Vienna Slices
Vienna Slices are delightful layered pastries with fruity jam filling and a light meringue topping, perfect for tea time or special gatherings with a sweet, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix the egg yolks, milk, and lemon flavoring together and add to the dry mixture, then stir thoroughly.
- Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 x 12-inch pan, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spread the apricot or raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Gradually beat sugar into the beaten egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in nuts if desired and pile the meringue mixture lightly on top of the jam layer.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool, then cut into diamond-shaped pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter touch, consider using light butter or a plant-based alternative in place of regular butter. If you want to add a bit of crunch, fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans before adding the meringue. To enhance the flavor, a splash of vanilla extract can be a delightful addition to the egg yolk mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Vienna slices are delightful on their own or can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside other desserts from your favorite recipes, such as Baked Brie Spread or Nestle'S Crunch Tart Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Vienna slices 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. For optimal texture, reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore the crispness of the meringue topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vienna Slices contains roughly 601 calories, with 21g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 753mg per serving (33% 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 different types of jam for this recipe?
Absolutely! While apricot and raspberry jam are traditional, feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like strawberry or blueberry for a unique twist. Just ensure the jam is spreadable and not too runny to maintain the integrity of the dessert.
How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue is ready when it has turned a light golden color and feels firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, as ovens can vary in temperature.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Vienna slices a day in advance. Just bake and allow them to cool completely before storing. When ready to serve, you can enjoy them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
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).