6" Date-Night Sized Bourbon-Fired S'mores Brownie Pie
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 4–5 (perfect for a smaller crew)
Difficulty: Medium (still requires focus, but worth it)
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
7 full (90g) graham crackers, crushed to crumbs
3 tbsp (43g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp (22g) brown sugar
Pinch of salt
For the Brownie Filling:
5 oz (140g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (22g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
2 tbsp bourbon (keeps the smoky kick—Bulleit or similar)
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup (43g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (5g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp baking powder
Pinch of sea salt
1/4 tsp instant espresso powder (optional, but strongly encouraged)
For the Marshmallow Topping:
2 large egg whites
⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
⅛ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp bourbon
Optional: Kitchen torch or broiler to toast the top (for that campfire vibe)
Gear
6-inch pie pan (deep-dish if you want extra heft)
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Whisk
Food processor or heavy-duty zip-top bag (for crushing grahams)
Stand mixer or hand mixer (for the meringue)
Kitchen torch (preferred) or oven broiler
Instructions
1. Forge the Crust:
If you’ve got whole graham crackers, smash them into crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and a rolling pin (channel your inner lumberjack). Aim for fine, even crumbs.
Mix crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl until it looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and sides of a 6-inch pie pan using a measuring cup or your hands (no weak presses—make it solid).
Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let it cool while you prep the filling. (Pro move: Stick it in the fridge to speed things up.)
2. Craft the Chocolate Brownie Filling:
Preheat oven to 350°F (if not already done for the crust).
In a microwave, melt the dark chocolate and butter together in 30 sec increments, stirring until smooth. Remove and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
Sift flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt together, then gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined (don’t overmix—keep it fudgy).
Pour the brownie batter into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
Bake for 22–28 minutes, until the top is set and slightly crackly but the center is still fudgy (a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter). Let cool to room temp, then chill for 1 hour to firm up.
3. Build the Marshmallow Topping:
In a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler style), whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar. Keep the water from touching the bowl. Stir constantly until the mix hits 160°F (use a thermometer—no guessing) and the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
Transfer to a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) and whip on high for 5–7 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla and bourbon and whip for another 10 seconds.
Pile the meringue high on the chilled chocolate filling, spreading it to the edges with peaks and swirls (think rugged mountain range, not cupcake frosting).
4. Torch It:
For that campfire swagger, use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue until golden-brown and slightly charred in spots. Work in small circles, keeping the flame moving to avoid burning.
No torch? Preheat your oven broiler, place the pie on the top rack, and watch it like a hawk for 1–2 minutes until toasted. Don’t walk away—burnt meringue is a rookie mistake.
5. Serve Like a Boss:
Slice with a sharp knife (dip it in hot water for clean cuts). Serve at room temp for max fudgy brownie texture, with bourbon or cold beers on the side. This pie doesn’t need garnish—it’s already a legend.
Why It’s Sexy for Date Night
Seductive Fudginess: The dense, chewy brownie filling, rich with dark chocolate, melts in your mouth like a whispered promise, perfect for sharing close in a cozy 6-inch pie.
Bourbon Allure: A sultry splash of bourbon weaves a smoky, warm edge through the sweetness, sparking a slow-burn vibe for two.
Visual Temptation: The torched meringue, swirled high and golden, sits atop the fudgy base like a dessert dressed to impress, stealing the show without trying too hard.
Fireside Intimacy: The toasted meringue evokes a private campfire glow, setting the mood for a steamy date night or late-night rendezvous.
Effortless Charm: Simple to craft yet looks sinfully indulgent, this pie lets you play the suave host with minimal fuss and maximum allure.
Sultry Chocolate Seduction with a Fudgy Embrace
Set the mood with this sultry, bourbon-kissed s'mores brownie pie, crafted to seduce the senses. Its velvety dark chocolate heart, cradled in a buttery graham cracker crust and crowned with a torched marshmallow swirl, delivers a smoky, indulgent allure. Infused with a whisper of bourbon, this 6-inch dessert is the perfect intimate treat to share on a steamy date night, igniting passion with every fudgy bite.
