Seafoam Chews
Seafoam Chews are delightful chocolate chip bars with a fluffy meringue topping, combining sweet, buttery, and chocolate flavors—perfect for family gatherings or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, white sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, vanilla, and milk; beat well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Press the dough into a 15 x 10-inch greased pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the pressed dough.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add 1 cup brown sugar to the egg whites and beat until stiff.
- Spread the meringue mixture over the chocolate chips, sealing the edges well.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to stiff peaks. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a different taste. Make sure to sift your dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
These Seafoam Chews are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting treat. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other American recipes like Peanut Butter Whimsies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Seafoam Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm again, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to revive their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafoam Chews contains roughly 329 calories, with 15g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 891mg per serving (39% 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 Seafoam Chews ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and meringue ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on the day you plan to serve them.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute chocolate chips with butterscotch chips, white chocolate, or even chopped nuts. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also be a delicious alternative, giving a unique twist to the Seafoam Chews.
Why did my meringue not stiffen properly?
Meringue can be tricky. Ensure no yolk gets into the egg whites, as fat will prevent them from whipping up. Additionally, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. If humidity is high, it can also affect the meringue, so consider making it on a drier day.
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).