Nancy Reagan'S Vienna Chocolate Bars
Decadent Vienna Chocolate Bars feature a buttery crust topped with raspberry jelly, chocolate chips, and a nutty meringue, offering a rich, sweet treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter with egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
- Add flour and knead with fingers to form a dough.
- Pat out the dough on a greased cookie sheet to 3/8 inch thickness.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven.
- Spread raspberry jelly evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the jelly layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually fold in the remaining 1 cup of sugar and chopped nuts.
- Gently spread the nut meringue mixture over the jelly and chocolate layer.
- Bake for about 25 minutes at 350°F until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beaten. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, you can substitute raspberry jelly with apricot or strawberry. For nut allergies, you can omit the nuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
These Vienna Chocolate Bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with Vanilla Or Chocolate Ice Cream for a decadent dessert. Serve them as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They are also perfect for celebrations or gatherings, offering a delightful contrast to savory dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Vienna Chocolate Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place the bars in a warm oven for a few minutes until just warmed through, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy Reagan'S Vienna Chocolate Bars contains roughly 609 calories, with 14g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% 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 use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially the chocolate chips and jelly. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bars without worry.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can chop up a chocolate bar or use chocolate chunks instead. For a different flavor, try butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips, which will complement the raspberry jelly nicely.
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).