Fourth of July S’mores Bars with Marshmallow Meringue

I love the 4th of July. Love fireworks. Love celebrating with friends. Love all-American desserts and an excuse to make them too! 🙂

This morning we ate breakfast outside listening to Pandora’s Patriotic station courtesy of my son. The music inspired my kids to come in and play patriotic music- my son on the cello and my daughter on the piano. Great! The celebration begins…

But now we may have a new July 4th tradition in my house… this dessert! A graham cracker crust topped with a rich Valrhona chocolate layer and then fluffy (and pretty!) marshmallow meringue- a genius upgrade of all-American s’mores! This recipe was adapted from a Food and Wine “staff-favorite” recipe, contributed by Cheryl and Griffith Day.

I’m sharing this deliciousness at Fiesta Friday #75‘s J & J show this week which I am co-hosting with Julie of Hostess at Heart. Happy Independence Day!!

Yield: 30 bars (or up to 60 bites!)

For the Crust:

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs (12 ounces)
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Brownie Filling:

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped (I used Valrhona 71% Cacao Dark Bittersweet Chocolate)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature (I put in a bowl of warm water)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the Meringue:

• 3 large egg whites
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

To Make the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° (on convection, if possible).
2. Line a 9-inch-square baking pan with foil, allowing 2 inches of overhang on two sides.
3. In a medium bowl, using a fork, mix all of the ingredients until evenly moistened. Press the crumbs evenly into 
the bottom of the prepared pan. (I used the bottom of a dry measuring cup.)
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until lightly browned. Let cool completely. Leave the oven on.

To Make the Filling:

1. In a heatproof medium bowl set over 
a saucepan of simmering water, melt the butter with the chocolate over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk in the eggs until smooth, then stir in the flour until just incorporated. Spread the batter evenly over the cooled crust. Bake for about 22 minutes on convection or up to 25 minutes in a standard oven, until the edge is set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.

To Make the Meringue:

1. Preheat the broiler, if using (I used a kitchen torch.).
2. In a heatproof medium bowl (I used my stand mixer bowl) set over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk the egg whites with the sugar until the whites are warm and the sugar is dissolved, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Transfer the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk. Add the vanilla and cream of tartar and beat at medium speed until firm.
4. Increase the speed to high and beat the meringue until stiff and glossy, 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Mound the meringue on top of the filling, swirling it decoratively. Broil the meringue 8 inches from the heat until lightly browned at the tips, about 1 minute. (or use a mini kitchen torch instead.)
6. Cut into bars and serve.

Note: The bars can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

One Year Ago:

• Fourth of July Blueberry Pie
• Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Two Years Ago:

• Fourth of July Blueberry Cornmeal Butter Cake
• Giant Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

If you like this you may also like:

• Fancy S’more Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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