If you love desserts that are bursting with vibrant flavor and a delightful mix of textures, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe. Imagine a buttery, tender crust hugging a luscious layer of tangy raspberry jam and fresh raspberries, all crowned with a cloud-like, golden meringue that’s lightly crisp on the outside yet soft and airy inside. It’s a treat that feels indulgent yet fresh, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress with something both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly essentials that come together to create a stunning flavor and texture balance in the Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role – from the rich, flaky crust to the sweet-tart raspberry filling, finished off with a silky meringue topping that adds elegance and lightness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the crumbly, buttery crust.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust while helping it brown beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The key to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust with rich flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- ¾ cup raspberry jam: Brings in that intense fruity sweetness and a smooth jammy texture.
- 1 cup fresh raspberries: Adds a burst of freshness and a lovely natural tartness.
- 2 large egg whites: The main ingredient for the airy meringue topping that’s light and fluffy.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue, making it glossy and firm.
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar: Helps the egg whites whip up perfectly stiff and stable.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, sweet aroma that complements both the meringue and filling.
How to Make Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper to make cleanup and removal a breeze. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Then, using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This part is key because those buttery bits create that tender, flaky texture everyone loves. Press the crust evenly into the pan to form a solid base, then bake it for 15 to 18 minutes until you see a lovely light golden color. Let it cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Raspberry Layers
Once the crust has set and cooled just enough, spread the raspberry jam evenly over it. The jam gives you that sweet yet tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the crust’s buttery goodness. Next, scatter fresh raspberries on top of the jam layer; their juicy tartness adds fresh bursts of flavor and a pleasing contrast to the texture.
Step 3: Whip Up the Meringue
For the meringue, grab a clean, dry mixing bowl and beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form—that fluffy starting point is what makes all the difference. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks emerge. This glossy sheen means you’re on track for a perfectly airy and stable meringue. Finish by folding in the vanilla extract which gives the meringue a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Gently spoon the meringue over the raspberry layer, spreading it carefully to the pan’s edges to seal everything inside, which prevents the filling from bubbling over. Bake the bars for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the meringue achieves a pale golden hue—this is when it’s just right for texture and taste. Once out of the oven, let the entire pan cool completely before slicing into bars to ensure clean and beautiful pieces.
How to Serve Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a delicate touch of elegance and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra raspberries on top make the bars not only look irresistible but also add a refreshing bite that complements the tart raspberries.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, offering a cool and creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors of the bars. A hot cup of tea or a chilled glass of sparkling wine also compliments the fruity and airy characteristics of these treats, perfect for a cozy afternoon or celebratory moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, cut the bars into small bite-sized squares displayed on a festive platter, perfect for parties or platters. You can drizzle a raspberry coulis or white chocolate over the bars for a gourmet touch. Alternatively, layering miniature versions in parfait glasses with extra fresh raspberries and cream creates an elegant and whimsical dessert experience that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe are best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, maintaining that lovely balance between crisp meringue and moist filling. Just remember that the meringue may soften slightly, but it remains wonderfully tasty.
Freezing
Although you can freeze the crust and raspberry layer, the meringue topping tends to lose its texture once thawed. It’s best to enjoy these bars fresh or within a few days refrigerated. If freezing, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and consume within a month for optimal flavor quality.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy your bars slightly warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can toughen the meringue and affect the texture. Warming just enough to take the chill off highlights the buttery crust and fruity filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used in the Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe if fresh are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid added moisture that can make the bars soggy.
What’s the purpose of cream of tartar in the meringue?
Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, helping them whip up to stiff peaks more easily and maintain their structure during baking, which is essential for that perfect fluffy meringue texture.
Can I substitute raspberry jam with another flavor?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam gives this recipe its signature taste, you can experiment with strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot jam to offer a different fruity twist, just keep the fresh berries complementary to your chosen jam.
How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue is done when it turns a light golden color and feels firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to avoid it browning too much or drying out.
Is it safe to use raw egg whites in meringue?
The egg whites in this recipe are baked thoroughly during the second baking stage, which ensures they are safe to eat. Just make sure to use fresh, high-quality eggs and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
Of all the desserts that bring a smile with every bite, the Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe holds a special place for its harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a dessert that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even enjoying as a delightful indulgence just for yourself. So next time you want to whip up a dessert that feels both special and comforting, dive into this recipe and experience the joy it brings.
Print
Double Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Double Raspberry Meringue Bars feature a buttery crust topped with vibrant raspberry jam, fresh raspberries, and a fluffy, lightly golden meringue layer. Perfectly balanced with tart and sweet flavors, these bars make a delightful American dessert that’s easy to prepare and visually stunning.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- pinch of salt
For the filling:
- ¾ cup raspberry jam
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
For the meringue:
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the bars later.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly to prepare for the filling.
- Add the filling: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the warm crust. Then, sprinkle fresh raspberries evenly on top of the jam to add texture and extra fruity flavor.
- Prepare the meringue: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the two egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
- Top with meringue: Spoon the prepared meringue over the raspberry layer, then gently spread it to the edges of the pan to seal the filling completely within the crust and meringue layers.
- Bake the assembled bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meringue is a light golden color, indicating it’s cooked through and beautifully toasted on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars. This cooling step ensures clean slices and helps the layers set properly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use seedless raspberry jam or add a swirl of lemon zest with the fresh raspberries for a refreshing citrus note.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
