S'mores Bars

Where has this dessert been all my life?? So very yum!! 10+/10!

Link to my YouTube "making of the recipe" video: https://youtu.be/7YQ_olQxmOQ 

Link to original recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/smores-bars-marshmallow-meringue

Recipe below contains my modifications.

Ingredients:

bottom layer--

3 c. finely crushed graham crackers

1 1/2 sticks (12 T.) unsalted butter, melted

2 T. light brown sugar (packed)

1/4 tsp. fine sea salt

middle layer--

1 stick cold, unsalted butter, cut in large pats

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, broken into pieces

1 1/4 c. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. fine sea salt

2 large eggs, room temperature

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

top layer--

3 large egg whites

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Directions:

1. For the bottom layer: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9" square baking pan with aluminum foil, with overhang on at least 2 sides. 

2. In a medium bowl, mix all bottom layer ingredients together (graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and sea salt) until well combined (it will be a crumbly texture). Press crumbs  into prepared baking pan in an even layer. Bake for 8-10 min, until lightly browned. Let cool completely.

3. For the middle layer: Heat oven to 350°F. In a double boiler, melt and stir together the butter and chocolate, until smooth and completely combined.

4. Remove top pan from the double boiler (to remove from heat). Whisk in the sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Then whisk in the eggs until smooth, followed by the flour, stirring until just combined.

5. Pour the chocolate mixture and spread evenly over the cooled bottom layer. Bake for 25 minutes; edges will be set, middle will be slightly jiggly. Let cool completely.

6. For the top layer: In a double boiler, whisk the egg whites with the sugar until the whites are warm and sugar has dissolved (around 3 min.).

 

7. Transfer the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat in the vanilla and cream of tartar on medium speed, then continue beating until firm.

 

8. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff and glossy (around 5-7 min.) 

 

9. Heat broiler (hi) with rack 8" from broiler. Spoon the top layer onto the middle layer, swirling to make decorative tips if desired.

 

10. Broil for 1 min, just enough to brown the tips. (Alternatively, this could be done with a kitchen torch.)

 

11. Cut into bars, serve up and enjoy!