Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars
Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars combine a buttery cookie base with a crisp, airy meringue topping and melty mini chocolate morsels. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat, they offer a delightful contrast of textures and rich chocolate flavor that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and sugars together.
- Add egg yolks, water, and vanilla and mix well.
- Sift dry ingredients together and add to the creamed mixture.
- Pat dough into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate morsels over the dough and gently press into it.
- Bake for 10 minutes while preparing the meringue.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add 1 cup of brown sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Remove the baked dough from the oven and spread the meringue evenly over the top, sealing the edges.
- Bake at 325°F for a glass pan or 350°F for a metal pan for 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars, taking care to avoid crumbling the meringue.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you need a dairy-free option, stick with margarine or use coconut oil. For a touch of zest, add a teaspoon of orange or almond extract. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipping. If you're short on mini chocolate morsels, you can chop regular chocolate into small pieces.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect on their own, but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert. Serve alongside a refreshing Apricot Milk Shake for a delightful contrast in flavors. They also make a great treat for gatherings or as a sweet ending to a meal with Meatballs In Sour Cream Gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring the meringue remains intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars contains roughly 69 calories, with 0g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1158mg per serving (50% 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 egg substitutes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes for the yolks. For the egg whites, consider aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a great vegan alternative. Use three tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white needed. Just ensure you whip it until stiff peaks form.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Let the bars cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bring to room temperature before serving.
What should I do if my meringue doesn't form stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't forming stiff peaks, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free from any grease. Additionally, ensure that there are no traces of egg yolk in the egg whites. If needed, add a pinch of cream of tartar to help stabilize the meringue.
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).