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Raspberry Meringue Bars Recipe

4.6 from 135 reviews

Delightfully sweet and tangy Raspberry Meringue Bars feature a buttery crumb crust topped with fresh raspberry filling and a fluffy, golden meringue layer. Perfect as a light dessert or elegant treat for any occasion, these bars combine tart raspberries with sweet meringue for a classic, irresistible flavor combination.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Raspberry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Extra 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling, estimated)

Meringue Topping

  • 4 egg whites (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (estimated for meringue whipping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the bars release easily after baking.
  2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until soft and fluffy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together.
  3. Bake the crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a solid base. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
  4. Prepare raspberry filling: Mash the fresh or thawed raspberries and mix in the 1 tablespoon lemon juice along with approximately 1/4 cup granulated sugar to balance tartness. Stir well and set aside.
  5. Whip the meringue: Using a clean bowl and whisk or mixer, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add approximately 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  6. Assemble the bars: Pour the prepared raspberry filling evenly over the baked crust. Carefully spread or dollop the meringue over the top, covering the filling completely.
  7. Bake the assembled bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown and set.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish to ensure clean slicing. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Using room temperature egg whites helps achieve better volume when whipping meringue.
  • Frozen raspberries should be fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
  • Adjust sugar in the raspberry filling based on the tartness of the berries used.
  • Ensure the baking dish is properly lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Cool completely before slicing for clean bars that hold shape well.

Keywords: raspberry bars, meringue dessert, fruit bars, baked dessert, berry meringue bars