S'mores Fudge Bars

I obviously didn't get enough s'more goodness on National S'more day last week.  I just had to tempt fate and make these dang things. Then I went and figured out how many calories were in each one...yeah, don't do that!

These are seriously one of those things are are just soooo good, but you really should just stop at one.  They are sweet and rich and perfect!

Each layer has it's own deliciousness about it.  The graham layer is buttery and slightly salty and, of course, crumbly and crunchy.  The chocolate fudge layer is smooth and milk chocolaty.  I highly suggest you get Hershey's brand milk chocolate so it has that quintessential s'more taste.  The marshmallow layer is homemade goodness that far surpasses the store bought stuff.

The hardest part about making these s'mores bars is waiting until they are completely set!  If you try to pull them out of the pan too early, the chocolate will start to seep out.  I put mine on the counter first, then got impatient and put them in the fridge, then finally couldn't hardly stand it any longer and threw them in the freezer!!


S'mores Fudge Bars
for the graham layer:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

for the chocolate layer:
2 cups Hershey's milk chocolate chips
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

for the marshmallow layer:
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cups light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp. salt
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.

Combine all the ingredients for the graham layer and press it into the baking pan.  Bake for 10 minutes.

While graham layer is baking, combine milk chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan.  Heat, over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until completely melted and smooth.  Immediately pour over graham layer.

In a mixing bowl, fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Boil until candy thermometer reads 240 degrees F.

Turn mixer on low and slowly drizzle syrup into the bowl.  Once it's all added, scrape down sides and turn mixer to medium and beat another 5-7 minutes or so, until mixture is thick and glossy.  Add vanilla in very last.

Spread fluff on top of chocolate layer and smooth with off-set spatula.

Turn broiler on and place pan first on bottom rack of oven for 2-3 minutes, or until puffy and getting light brown-don't take your eyes off the oven!!!  Move the pan up to the top rack and let it finish browning another 30-60 seconds or so.

Cool COMPLETELY!!  This may take several hours depending on your method of cooling.  Using the foil, pull bars out of pan and cut into about 1 1/2 in squares.

Bars will keep in an airtight container on the counter for 2 days or 5 days in the fridge.  Store any leftover fluff in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

SOURCE: Cookies & Cups