Double Raspberry Meringue Bars

If you’re a fan of sweet and tart combinations, then you’re going to fall in love with these Double Raspberry Meringue Bars! Imagine a buttery, crisp base that melts in your mouth, topped with a tangy raspberry filling, and finished with a fluffy, sweet meringue topping that’s golden and slightly crisp on the edges. Each bite is an absolute dream. These bars have the perfect balance of textures: crunchy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth all at once. They’re like the ultimate love letter to raspberries, bringing out their natural tartness while balancing it with sweetness.

Trust me, once you sink your teeth into these bars, you’ll understand why they’re a showstopper! Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these meringue bars are here to satisfy all your cravings. Let’s dive in and make some meringue magic!

Why You’ll Love Double Raspberry Meringue Bars

There are so many reasons these bars are going to become your new go-to dessert. Here’s why:

Tart and Sweet Perfection: The combination of fresh raspberry filling and sweet meringue is like a match made in dessert heaven. Every bite is a little tart, a little sweet, and totally irresistible.

Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of meringue! These bars are surprisingly simple to make and don’t require any fancy techniques. With a few easy steps, you can have them ready to go.

Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are always a hit. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply as an afternoon treat, they’re the kind of dessert that gets everyone talking.

Textural Delight: Between the buttery crust, the gooey raspberry filling, and the light-as-air meringue, these bars have so many wonderful textures that make every bite interesting and satisfying.

Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bars ahead of time and store them for later. They make an excellent dessert to bring to a party or to have on hand for whenever you need a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Let’s break it down: these bars are made with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the buttery crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the meringue.
• Raspberries: Fresh or frozen, these are the star of the filling, bringing that perfect tang.
• Eggs: We’ll use egg yolks in the filling and egg whites for the fluffy meringue topping.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the raspberry filling for that perfectly jammy consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a little extra zing to the raspberry filling.
• Baking Powder: A little lift for the crust to keep it light and crisp.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, aromatic sweetness in the meringue.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to baking! Follow these steps to create your double raspberry meringue masterpiece:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up. If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add in the softened butter and mix until you have a crumbly dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to spread it out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. While it’s baking, you can prepare the raspberry filling.

3. Prepare the Raspberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the meringue.

4. Make the Meringue

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the meringue becomes glossy and stiff peaks form. This should take about 5-7 minutes of beating. You want the meringue to hold its shape and not fall back into the bowl when you lift the beaters.

5. Assemble the Bars

Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread the cooled raspberry filling over the crust in an even layer. Then, spoon the meringue over the raspberry filling, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the entire surface.

6. Bake the Bars

Bake the assembled bars at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and firm to the touch. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the meringue should have that beautiful golden hue.

7. Cool and Slice

Once the bars are baked, let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. The meringue will set up as it cools, and you’ll have perfectly sliceable, dreamy bars.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Now the fun part—dig in! Serve these delicious bars chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for a crowd, but don’t be surprised if you end up eating more than one. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (includes crust and meringue baking)
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Double Raspberry Meringue Bars

These bars are delightful on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas for pairing:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side can add an extra touch of indulgence.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of fresh raspberries or other berries for added texture and color.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: These bars go wonderfully with a cold glass of iced tea or a refreshing lemonade.

Additional Tips

• Meringue Tip: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before beating the egg whites. Even a small amount of fat can prevent the meringue from forming stiff peaks.
• Crust Tip: If the crust seems too crumbly when you’re pressing it into the pan, add a small splash of cold water to help it hold together.
• Storage Tip: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen raspberries! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the filling to avoid excess liquid.

Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Yes! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. They’re even better when they’ve had a little time to chill and set.

Q3: How do I prevent the meringue from weeping or separating?
A3: Make sure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before adding the sugar, and avoid overbaking the meringue. The meringue should be golden but not overly dry.

Q4: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

Q5: Can I use another fruit besides raspberries?
A5: Definitely! These bars would work well with strawberries, blackberries, or even a mixed berry filling. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit.

Q6: Can I freeze these bars?
A6: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Q7: How do I make the meringue extra fluffy?
A7: The key is to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and to add the sugar gradually. Don’t rush this step—it’s what makes the meringue light and airy!

Q8: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making the base?
A8: You can, but the homemade crust adds a lovely texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, a pre-made crust will work as a shortcut.

Q9: Can I reduce the sugar in the meringue?
A9: The sugar in the meringue helps it hold its shape, but you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less-sweet topping. Just keep in mind the texture may be a little different.

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Q10: Can I add a little more lemon to the filling for extra zing?**
A10: Absolutely! If you love a tart kick, feel free to add a little extra lemon juice to the filling for more brightness.

Conclusion

These Double Raspberry Meringue Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and utterly indulgent. With a buttery crust, tangy raspberry filling, and a light, fluffy meringue topping, they’re everything you could want in a dessert—and then some. Whether you’re looking for a new treat to bring to a party or just want to indulge in something delicious at home, these bars will hit the spot. Bake a batch, take a bite, and enjoy the flavor explosion in every mouthful!

Happy baking! 🍓🍰

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