Hey there, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Today, we're going to embark on a journey to create a delectable treat that perfectly balances the tanginess of raspberries with the sweetness of meringue. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Raspberry Meringue Bars! This recipe is a delightful combination of a buttery crust, luscious raspberry filling, and a fluffy meringue topping. So, let's roll up our sleeves, gather our ingredients, and dive into this scrumptious adventure!
For this recipe, I found an amazing resource at Buttermilk by Sam. You can check out the original recipe [here](https://buttermilkbysam.com/raspberry-meringue-bars/). Now, let's get started and create these irresistible bars!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Meringue Topping:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a crumbly dough. Press the dough into an 8x8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
Step 2: Making the Raspberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine the fresh raspberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Remove the filling from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assembling the Bars
Once the crust has cooled, spread the raspberry filling evenly over the crust, making sure to cover the entire surface. Set aside.
Step 4: Creating the Meringue Topping
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. Finally, add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Adding the Meringue
Carefully spread the meringue topping over the raspberry filling, making sure to cover it completely. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks on the surface.
Step 6: Baking the Bars
Place the baking dish back into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue turns lightly golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the Raspberry Meringue Bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. This will ensure that the meringue sets properly. Once cooled, carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or bars and serve.
Congratulations! You've successfully created a batch of irresistible Raspberry Meringue Bars. With their buttery crust, tangy raspberry filling, and fluffy meringue topping, these bars are a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're sharing them with friends, family, or simply enjoying them as a treat for yourself, these bars are bound to bring smiles to everyone's faces. So, grab a plate, savor the sweet tanginess, and enjoy every bite!