Meringue-Topped Chocolate Bars

Name: Meringue-Topped Chocolate Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon plus 3 tablespoons shortening, divided; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided; 1 large egg, separated; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; Dash salt

I was first introduced to this tasty treat at a friend's house in 1956. Since then, I have made these bars too many times to count! The secret to neatly slicing the bars is using a hot, wet knife. —Alice McMasters, Oxford, Florida

Ingredients

2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoon plus 3 tablespoons shortening, divided
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided
1 large egg, separated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Dash salt

Directions

In a microwave, melt milk chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening; stir until smooth. Set aside.
In a small bowl, cream sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and remaining shortening until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Spread into an ungreased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Spread chocolate evenly over crust.
In a small bowl, beat egg white on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved, about 6 minutes.
Carefully spread meringue over chocolate layer. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until top is dry. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars; refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 200 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.

Originally published as Half-Way Cookies in Cooking for 2 Winter 2009

Reviews

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Average Rating:

fatbeagle1

Feb 9, 2013

I made this this morning. I used 1/2 milk chocolate, and 1/2 semi sweet chips. That was the only thing I did different. It is wonderful! I would certainly make them again.
Heidrunca

Feb 9, 2013

Yuk! I doubled the recipe to put it into a 9x13. I used semi-sweet chips and it was still VERY sweet! Thank goodness I made this just to try and not for any special occasion! I don't usually comment on recipes but this downright awful!!! Eat a tablespoon of brown sugar instead, if you need a sweet fix!!
ttslham

Feb 6, 2013

Excellent taste and my family enjoyed it--I made it in an 8x8 glass dish--very easy to make--used margerine instead of shortening--used regular choc chips--next time I will double the recipe and put in a 9 x 9 dish--next time I will add a few tablespoons of choc cream cheese as well to the melted choc
SummersMommy

Feb 5, 2013

I doubled the recipe and put it in a 9 x9 pan. Probably should have put in a 9 x 13 as I haveto spoon it out of the pan. Next time I will use semi sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. Think its just a preference
Panbear4

Feb 5, 2013

These were great and very well received at our family dinner. One issue, with 28g of carbs I would not put this in the diabetic friendly category. :0)
kimmik22

Feb 5, 2013

shermanhenryfloyd....some people can't read. LOL!
rose.ahlers

Feb 5, 2013

I made this for a Valentines Day Potluck at the office, and added some finely chopped pecans to the chocolate mixture and they disappeared in minutes with a request to make another batch!
shermanhenryfloyd

Feb 5, 2013

Have not made these yet, but"copperpenny" if you look at the review right below yours, you will note that doubling and putting in a 9x13 pan is an option.
copperpenny09

Feb 5, 2013

There should be a box for 'I don't know if I would make it again. Seems like an awful lot of work to just make 8 pieces. Can this be doubled or trippled and put in a larger pan?
whebeck

Apr 6, 2011

I tried the original recipe on my friends with the exception of the chocolate chips. I used 1/2 semi-sweet and 1/2 milk chocolate. Gave it perfect balance for the sweet. We all loved it!! Next time I'm going to double it and put it in a 9X13. Easy to make, sooooo easy to eat.