Strawberry Meringue Bars
Sweet and tangy strawberry meringue bars combine a buttery crust with fluffy meringue topping and luscious preserves, perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Beat together shortening, sugar, and egg yolks until well combined.
- Add sifted flour; stir until blended.
- Spread the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread evenly with strawberry preserves.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually beat in sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in nutmeats (if using, otherwise omit).
- Spread the meringue carefully over the preserves.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting into 18 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating to achieve maximum volume. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter, though it may alter the flavor slightly. To enhance the meringue, consider adding a pinch of cream of tartar while beating the egg whites for stability. If you prefer a different fruit, feel free to swap the strawberry preserves with raspberry or peach preserves.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Meringue Bars make a delightful dessert for gatherings and pair beautifully with Granny Gage'S Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a great snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee, perfect for afternoon gatherings or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Strawberry Meringue Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the meringue from becoming soggy. They can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving. If you need to reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh the meringue's texture without melting it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Meringue Bars contains roughly 191 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% 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 fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
While fresh strawberries can provide a delightful flavor, they won't have the same consistency as preserves. If using fresh strawberries, consider making a quick compote by cooking them down with a bit of sugar to create a thicker topping that can mimic the texture of preserves.
How can I prevent the meringue from weeping?
To prevent the meringue from weeping, ensure that there is no egg yolk in the egg whites, and avoid any moisture in the bowl. Additionally, make sure the meringue is fully cooked until it has a light golden color, and store the bars in a cool, dry place.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free if using any additional leavening agents. This way, you can enjoy these delicious bars without gluten.
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).