Vienna Squares
Vienna Squares are delightful layered bars featuring a buttery crust, raspberry jam, and a fluffy nut meringue topping, perfect for sharing at tea parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make pastry by blending flour, 1/2 cup sugar, butter, and egg yolks with fingers.
- Pat the pastry into a buttered cookie sheet and prick with a fork.
- Bake until golden, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread with raspberry jam.
- Beat egg whites until stiff, gradually adding remaining sugar, then beat well.
- Fold ground nuts into the meringue.
- Spread the meringue over the jam layer.
- Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes until the meringue is golden.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for part of the flour amount. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, you can substitute raspberry jam with apricot or strawberry jam. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier blending with the flour and sugar. Always beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a perfectly airy meringue.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vienna Squares as a delightful dessert alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent experience. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or alongside a fruit compote for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Vienna Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore a bit of warmth without compromising the meringue texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vienna Squares contains roughly 637 calories, with 19g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D.
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 other types of nuts in the meringue?
Yes, you can use different ground nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts in place of the ground nuts specified in the recipe. Just make sure they are finely ground to achieve the right texture in the meringue. Each nut variety will impart its unique flavor to the dessert.
How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue is done when it has turned a light golden color on top and feels firm to the touch. It should also have a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I freeze Vienna Squares?
Yes, you can freeze Vienna Squares. To do so, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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).