Indulgent No-Bake Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free S’mores Parfaits: Your Easy Summer Dessert!

Elevate your summer dessert game with these show-stopping No-Bake Gluten & Dairy Free S’mores Parfaits. They offer all the beloved flavors of classic s’mores in a sophisticated, mess-free, individual serving. Crafted to be dairy-free and gluten-free, these parfaits cater to a variety of dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture. Imagine a dreamy, fluffy marshmallow center, perfectly crumbly graham cracker layers, and a delightful hard chocolate shell on top – a true feast for both the eyes and the palate, promising an explosion of flavors and textures in every spoon.

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Why These Dairy-Free S’mores Parfaits are an Absolute Must-Try

As a self-proclaimed “S’mores Queen” from my youth (a title I earned by mastering the art of s’mores consumption at girl’s camp, and yes, I’m still incredibly proud!), my love for all things s’mores runs deep. There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of toasted marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crisp graham cracker. However, traditional s’mores can be messy, require a campfire, and often don’t accommodate common dietary restrictions. That’s where these No-Bake S’mores Parfaits come in – they’re the perfect solution for transforming a rustic treat into an elegant dessert, all without breaking a sweat.

This recipe is a game-changer because it allows you to achieve that decadent s’mores experience with minimal effort. Forget the oven; a simple microwave is all you need to create this show-stopping dessert. The result is an unbelievably rich and satisfying treat that looks incredibly fancy, making it ideal for any occasion. They are particularly fantastic for summer dinner parties, outdoor gatherings, or even just a special family dessert. Because they’re served in individual cups, there’s no sticky mess, and everyone gets their own perfectly portioned, gorgeous parfait. It’s truly a BAM moment: a gorgeous dessert that is OH-SO-DECANDENT and fits nearly any diet!

Before we dive into the full recipe, let’s address some frequently asked questions to ensure your s’mores parfait experience is an absolute success.

How Do These S’mores Parfaits Achieve Their Gluten-Free Status?

For those of us navigating a gluten-free diet, finding suitable substitutes for classic ingredients is key. The star of any s’mores dessert, besides the marshmallow and chocolate, is undoubtedly the graham cracker base. To make these parfaits completely gluten-free, it’s crucial to select a high-quality gluten-free graham base. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many brands, and I’ve found three favorites that consistently deliver on taste and texture:

Schar Honeygrams: These are widely available and have a great classic graham flavor and crisp texture, making them perfect for crushing into crumbs.
Enjoy Life Graham Cookies: Known for being free from many common allergens, Enjoy Life offers a delicious graham cookie that works wonderfully in this recipe.
Kinnikinnick Graham Style Crackers: Another excellent choice, Kinnikinnick provides a sturdy cracker that holds up well in the parfait layers.

Each of these brands offers a delightful crunch and that signature sweet, slightly spiced flavor essential for a perfect s’mores experience. If gluten isn’t a concern for you or your guests, feel free to use your favorite brand of regular graham crackers – this recipe is all about providing delicious options for everyone!

Making These S’mores Parfaits Deliciously Dairy-Free

Living with dairy allergies means I’m always on the lookout for fantastic dairy-free alternatives that don’t compromise on flavor or texture. This s’mores parfait recipe is carefully crafted to be entirely dairy-free, ensuring everyone can indulge. Here are the dairy-free swaps I use to achieve that creamy, chocolatey goodness:

Vegan Butter: For the graham cracker crumbs, I use a high-quality vegan butter. Brands like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Earth Balance work beautifully, providing the richness and binding power of traditional butter.
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: The marshmallow layer gets its incredible creaminess from dairy-free cream cheese. My personal favorites are Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese or Go Veggie Classic Plain Cream Cheese. If you need to avoid soy, Daiya’s cream cheese alternative, made from coconut, is an excellent choice. These alternatives melt smoothly and blend perfectly into the marshmallow mixture.
Dairy-Free Whipped Topping: Instead of traditional whipped cream, I opt for Coco Whip, a fantastic dairy-free whipped topping that holds its shape and adds a light, airy texture. Ensure it’s thawed in the fridge before use for the best consistency.
Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: The hard chocolate shell topping is made with dairy-free chocolate chips. We love Enjoy Life chocolate chips, which are also free from many other common allergens, making them a safe and delicious option.
Dairy-Free Marshmallows: While most marshmallows are naturally dairy-free, it’s always good to double-check labels, especially if you have severe allergies. For a comprehensive guide, click here for a list of which marshmallows are dairy-free.

You can typically find these specialty ingredients at stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocer, or easily online via Amazon (links provided above for convenience!). If dairy isn’t an issue for you, simply use regular butter, cream cheese, and whipped topping in the same measurements. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!

Is This S’mores Parfait Vegan? (Marshmallow Questions Answered)

Given that these parfaits are dairy-free and egg-free, one might assume they are also suitable for a vegan diet. However, the main ingredient that typically prevents traditional marshmallows from being vegan is gelatin, which is an animal product. While many other components of this recipe are plant-based, the marshmallows are the key consideration for strict vegans.

If you’re aiming for a fully vegan s’mores parfait, you are certainly welcome to try the recipe using a vegan marshmallow brand such as Dandies All Natural Vegan Marshmallows. Dandies are widely available and made with plant-based ingredients like tapioca syrup and carrageenan instead of gelatin. Please note that I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe with vegan marshmallows, so I can’t definitively speak to how the texture of the marshmallow layer will turn out. Vegan marshmallows can sometimes have a slightly different melt and consistency when heated. If you do try it, you might need to adjust the microwave time slightly and be prepared for a potentially softer, less elastic marshmallow mixture. Otherwise, for those not strictly vegan but still looking for allergy-friendly options, most conventional marshmallows (like Kraft or generic brands) are typically free from dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts, making them suitable for many common allergies.

A Truly Allergy-Friendly S’mores Parfait for Everyone

Yes, absolutely! Creating inclusive desserts is a priority in my kitchen, especially with multiple food allergies in our household. I believe everyone should be able to enjoy a delicious treat together, which is why this recipe is designed to be free from many of the major top 8 allergens. These s’mores parfaits are:

Wheat/Gluten Free: Thanks to the selection of gluten-free graham crackers.
Dairy Free: Utilizes vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, Coco Whip, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Egg Free: All ingredients are naturally egg-free or have egg-free alternatives.
Peanut and Tree Nut Free: By choosing specific brands like Enjoy Life for chocolate chips and checking marshmallow labels, this recipe avoids peanuts and tree nuts, which are common allergens.

This means you can confidently serve this dessert knowing that many guests with common allergies can enjoy it safely and deliciously. It truly allows everyone at the table to share in the joy of a fantastic dessert!

Craving More Allergy-Friendly S’mores Dessert Recipes? You’re in Luck!

My passion for s’mores extends far beyond parfaits! S’mores truly are the most heavenly summer dessert, and I love finding creative ways to make them accessible and delicious for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. If you’re a fellow s’mores enthusiast looking for more gluten, dairy, egg, and nut-free options, you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from my kitchen:

Allergy-Friendly S’mores Cookies: Chewy, chocolatey cookies loaded with marshmallow and graham cracker goodness – perfect for cookie lovers!
S’mores Popcorn: A fun, crunchy, and irresistible snack that combines sweet and salty with all your favorite s’mores flavors.
S’mores Brownie Bars: Rich, fudgy brownies topped with toasted marshmallows and a graham cracker crust – a truly decadent treat.

And the s’mores adventures don’t stop there! I’m currently busy recipe testing some exciting new s’mores cupcakes, so stay tuned for those. Make sure you’re following my social media channels to catch the latest and greatest allergy-friendly creations as soon as they’re released!

Assembling Your Gluten-Free S’mores Parfaits: Creative Freedom!

One of the joys of making these s’mores parfaits is the complete freedom you have in assembling them. There’s truly no official rule, allowing you to customize them to your heart’s desire! You can get as creative as you like with your presentation and layering. Here are some ideas and tips:

Choose Your Vessel: While I used elegant wine glasses to make them look extra fancy, feel free to use shot glasses for mini treats, mason jars for a rustic picnic vibe, or even small bowls. You could even make one large “pie plate” style parfait for a communal dessert!
Layering Perfection: Think about your preferred ratio of ingredients. Do you love a thick graham cracker crust, or just a hint of crunch? A generous, fluffy marshmallow center, or a thinner, more defined layer? Start with a base of graham cracker crumbs, then alternate with layers of the creamy marshmallow mixture and a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Repeat until your chosen glass is full.
Even Distribution: Use a spoon or a small offset spatula to gently smooth out each layer, especially the marshmallow cream, for a neat presentation.
Top it Off: Don’t forget that glorious hard chocolate shell on top! A final sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs or a mini marshmallow can add a lovely finishing touch.
Flexibility is Key: Don’t stress if you run out of a particular layer! You can always adjust the number of layers, or simply make more of any component to fit your specific needs and the number of parfaits you’re making. The goal is to have fun and, most importantly, enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Storing Your Allergy-Friendly S’mores Parfaits for Freshness

These allergy-friendly s’mores parfaits are not only delicious but also convenient, as they can be made ahead of time. Once you’ve finished assembling your beautiful parfaits, it’s crucial to store them properly to maintain their freshness and allow the layers to set perfectly.

Simply place them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. For best results and to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors, cover each parfait loosely with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container if they fit. Chilling them for at least an hour will allow the marshmallow cream to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making them an excellent option for meal prepping desserts for a busy week or preparing ahead for a party. The graham cracker crust will soften slightly over time, but the overall texture and taste remain delightful.

Want to See These Parfaits Come to Life? Watch the Video!

Sometimes, seeing a recipe made can be incredibly helpful, especially for visual learners! I’ve been creating informal, easy-to-follow videos that demonstrate how I prepare my recipes, including these fabulous s’mores parfaits. These short, engaging videos provide a quick visual guide to each step, making the process even simpler to understand.

You can find these helpful cooking demonstrations published on my TikTok channel, as well as saved in my Instagram Story Bubbles. They’re designed to give you a quick, real-world look at the steps involved, from crushing graham crackers to layering the components. So, if you’re a visual learner or just want a little extra confidence before you start, hop over to my social media for a quick peek!

@allergyawesomeness##s’mores ##nobake parfaits that are ##glutenfree & ##dairyfree ##greenscreen ##learnontiktok ##tiktokpartner ##foodallergies ##smores♬ original sound – Megan Lavin

No Bake Gluten & Dairy Free S’mores Parfaits

Yield:
4-6 parfaits

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

These elegant No Bake Gluten & Dairy Free S’mores Parfaits are your answer to a sophisticated yet easy summer dessert. Perfectly catering to various diets, they feature a luscious marshmallow center, crunchy graham cracker layers, and a delightful hard chocolate shell, making every bite a multi-textured delight.

Ingredients

CRUST INGREDIENTS:

One 5.6oz box of Schar Honeygrams (See post for other gluten-free options)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 Tablespoon vegan butter (see post for brand recommendations) or coconut oil

MARSHMALLOW INGREDIENTS:

One 10-oz package of mini marshmallows (ensure dairy-free; see post)
4 ounces dairy-free cream cheese (softened; see post for brand options)
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
One 9oz container of CoCo Whip (must be thawed in the fridge beforehand)

CHOCOLATE GANACHE INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life)
1 Tablespoon coconut oil (or other safe shortening)

Instructions

A very important first step is making sure that your CocoWhip (or other dairy-free whipped topping) is completely thawed. When purchased from the frozen section, it will be too solid to incorporate into this recipe. Allowing it to thaw in the refrigerator for at least a day beforehand will ensure it reaches the perfect creamy consistency.
To prepare the graham cracker crust, either in a food processor or by hand using a bag and rolling pin, combine the gluten-free graham crackers, sugar, and melted vegan butter (or coconut oil). Pulse or crush until the mixture is finely crumbly and resembles coarse sand. Set this delicious crust aside.
For the marshmallow cream layer, place the dairy-free cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl if using regular beaters. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
In a greased, deep microwave-safe bowl, add the mini marshmallows. Microwave them for 45-60 seconds on high. They should puff up and become warm and melty. Immediately add the warm marshmallows on top of the dairy-free cream cheese in your mixing bowl and mix well until smoothly combined.
Next, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the thawed CocoWhip to the marshmallow and cream cheese mixture. Mix everything until it’s just combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Set this creamy marshmallow mixture aside.
For the rich chocolate ganache topping, place the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in another microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. If the chocolate chips are not fully melted after stirring, microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Now it’s time to assemble your beautiful parfaits! Spoon a layer of the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of your chosen serving glasses (shot glasses, wine glasses, or small jars work great). Follow with a layer of the creamy marshmallow mixture, then drizzle with a bit of the chocolate ganache. Repeat these layers until your glasses are full, ending with a generous chocolate topping. Refer to the post above for more creative assembly details and tips.
Once assembled, refrigerate your parfaits until you’re ready to serve them. Chilling is essential as it allows the layers to set and firm up further, resulting in a more stable and enjoyable dessert. These parfaits can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for making ahead of time for parties or easy weeknight treats.

Notes

Adapted from the talented My Baking Addiction’s No Bake S’mores Cheesecake. This recipe has been carefully modified to be gluten-free and dairy-free while maintaining all the deliciousness of the original concept.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 790Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 148mgCarbohydrates: 121gFiber: 14gSugar: 63gProtein: 17g

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