Coconut-Chocolate Meringue Bars
Decadent coconut-chocolate meringue bars combine rich chocolate, toasted coconut, and pecans in a chewy, sweet treat perfect for dessert gatherings or indulgent snacking.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar, divided ⓘ
- 3 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 6 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine butter, sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl; beat until thoroughly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, coconut, and chopped pecans.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet. If you're short on eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg white as a substitute. Ensure your mixing bowls are clean and dry when beating egg whites to achieve the best volume. You can also try adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Coconut-Chocolate Meringue Bars are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a dessert platter with other treats like Signe Espling Spritz or Beer-Cheese Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them by wrapping in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coconut-Chocolate Meringue Bars contains roughly 343 calories, with 1g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 579mg per serving (25% 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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add a teaspoon to help with the structure. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still be delicious.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or incorporate cocoa powder into the dry ingredients. For a fudgier texture, consider reducing the flour by 1/4 cup and replacing it with cocoa powder.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are coarsely chopped to distribute evenly throughout the 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).