Raspberry Meringue Bars – 6 Reasons You’ll Love This Dreamy Dessert

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The buttery shortbread crust pairs wonderfully with the tangy raspberry jam, while the fluffy meringue adds sweetness and lightness to each bite.
2. Light and Refreshing: These bars are light in texture but full of flavor, making them a refreshing treat for warmer months.
3. Beautiful Presentation: The golden, fluffy meringue topping creates a stunning contrast against the raspberry filling, making these bars as beautiful as they are delicious.
4. Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this dessert is easy to make and requires minimal effort for such a show-stopping result.
5. Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these bars are perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or picnics.
6. Versatile: You can swap the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves like strawberry, blackberry, or even a mixed berry jam to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam or preserves
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

For the Raspberry Layer:

4. Spread the Jam: Once the crust has baked, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the warm crust, ensuring an even layer.

For the Meringue:

5. Prepare the Meringue: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Spread the Meringue: Spread the meringue evenly over the raspberry layer. You can create decorative peaks with the back of a spoon or a spatula if desired.

Baking:

7. Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars for another 15–20 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This ensures clean cuts and helps the meringue set properly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Other Fruit Flavors: Swap the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves, such as strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry, for different flavor combinations.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some crushed almonds or walnuts on top of the meringue for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade raspberry jam?

Yes, homemade raspberry jam works wonderfully for this recipe, as long as it’s not too runny. Ensure it has a thick consistency for the best results.

Can I use a different topping instead of meringue?

You can replace the meringue with whipped cream or even a simple powdered sugar glaze for a different texture and taste.

How can I make the meringue stiffer?

Make sure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks and that no yolk is mixed in with the whites. Adding cream of tartar helps stabilize the meringue and ensures it holds its shape.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the shortbread crust and raspberry layer ahead of time, then add the meringue and bake just before serving.

How do I store these bars?

These bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to 2 days, but for longer storage, refrigerate them or freeze them.

Conclusion

Raspberry Meringue Bars are a dreamy, fruity dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With a buttery shortbread crust, sweet-tart raspberry filling, and a light, fluffy meringue topping, these bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Easy to make, yet impressive in taste and appearance, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!

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