Craving the nostalgic taste of s’mores but without the hassle of a campfire? Look no further! This delightful S’mores Cheese Ball brings all the beloved flavors of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers into a spectacularly easy and undeniably delicious party dessert. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering, and so simple to make that it will become your new go-to no-bake treat. Serve it surrounded by plenty of graham crackers, and watch it disappear in minutes!
For those who adore s’mores-inspired creations, this cheese ball offers a fresh and exciting way to enjoy them. If you’re always on the hunt for new s’mores recipes, you might also love these decadent S’mores Muffins or a cozy batch of Indoor S’mores. Each offers a unique twist on the classic, but this cheese ball truly stands out for its sheer simplicity and impressive presentation.
The Sweet Inspiration Behind This S’mores Dream
Many of you might remember the incredible popularity of our Red Velvet Cheese Ball. Its success was a clear indication that dessert cheese balls are not just a novelty; they’re a fantastic, versatile option for any occasion. Ever since perfecting that recipe, my mind has been buzzing with countless flavor combinations just waiting to be transformed into equally simple and delightful no-bake treats. It’s almost a shame it took this long to bring another sweet cheese ball creation to life, but the wait was worth it for this S’mores masterpiece.
What makes this S’mores Cheese Ball truly special is its incredible ease of preparation. This isn’t just an easy recipe; it’s one of the easiest you’ll ever encounter. Forget about complicated baking steps or excessive cleanup. This is a genuinely no-bake dessert, making it absolutely perfect for warm summer days or when you simply don’t want to turn on your oven. With minimal hands-on time, you can whip this up in a flash. While I love using my KitchenAid stand mixer for effortless blending, don’t let that deter you; a sturdy hand mixer or even a good old-fashioned spoon and some elbow grease will work perfectly well. It’s all about combining those iconic s’mores flavors into a creamy, shareable dip that everyone will adore.
The timeless allure of s’mores has made them an enduring favorite, transcending generations and captivating taste buds. There’s a fundamental magic in the combination of crunchy graham crackers, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows that is simply irresistible. This S’mores Cheese Ball captures that magic and elevates it, offering a sophisticated yet playful dessert experience without the need for a roaring fire. It brings the cozy, nostalgic charm of s’mores right to your party table, ensuring every bite is a trip down memory lane.
Key Ingredients for Your S’mores Cheese Ball
Crafting the perfect S’mores Cheese Ball begins with a selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, creamy texture and unmistakable s’mores flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each.
- Cream Cheese: The foundation of any great cheese ball! For the best results and a firm, well-structured cheese ball that holds its shape beautifully, I strongly recommend using full-fat cream cheese. Reduced-fat or “light” versions tend to be softer and might not provide the desired consistency, making your cheese ball less stable. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy base.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and contributes to the overall texture and spreadability of the cheese ball. I typically opt for unsalted butter as it gives me more control over the final flavor. However, if you enjoy a subtle hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness, feel free to use salted butter. Just like the cream cheese, make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal blending.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: This is where the chocolatey goodness comes in without any baking! You’ll want a dry chocolate cake mix. My personal favorites for this recipe are devil’s food or milk chocolate cake mixes, as they offer a rich and classic chocolate flavor. However, any standard chocolate cake mix will work wonderfully. Remember to read our important tip below regarding heat-treating dry cake mix for safety.
- Brown Sugar and Powdered Sugar: This dynamic duo provides the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Brown sugar contributes a deeper, molasses-like flavor and a slight chewiness, while powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) ensures a silky-smooth consistency without any grainy texture. The combination creates a beautifully sweetened and balanced dessert cheese ball.
- Mini Marshmallows: Essential for that authentic s’mores experience! These mini bursts of sweetness and chewiness are folded directly into the cheese ball mixture. Regular mini marshmallows are perfect, providing soft pockets of marshmallow goodness. For an even distribution and a slightly different texture, you could also experiment with marshmallow bits (dehydrated marshmallows), though the softer mini marshmallows offer a more traditional s’mores feel.
- Graham Crackers: You’ll need graham crackers in two forms for this recipe. First, you’ll crush some into crumbs to create the iconic crunchy coating for your cheese ball, mimicking the exterior of a toasted s’more. Second, you’ll want plenty of whole or broken graham cracker pieces for serving, acting as the perfect dippers for your sweet, chocolatey creation.
How to Easily Create Your S’mores Cheese Ball
Making this S’mores Cheese Ball is incredibly straightforward, requiring no baking and minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to bring this decadent dessert to life.
- Combine the Base: In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth, with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial for the cheese ball’s creamy texture.
- Add the Sweetness and Flavor: Next, gradually add the dry chocolate cake mix, brown sugar, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Beat on low speed until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and evenly colored. Once combined, gently fold in the mini marshmallows using a spoon or spatula, being careful not to overmix them.
- Form the Ball: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean work surface. For extra security and easier handling, I often use two pieces layered in a cross pattern. Scoop the entire mixture out of the bowl and place it onto the center of the plastic wrap.
- Chill to Perfection: Gather the edges of the plastic wrap around the mixture and gently shape it into a ball. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped to maintain its form. Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling period is essential for the cheese ball to firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring it holds its shape when served. For best results, I often prepare it the day before.
- Coat and Serve: Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. On a separate plate or in a shallow dish, spread out your crushed graham cracker crumbs. Roll the cheese ball gently in the crumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- Present and Enjoy: Transfer the coated S’mores Cheese Ball to your desired serving plate. Arrange extra whole or broken graham crackers around it for dipping. Serve immediately and watch your guests delight in this unique and irresistible dessert!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect S’mores Cheese Ball
While this S’mores Cheese Ball recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your creation and ensure it’s a show-stopping success every time. Pay attention to these details for the best flavor and texture.
Safety First: Heat-Treating Dry Cake Mix
It’s important to note that dry cake mix, like any flour product, can potentially contain harmful bacteria. While the risk is generally low, if you are concerned about this, you can easily heat-treat the cake mix before using it in this no-bake recipe. To do this, simply spread the desired amount of dry cake mix evenly on a microwave-safe plate or baking sheet. Microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF (71ºC). Allow it to cool completely before incorporating it into your cheese ball mixture. This simple step ensures maximum food safety without impacting the flavor or texture of your delicious dessert.
Optimal Chilling for Best Results
While the recipe calls for a minimum of 2 hours of refrigeration, patience truly pays off here. Chilling the cheese ball for a longer period, ideally overnight (8-12 hours), allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cream cheese mixture to firm up completely. A well-chilled cheese ball will be much easier to coat with graham cracker crumbs and will hold its shape perfectly throughout your event. This also makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert, freeing up your time on the day of your party.
Customizing Your Graham Cracker Crumbs
The texture of your graham cracker coating is entirely up to your preference! I often leave my graham cracker crumbs a bit larger for a rustic, extra-crunchy texture that adds to the s’mores experience. However, you can make them as fine or as coarse as you like. For finer crumbs, use a food processor to pulse the graham crackers. For larger, more varied pieces, simply crush them by hand in a Ziploc bag using a rolling pin. Experiment to find your favorite consistency!
Serving Temperature and Presentation
For the best texture and easiest dipping, remove the S’mores Cheese Ball from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften slightly, making it wonderfully creamy and spreadable. Arrange it beautifully on a platter with an assortment of dippers, not just graham crackers. Consider vanilla wafers, pretzel sticks (for a salty-sweet contrast!), apple slices, or even shortbread cookies to provide variety for your guests.
Creative Topping Additions
While the classic s’mores combination is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings! After coating your cheese ball in graham cracker crumbs, you could gently press in miniature chocolate chips, small chopped candy bars (like Hershey’s for an extra s’mores touch), or even a drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce just before serving. These additions can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, making your S’mores Cheese Ball truly unique.
Explore More Irresistible Cheese Ball Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of dessert cheese balls, or even savory ones, there’s a whole world of possibilities to explore! These versatile creations are perfect for entertaining, offering a unique and often no-bake option that always impresses. Here are some other fantastic cheese ball recipes to inspire your next gathering:
- Cannoli Cheese Ball: A decadent dessert cheese ball that captures the essence of classic Italian cannoli.
- Classic Savory Cheese Ball Recipe: For those who love a traditional savory appetizer, this timeless recipe is always a hit.
- Southwestern Cheese Ball: A vibrant and flavorful savory option with a kick, perfect for game day or a casual get-together.
- Red Velvet Cheese Ball: The beloved inspiration for our S’mores version, this rich and festive dessert cheese ball is a must-try.
S’mores Cheeseball
Deborah Harroun
15
2
15
16
servings
Dessert
American
Pin
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Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature (full-fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup butter at room temperature (unsalted preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups dry chocolate cake mix *heat-treated for safety, if desired
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 whole graham crackers broken into crumbs for coating
- Graham crackers for serving
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy. Add in the dry cake mix, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and no dry streaks remain.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows using a spatula or spoon until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Avoid overmixing once marshmallows are added.
- Turn the mixture out onto a large piece of plastic wrap (or two intersecting pieces for extra coverage). Use the plastic wrap to form the mixture into a firm ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up.
- Once thoroughly chilled, spread the crushed graham crackers evenly on a plate or in a shallow dish. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the graham cracker crumbs, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even coating.
- Place the coated S’mores Cheese Ball on a serving platter and arrange additional graham crackers around it for dipping. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutritional information does not include the graham crackers for serving, but does include the graham cracker coating.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 213kcal (11%),
Carbohydrates: 27g (9%),
Protein: 2g (4%),
Fat: 12g (18%),
Saturated Fat: 7g (44%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 30mg (10%),
Sodium: 255mg (11%),
Fiber: 1g (4%),
Sugar: 18g (20%)
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