Apricot Meringue Bars
Apricot Meringue Bars combine a buttery crust with tangy apricot preserves and fluffy meringue, making a deliciously sweet and tangy treat perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, blend margarine or butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and egg yolks together.
- Work in sifted all-purpose flour until the mixture is combined.
- Lightly flour your hands and pat the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread evenly with apricot preserves.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Gradually beat in 1/3 cup sugar.
- Continue beating until meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks.
- Fold in nuts if desired (note: nuts are not listed in ingredients but are mentioned in instructions).
- Spread the meringue over the preserves.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Cool on a rack before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're short on apricot preserves, peach or apricot jam can work as a substitute. Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beaten. If you like nuts, finely chopped almonds or walnuts can be folded into the meringue for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot meringue bars are delightful served chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also complement a light tea or coffee, making them a great addition to a dessert platter alongside American recipes like Raisin Peanut Balls.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apricot meringue bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them chilled. Avoid reheating the entire batch, as it may affect the meringue's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Meringue Bars contains roughly 325 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these apricot meringue bars a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator once cooled. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully and keep the meringue from getting too soft.
What if my meringue doesn't form stiff peaks?
If your meringue doesn’t reach stiff peaks, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Additionally, make sure the egg whites are at room temperature. If you still have trouble, you can add a pinch of cream of tartar to help stabilize the meringue.
Can I use fresh apricots instead of preserves?
While fresh apricots can be used, they need to be cooked down into a preserve-like consistency first. Simmer chopped apricots with some sugar until they break down and thicken. This will ensure the filling has the right sweetness and texture for these bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).