Apricot Meringue Bars(Makes 16 Servings)
Apricot Meringue Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery crust with a sweet, tangy apricot filling, topped with a light meringue. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert, these bars are sure to impress family and friends with their beautiful layers and balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set oven at moderate 350°.
- Blend butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and egg yolks.
- Work in flour.
- Lightly flour hands and pat into well-greased 7 1/2 x 11 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spread evenly with apricot preserves.
- Beat egg whites until foamy; gradually beat in 1/3 cup sugar.
- Continue beating until peaks form, then fold in nuts.
- Spread carefully over preserves.
- Return to oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with coconut oil or use a combination of half all-purpose flour and half almond flour for added nuttiness. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beating. If you prefer a different fruit, try using peach preserves instead, which pairs beautifully with the meringue topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apricot meringue bars as a delightful dessert after a meal or alongside afternoon tea. They pair well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For a festive touch, consider serving them on a platter with slices of the Deep Dish Cherry-Peach Pie for a colorful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through, to preserve the meringue's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Meringue Bars(Makes 16 Servings) contains roughly 350 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% 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 use fresh apricots instead of apricot preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots! Cook them down with a bit of sugar until they become syrupy, then spread this mixture on the crust instead of preserves. This will give a fresher taste but may require a bit more cooking time to achieve the right consistency.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free apricot meringue bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking to maintain the texture of the crust. Additionally, check that your apricot preserves are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
What can I do if the meringue doesn't form stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't forming stiff peaks, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Adding a pinch of cream of tartar can also help stabilize the egg whites. If it still doesn't work, try beating the mixture at a lower speed initially to incorporate air gradually.
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).