S'mores Dark Chocolate Puddings

Name: S'mores Dark Chocolate Puddings
Yield: Makes 6
Ingredients: 4 1/2 whole graham crackers (5 x 2 1/2-inch rectangles), coarsely broken; 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Scharffen Berger); 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; Pinch of salt; 3 large egg yolks; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (54% to 60% cacao), chopped; 1 tablespoon whiskey; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large egg whites; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract; Kitchen butane torch

I have never understood why pudding has not inspired the same passion as the ubiquitous cupcake. Pudding is Americana personified and every bit as interesting and delicious as any other dessert, but for some reason it is not as glorified as some of its peers. Perhaps it's because pudding is not as visually exciting? In an attempt to add a bit of visual flair to puddin', we created a S'mores version that looks great in a clear glass (or glass container). To us, diner desserts equal layered desserts, and the layers of dark chocolate pudding look terrific with the alternate layers of toasted graham. The marshmallow topping is both tasty and a tad sexy. Its about time pudding got its groove back.

By Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito

March 31, 2009

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 6

Ingredients

Graham cracker crumb layer:

4 1/2 whole graham crackers (5 x 2 1/2-inch rectangles), coarsely broken

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Puddings:

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Scharffen Berger)

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

Pinch of salt

3 large egg yolks

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (54% to 60% cacao), chopped

1 tablespoon whiskey

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Marshmallow topping:

2 large egg whites

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Special Equipment

Kitchen butane torch

Preparation

For graham cracker crumb layer:
Step 1
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine all ingredients in processor. Using on/off turns, blend until coarse crumbs form. Spread crumbs out on prepared baking sheet (if necessary, break up any large pieces with fingertips). Bake until crumbs are crisp, stirring once, about 10 minutes. Cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
For puddings:
Step 2
Whisk sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Add egg yolks and whisk to blend (mixture will resemble wet sand). Gradually whisk in milk, then cream. Whisk constantly over medium heat until mixture comes to boil, then boil 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Add chocolate, whiskey, butter, and vanilla; whisk until chocolate and butter melt and mixture is smooth. Let pudding cool slightly, whisking occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Step 3
Spoon 1/3 cup pudding into each of six 1-cup glasses; spread evenly. Sprinkle each with graham cracker crumbs, dividing equally. Top each with 1/3 cup pudding, spreading evenly. Cover each with plastic wrap, pressing plastic directly onto pudding. Chill at least 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
For marshmallow topping:
Step 4
Blend all ingredients in large bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Set mixer bowl with egg white mixture over saucepan of simmering water. Using hand whisk, whisk mixture constantly until instant-read thermometer inserted into mixture registers 160°F, about 6 minutes. Attach mixer bowl with egg white mixture to stand mixer again and beat on high speed until marshmallow topping forms stiff peaks, 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 5
Top each pudding with 2 large spoonfuls of marshmallow topping, covering top completely and creating peaks, if desired. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Chill.
Step 6
Using kitchen butane torch, lightly toast marshmallow topping until golden in spots.

TagsPudding Dessert Graham Cracker Chocolate Nut Free Stand Mixer Bon Appétit

Recipe information

Ingredients

Graham cracker crumb layer:

Puddings:

Marshmallow topping:

Special Equipment

Preparation

For graham cracker crumb layer:

Step 1

For puddings:

Step 2

Step 3

For marshmallow topping:

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Recipe notes