Meringue Encased Chocolate Mousse S’more Cakes.
You know, I thought these would have been a lot harder than they really were.
In reality, they are pretty much just like making a cupcake with lots of frosting.
I have had meringue on my list of things I really want to make for a while now. Meringue has always kind of scared me a bit because everyone has these disaster stories about how theirs ended up being a total flop.
I hate when I have disasters. They make me feel like a total failure, so I try to avoid them at all cost.
But I really wanted to make meringue.
So I told myself I would start with an easier one and work my way up to the ones you actually have to bake and leave in the oven for like hours or even overnight. I know people says they are easy and I am sure if you are a master baker they are, but I am just entering the world of meringue. It’s new to me, so I am starting out slooow.
Well, that is what I told myself a few days ago, but now I have big ideas.
Hoping you guys are meringue people.
Since my family needs chocolate after like every meal I still found a way to incorporate some.
Basically, I trashed up a classic lady-like dessert with s’more. So typical of me…I know.
Maybe the next meringue dessert I can try to go classic. Or maybe not.
I mean, in my book, chocolate’s always good.
Also, I really love using my blow torch.
And I don’t have one of those wimpy kitchen torches. I stole my dad’s real blow torch and honestly, I should not be left alone with it. SCARY.
So like I said, these are actually pretty easy. You start with some cheaters chocolate mousse that takes seconds to make. I am all for the real eggy mousse and if you want you can totally use this recipe instead of my “cheater version”. I just wanted to try to keep things as simple as possible and not make the recipe too hard with tons of dishes to clean. After the mousse, make the mini chocolate cakes with graham cracker crusts and… well that’s basically it.
You want to let the cakes cool off a little before you add the meringue. If you don’t have a blow torch, the broiler works great too, but don’t forget about them!! Been there, done that. So not fun.
But these cakes are so fun. And good! I mean, what’s not fun about s’mores? That’s something no one can deny.

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Meringue Encased Chocolate Mousse S’more Cakes.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cupcakes, meringue, s'mores
But these cakes are so fun. And good! I mean, what's not fun about s'mores? That's something no one can deny.
Ingredients
Cheaters Chocolate Mousse
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate chopped
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Graham Cracker Crust
- 9 sheets graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, 1/2 stick
Chocolate Cakes
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg at room temperature*
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup strong brewed coffee hot
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Meringue
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup caster sugar (may sub granulated but caster is much better)*
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
Instructions
-
To make the mousse add the chocolate to a microwave safe bowl and microwave on 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
-
Add the heavy cream to a large bowl and whip with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Whisk in the melted chocolate, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and thick. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge until ready to use.
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 6 (8 ounce) ramekins with cooking spray. May also use 12 cupcake molds, greased or with liners. Set aside.
-
Crush the graham crackers by hand, until they are fine crumbs, or process in a food processor for several pulses. Add the honey and mix, or pulse, to combine. Add the butter and mix until thoroughly combined. Press the crumbs firmly into the ramekins or cupcake liners being sure to push it up the sides of the ramekins or cups.
-
In a medium size bowl combine the flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand held mixer) beat together the eggs, buttermilk, canola oil and vanilla until smooth.
-
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low until there are no longer any clumps of flour. Add the hot coffee and mix until combined. Batter should be pourable, but not super thin. Stir in the chocolate chips, if using.
-
Pour the batter among the ramekins or cupcake tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are just set and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove and let cool five minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the pan. Dump the ramekins out and then carefully flip them back over so they are standing upright. Allow to cool 10 minutes and then Use a small paring knife to cut a cone-shaped piece from the center of each cake. Spoon the mousse into the holes allowing it to over flow out onto the top of the cake. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the fridge for longer or until ready to make the meringue.*
-
Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, whisking well, until the mixture is stiff and glossy. Now add the vinegar and whisk until just combined.*
-
Spread the meringue mixture over the cakes and place on a baking sheet. Either use a kitchen torch to set the meringue all over on top or cook under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the meringue is set and golden. These are best served immediately, but can be kept in the fridge if needed, but the meringue with soften and become moist much like a frosting. I recommend trying to add the meringue once you are ready to eat.
Recipe Notes
*The cupcakes can be eaten frozen or from the fridge. It's up to you what you prefer. Frozen is more like ice cream and the fridge is very mousse like. *You’ll know when the meringue is stiff and glossy because the mixture will have tripled in volume and stands up when the beaters are lifted. *Meringue adapted form Seasons by Donna Hay and cake is adapted from my [chocolate cake | https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/simple-chocolate-birthday-cake-whipped-chocolate-buttercream/].
Just look at that. Can’t get enough.
…….wow. Those look incredible. Gorgeous photos too!
Thank you so much, Becca!
These are my favorite photos of yours ever! That blow torch..I NEED ONE!!
These look incredible Tieghan! All the chocolate! Pinned
Thank you so much, taylor! And for pinning too! 🙂
Your photography rocks…and those meringue covered cakes remind me of my favorite hostess snowball cupcakes without the coconut. Luv it.
Thank you so much!
I can’t get over that photo with the blow torch! These look incredible and once Lent is over I will be making these!! (gave up baking)
Thanks Kathy! Still can’t believe you gave up baking. Hang in there!!
Chocolate is always good in my book too! When I worked at a bakery, all we had was a big propane torch, so I got used to using that. I still need to get myself one to use at home though! (Simple meringue tip — try to avoid making it on a humid day and you shouldn’t have too much trouble with it.) These cakes are mouthwatering deliciousness!
Thanks so much, Megan!!
Oh and it’s NEVER humid were I live, so I guess I should be making meringue much more than I do! 🙂
Kinda need that blow torch now…
Haha! I know, it’s so much better than the little ones!
Thanks Laura!
My goodness. They almost look too perfect to cut into. But then again knowing there’s chocolate inside would totally entice me! 🙂
Thank you! I think chocolate inside excites most! 🙂
I agree with Laura on needing the blow torch. How cool is that thing.
Thanks Meagan and yes it is cool, but really kind of fun!
Woah these are to die for! So delicious!!
Thank you so much, Sophia!
I love the way the series of pictures create suspense about seeing what’s inside. I was like – come on already I want to see the chocolate! It was worth the wait:)
Thanks so much, Liz!! The photos were fun to shoot!
I’m no baker but I do make mean meringues, if I can do it anyone can. I have to try your recipe though, it’s made by mouth water LOL.
Good luck with meringue making I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks so much!!! I have a new love for meringue for sure! 🙂
I HAVE to make these for my husband’s birthday. It’s on St. Patricks’ Day, so maybe I can dye the meringue green? 🙂
That would be so fun! Hope you guys love them! 🙂
So fun! And pretty! I want to taste all those flavors and textures together!
Thank you so much, Brenda!
Haha, using a real blow torch in the kitchen… now THAT sounds like fun. Seriously. These cakes look insane! So awesome.
pinning!
HA! I was and it. I need to do it more!
Thanks Abbie!
Meringue encased?! Gah!! This looks lovely!
Thanks Katrina!
everything on this post is perfect..
Thank you! 🙂
These look SO decadent! What a creative idea for a dessert – you never cease to impress!
Thank you so much!!
Are you kidding me?! These look ridiculously incredible! You’re making it pretty difficult to maintain my diet over here, haha!
Hah! Sorry?
But thank you! 🙂
The look UH-MAZING! And I am totally loving those blow torch photos—so cool!
Thanks so much, Rachael! 🙂
What? This is NUTS! Mama want.
Haha! Thanks so much, Dana! Hope you are doing awesome! 🙂
What a super fun dessert! Looks like something I’d see at a fancy restaurant – so pretty!
Thank you so much, Jeanette!
I’m obsessed with that meringue coating, so good!
Thanks Laura!
Pretty sure this is nine kinds of wonderful!
Thank you so much, Meredith!
You are so clever 😉
And I love anything that involves the word “encased”
Ha..not sure about that, but THANKS!!
Holy Moly Lady. This is simply genius!
Thank you so much, Des!!
These are gorgeous! Way to go for the big blow torch, I do that, too 🙂
Thanks Nicole!!
I think using those little ones would take forever! Ha!
Oh my gosh – these are mouth-watering gorgeous! Just one wouldn’t do. No…I’d probably need at least 1/2 dozen or more!
Thanks so much Kristi!
I love that you dipped your toe into the meringue pool! These look so yummy! Can’t wait to see what else comes out of your kitchen using your dad’s blowtorch!
Me too and now I have so much I need to make! 🙂
Thanks Lindsey!
Have mercy!
Thanks! 🙂
Holy cow Tieghan. Just …. wow. Love that gif too!
Thanks so much, Dorothy!
Wow, I need to try these. i also need a blow torch.
Haha! Thanks!
I want to encase my toothbrush in meringue after reading this. Best dessert recipe I’ve seen in weeks. Can’t wait to wow some friends with it!
Haha! Thank you!
Oh my, these look gorgeous! I am so ready to get my hands on one 🙂
Thank you so much!!
What in the — this is AWESOME. I wish I had a blow torch for this purpose only (okay, that’s a lie — I would totally want to dangerously blow torch anything possible, lol). And I LOVE THE GIF. It is spectacular. As are YOU!
Thanks so much, Hayley! And get a big torch. So fun!
These look divine, seriously!! Like, I could eat 4 and not even feel bad about it! Loving that gif, but loving even more that you used your dad’s real blow torch! 🙂
Haha! Thank you so much, Jocelyn!
Amazing. This looks so good. Beyond good. I love the meringue.
Hi Tieghan,
I just found this recipe and I can’t wait to try it! I am puzzled by the asterisks in the recipe. They don’t seem to have counterparts below. Maybe my recipe is not complete?
HEy MJ, I am sorry, but I am not really sure what you are asking? The recipe is fully written.
Wow, this recipe looks amazing, cannot wait to try it! I have a question though – I want to make it for my husband’s birthday, but he is not really a fan of coffee flavor. Can you taste the coffee in the cake, and if so, is there anything I can substitute? Thanks!
I made these and the offer really just accentuates the chocolate flavor and does not stand out at all.
Hey Diane, the coffee really just make the chocolate taste better. You really cannot taste it, but you can swap the coffee with water. Either way they will be delish! Hope you both love these! THANKS!
hey is there any alternatives for grahan crackers??
HI! You could use another biscuit type of cookie or pretzel crumbs.
Wondering if using cake flour would be ok and if so, do you know if it’s equal amounts?
Hey Terry, I think that cake flour will be fine. I would use equal amounts. Happy Holidays! 🙂
Hello! This looks like something I would like to serve this weekend at a party. How far in advance could I do the meringue step without them getting soggy?
Hey Lauren! The meringue cannot really be made ahead. They can be frosted an hour in advance and then toasted just before serving. Let me know if you have questions. Thank you!
Next question: please explain 9 sheets of graham crackers. I make my own graham crackers and leave them in a ziploc bag in the freezer for recipes. So how do I know how much to use?
HI! I would say you need about 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers, but I cannot say for certain.
These so remind me of snowballs somehow. I know they are not, but makes me want snowballs with the marshmallow coating…
Could totally see that! I hope you like these! Thanks Reni!
Looks amazing and love your pictures, what kind of blow torch you used?
Thank you so much! I just use a working blow torch…aka I stole it from my dad. Here is the link:
https://www.amazon.com/WORTHINGTON-CYLINDER-312321-Propane-Carton/dp/B004BUHZHQ/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1500437686&sr=8-16&keywords=blow+torch
You could also just use a normal kitchen blow torch. I would recommend this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Culinary-GerDaRi-Handheld-Blowtorch-Professional/dp/B01MT3T5AP/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1500437686&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=blow+torch&psc=1
Hi Tieghan! I love every one of your recipes that I‘ve made. These cupcakes look amaze! I read that they can be frozen. Is that just the cupcake, before putting the meringue on? I’m making some treats for my friend to bring to the nurses and doctors on her floor and wanted to have them done the night before for her. 😃
Hi Kathleen,
Yes I would freeze them without the meringue. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This was so fun to make! I used mini bundt pans so that I could easily fill the center with mousse. I shaped aluminum foil around a cookie cutter to make a half-dozen tiny pans to bake the crusts separately. I assembled them as soon as the crusts cooled and hardened. These turned out perfectly and flavors go amazingly well together! This recipe was the final nudge I needed to break down and buy that affordable kitchen torch I’ve been wanting.
Hey there,
I am so glad that you liked this recipe, thanks for giving it a go! Happy Friday🌷 xTieghan