Macaroon Squares
Chewy, sweet macaroon squares with chocolate, coconut, and pecans, layered over graham crackers, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch square pan with whole graham crackers.
- Beat egg whites and salt until foamy.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate bits, flaked coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla.
- Spread the meringue mixture over the graham crackers in the pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Cut into squares and serve, optionally slightly warm with vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh egg whites at room temperature to achieve maximum volume when beating. If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush whole graham crackers instead. For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped pecans and consider adding extra coconut. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips for various flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
These macaroon squares are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. You can also serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with melted chocolate or serving with fresh berries.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover macaroon squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroon Squares contains roughly 248 calories, with 7g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 710mg per serving (31% 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 liquid egg whites instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use liquid egg whites as a substitute for fresh egg whites. Just ensure that the equivalent amount matches the 4 egg whites required in the recipe. However, fresh egg whites generally provide better volume and texture for the meringue.
What can I substitute for the chopped pecans?
If you want to substitute the chopped pecans, consider using walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture. Alternatively, you could simply omit the nuts altogether to make the dessert nut-free, which will still yield delicious results.
How can I make these squares more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can increase the amount of semi-sweet chocolate bits to 3/4 cup or even 1 cup. Additionally, consider drizzling some melted chocolate on top after baking for an extra chocolatey finish that complements the flavors beautifully.
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).