie chocolate chips melted with coconut milk,) and a marshmallow creme filling, then refrigerate overnight. So good and SO EASY!! Super rich too, so get your almond milk ready.
My S’mores Icebox Cake is gluten-free, of course, but I also made it dairy-free so Lincoln could enjoy a slice too. There’s no way I’d parade around a s’mores-flavored cake without making sure he could have some! That said, I used coconut whipped topping in the marshmallow creme layer and melted the chocolate chips with coconut milk, but if you don’t need to worry about being dairy-free, feel free to use the whipped topping of your choice and/or swap heavy cream for coconut milk.
Sweet marshmallow, creamy chocolate, and that classic graham flavor – you will ADORE this beautiful summery dessert!
How to Make S’Mores Icebox Cake:
Start by making the marshmallow creme mixture. In a large bowl whisk together a 9oz container GF/DF whipped topping and 7.5oz jar marshmallow fluff (this is the only gluten-free brand I’ve found which I buy at World Market.) Next fold in 2 cups GF/DF mini marshmallows.
Stash the bowl in the refrigerator while you get the chocolate layer going. You can do this a day ahead of time, FYI.
Reserve 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips from a 9oz bag GF/DF chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life) to top the cake with, then add the rest of the chips to a medium-sized bowl. Next, microwave 3/4 cup lite coconut milk from a can of coconut milk for 45 seconds, or until gently simmering, then pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth.
Note: I don’t think the chocolate tastes coconutty but if you have a coconut allergy or total aversion to coconut, sub heavy cream instead.
Assembly time! Line a 9×5″ loaf pan with saran wrap, letting it hang over the sides, then spread 1 cup marshmallow mixture into the bottom in an even layer. Next add enough gluten-free graham crackers to form an even layer. You’ll need 2, 8oz boxes gluten-free graham crackers (I used KinniKinnick S’moreables) for the entire recipe + sprinkling on top as garnish.
Spread another 1 cup marshmallow mixture on top followed by 1/2 cup chocolate mixture.
Repeat the layers – graham crackers, marshmallow mixture, and chocolate – two more times then cover the top with saran wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Last step is to invert the cake onto a cutting board, sprinkle the top with crushed graham crackers and chocolate chips, then slice and serve. I hope you love this FUN, sticky and sweet summery dessert recipe! Enjoy!
More Irresistible Chocolate Treats
- Dirt Cake
- Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes
- Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free S’Mores Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes
- Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce
- Buckeyes (Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls)
- Oreo Mousse
Ingredients
- 9 oz dairy free whipped topping, ISoDelicious CocoWhip recommended
- 7.5 oz jar gluten free marshmallow creme or fluff
- 2 cups gluten free mini marshmallows, Elyon recommended
- 9 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided, Enjoy Life recommended
- 3/4 cup lite coconut milk, from a can not a carton
- 2, 8 oz boxes gluten free graham crackers, Kinnikinnick S’moreables recommended
Directions
- Combine whipped topping and marshmallow fluff in a large bowl then whisk until smooth (some marshmallow lumps remaining is fine.) Fold in mini marshmallows then refrigerate until well chilled.
- Measure out 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips and reserve, then pour remaining chocolate chips into a medium-sized bowl. Pour coconut milk into a microwave-safe dish then heat for 45 seconds, or until gently simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in the bowl then let sit for 5 minutes before whisking until smooth.
- Line a 5x9” loaf pan with saran wrap, letting it generously hang over the edges, then scoop 1 cup marshmallow mixture into the bottom and spread into an even layer. Next add a layer of graham crackers, cutting or breaking graham crackers to fit into an even layer. Add another 1 cup marshmallow mixture then smooth into an even layer, and then add 1/2 cup of the chocolate mixture and smooth into an even layer.
- Repeat layers - graham crackers, marshmallow mixture, chocolate - two more times. Cover the top with saran wrap then refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, remove saran wrap from the top then invert cake onto a cutting board. Gently pull on overhanging saran wrap to remove the cake from the pan then sprinkle top with reserved chocolate chips and crumbled graham crackers. Slice with a sharp knife then serve.
Notes
- If you do not need to eat dairy-free and/or don't like coconut milk, you could sub in heavy cream.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
I made this for the 4th of July so that I would have a dessert to eat after giving up dairy while breastfeeding. Everyone, dairy free or not, raved about it! It is so good and now ranks among my family’s favorites!
I’m SO happy to hear that, Katye! Thrilled it was a hit with everyone. :)
This is so good! My kids loved it too! Super quick and easy to make. A great treat for a hot summer day.
I’m so thrilled to hear that, Maggie! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Made this for a BBQ this weekend and it was a HUGE hit. Can’t wait to try the other flavors
LOVE to hear that, Sheri!!! Thanks so much for your comment!
I made this for a family gathering today. My mom is GF and my sister in law is DF, so it was great to have something the whole crew could enjoy! I couldn’t find DF whipped topping at the grocery story, but I found SILK vegan heavy cream and it whipped up great for a good substitution! My only issue was that the ganache was so hard it was difficult to get through. Next time I’ll use a higher ratio of coconut to chocolate. Otherwise great!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sarah – great idea with the vegan heavy cream. Good to know it whips up like regular!
Have you ever put this in the freezer overnight?
I made this cake for the 4th of July and it did not disappoint!! So easy to make, but looks incredibly impressive when taken out of the wrapper. Not to mention it is absolutely delicious! I dare you to try and stop at one piece.