If you’re looking for a dessert that blends the cozy flavors of a campfire treat with an elegant, make-ahead dish, then look no further. This S’mores Trifle with Graham Crackers is a perfect solution. It layers rich chocolate pudding, fluffy marshmallow cream, and crunchy graham crackers for a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a party, or a casual get-together, this dessert will surely steal the show.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing this amazing dessert. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step preparation, variations, and even some frequently asked questions to ensure your trifle turns out perfect every time.
Total Time: 25–30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
To create the perfect S’mores Trifle with Graham Crackers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chocolate Layer:
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
Graham Cracker Layer:
- 10–12 graham crackers, coarsely crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for a crust-like texture)
Marshmallow Cream Layer:
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff or marshmallow crème
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip or whipped cream)
Topping:
- 1–2 cups mini marshmallows
- Optional: chocolate shavings, extra graham crumbs, or toasted marshmallows for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Chocolate Pudding
The chocolate layer is the heart of the trifle, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until well combined and thickened.
- Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) to enhance the chocolatey flavor and add texture.
- Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the pudding to thicken further.
2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Layer
The graham crackers provide the perfect crunch to balance out the creaminess of the other layers.
- Crush 10–12 graham crackers in a zip-lock bag using a rolling pin or food processor. Aim for a coarse texture, leaving some chunks for added crunch.
- If you want a more buttery, crust-like texture, mix the crushed graham crackers with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Set the crushed graham crackers aside.
3. Make the Marshmallow Cream
This layer is what truly brings the s’mores experience to life. It’s fluffy, sweet, and light.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow crème) and continue beating until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for layering.
4. Assemble the Trifle
Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large trifle dish (or individual cups for a fun twist), layer the ingredients carefully.
- First layer: Add a generous portion of the crushed graham crackers at the bottom.
- Next layer: Spoon a layer of the chocolate pudding over the graham crackers.
- Third layer: Spread a layer of the marshmallow cream mixture over the chocolate pudding.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with marshmallow cream on top.
5. Add the Topping
The topping is the finishing touch that adds both flavor and presentation.
- Sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
- Add chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
- For a showstopper, top with mini marshmallows and either torch them lightly with a kitchen torch or broil them under the oven broiler for 30 seconds until golden and toasted.
6. Chill the Trifle
Refrigeration is key to setting the layers and allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to let the layers set and the flavors intensify.
Tips & Variations
- Make it ahead: This dessert is perfect for prepping the night before. It actually tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had time to blend.
- No kitchen torch? If you don’t have a torch, you can toast the mini marshmallows on a baking sheet under the broiler for a few seconds, then sprinkle them on top of your trifle.
- Add layers for a twist: Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache or brownie chunks for added richness. For a peanut butter twist, drizzle some peanut butter over the layers to complement the chocolate.
FAQs About S’mores Trifle with Graham Crackers
Can I make this dessert without a trifle dish?
Yes! If you don’t have a trifle dish, individual cups or bowls work perfectly fine. This makes it easier to serve, too.
Can I use other types of pudding?
While the classic chocolate pudding is the best choice, you could experiment with vanilla or butterscotch pudding for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the pudding is thick and sturdy enough to hold up the other layers.
Can I make the layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare each layer the day before, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. Just make sure to assemble the trifle within a few hours of serving to prevent the layers from getting soggy.
How can I make this dessert even richer?
For a more indulgent version, you can add layers of chocolate ganache, brownie pieces, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce between the layers. Adding extra chocolate chips to the pudding will also boost the richness.
Conclusion: S’mores Trifle with Graham Crackers
The S’mores Trifle with Graham Crackers is an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings all the classic campfire flavors into an elegant, easy-to-prepare trifle. With layers of creamy chocolate pudding, fluffy marshmallow cream, and crunchy graham crackers, it’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a holiday celebration, this trifle is guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to top it with mini marshmallows and a quick toast for that perfect s’mores experience!
Remember, this dessert is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes, so feel free to experiment with different variations. Enjoy, and happy dessert making!
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S’mores Trifle with Graham Crackers: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re looking for a dessert that blends the cozy flavors of a campfire treat with an elegant, make-ahead dish, then look no further. This S’mores Trifle with Graham Crackers is a perfect solution. It layers rich chocolate pudding, fluffy marshmallow cream, and crunchy graham crackers for a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a party, or a casual get-together, this dessert will surely steal the show.
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer:
1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
Graham Cracker Layer:
10–12 graham crackers, coarsely crushed
3 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for a crust-like texture)
Marshmallow Cream Layer:
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff or marshmallow crème
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip or whipped cream)
Topping:
1–2 cups mini marshmallows
Optional: chocolate shavings, extra graham crumbs, or toasted marshmallows for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Chocolate Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk for about 2 minutes.
Stir in chocolate chips (optional) for extra texture.
Refrigerate for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Layer
Crush graham crackers (leave some small chunks for crunch).
Mix with melted butter if you prefer a slightly buttery, crust-like flavor.
Set aside.
3. Make the Marshmallow Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add marshmallow fluff and beat until well combined.
Gently fold in whipped topping until fluffy and light.
4. Assemble the Trifle
In a large trifle dish or individual cups:
Bottom layer: Graham cracker crumbs
Next: Chocolate pudding
Then: Marshmallow cream
Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with marshmallow cream on top.
5. Add the Topping
Sprinkle with extra graham crumbs and chocolate shavings.
Top with mini marshmallows.
For a showstopping finish: torch or broil the marshmallows for 30 seconds until golden and toasted. 🔥
6. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving to let the layers set.
Notes
Top your S’mores Trifle with extra toasted marshmallows or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent finish. For a fun twist, serve it in individual mason jars for parties or picnics!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering & Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
Keywords: S’mores Trifle, S’mores Dessert, Graham Cracker Trifle, S’mores Layered Dessert
