Apricot Meringue Bars

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

32 bars

Updated: Nov. 14, 2023
I'm expected to bring these wonderful treats to our family picnic each year. Their sweet apricot filling and delicate meringue topping make them everyone's favorite. I wouldn't dream of hosting a get-together without serving these bars. -Krissy Fossmeyer, Huntley, Illinois

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar, divided
  • 1 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 4 large eggs, separated, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cans (12 ounces each) apricot filling
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and 1/2 cup sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg yolks and vanilla. Press into a greased 15x10x 1-in. baking pan.
  2. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Spread apricot filling over crust.
  3. In a small bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread the meringue evenly over filling; sprinkle with pecans.
  4. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack (meringue will crack). Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 163 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.