Golden Citrus Marmalade Meringue Bars 🍊🌟

Marmalade Meringue Bars Recipe

🕒 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 45 minutes

Description:

Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy marmalade, fluffy meringue, and nutty goodness with these Marmalade Meringue Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more.

Recipe Category:

Bar Cookie

Keywords:

Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Oranges, Citrus, Fruit, Nuts, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Brunch, < 60 Mins

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 82
• Fat: 4.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.7g
• Cholesterol: 20.2mg
• Sodium: 42.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 10.2g
  • Fiber: 0.6g
  • Sugar: 5.6g
• Protein: 1.5g

Yield:

30 bars

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 2 cups sugar (divided)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup wheat germ (divided)
• 1/2 cup pecans (chopped, divided)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup orange marmalade
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Cream Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter and margarine until smooth.

2. Add Sugar: Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar to the creamed mixture, beating until light and fluffy.

3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the egg yolks, orange rind, and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until well-blended.

4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup of wheat germ, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, and salt.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, and mix until well combined.

6. Press Dough: Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 8×8 baking dish, spreading it across the bottom and up 1 inch on all sides to form a crust.

7. Bake Crust: Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

8. Prepare Meringue: While the crust is baking, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites (at room temperature) until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.

9. Fold in Ingredients: Gently fold in the remaining 1/4 cup of wheat germ and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans into the meringue mixture, and set aside.

10. Spread Marmalade: Once the crust is baked, spread the orange marmalade over the warm crust.

11. Top with Meringue: Spread the prepared meringue evenly over the marmalade layer.

12. Bake Again: Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.

13. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

14. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled bars for an added touch of sweetness.

15. Serve: Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

These Marmalade Meringue Bars are a delightful treat that combines the zesty flavors of orange marmalade with the airy texture of meringue, all nestled atop a buttery crust. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bars are sure to be a hit! Enjoy the burst of citrus flavor and the satisfying crunch of pecans in every bite.