Jam and meringue bars
Delicious Bars with Jam and Meringue
Discover a recipe that will delight your taste buds and turn any moment into a celebration of flavor! These bars with jam and meringue are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but also as a delicious dessert for friends and family. With a crumbly dough, an airy meringue topping, and a subtle layer of tangy jam, each bite will transport you to a world of enticing flavors.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients for the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 140 g butter (at room temperature)
- 70 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- Zest of half a lemon
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the meringue topping:
- 3 egg whites
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 100 g ground nuts
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- Half a jar of jam (preferably tangy, such as cherry or apricot)
History of the recipe
These bars with jam and meringue are a perfect example of a simple yet sophisticated dessert that combines tradition with innovation. Meringue recipes date back centuries, and adding a base of crumbly dough provides a contrasting texture that pairs perfectly with the jam. In many cultures, meringue is considered a symbol of refinement, and the combination with jam adds a touch of nostalgia and comfort.
Step by step in preparing the bars with jam and meringue
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine 200 g of flour with 140 g of diced butter. Make sure the butter is at room temperature so it integrates easily into the flour. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a sandy texture.
Step 2: Adding the wet ingredients
Add 70 g of powdered sugar, 3 egg yolks, the zest of half a lemon, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it as you want to maintain the crumbly texture.
Step 3: Baking the dough
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the dough evenly in the tray, making sure it is well pressed. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Let the dough bake for 15 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
Step 4: Preparing the meringue topping
Meanwhile, prepare the meringue. In a clean bowl, whip 3 egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 120 g of powdered sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 100 g of ground nuts, the orange zest, and the rum essence. Gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
Step 5: Assembling and final baking
After the dough has baked for 15 minutes, remove the tray and spread a thin layer of jam over the surface of the dough. Then, carefully spread the meringue on top. Place the tray back in the oven and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the meringue is golden and firm.
Step 6: Cooling and serving
After baking, let the bars cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, you can cut them into portions. Whether you choose to cut them into squares or strips, each piece promises to be just as delicious!
Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of nuts (almonds, cashews, or pistachios) to give a personal touch to the recipe.
- Replace the jam with a fresh fruit puree for a more intense flavor.
- Make sure the bowl in which you whip the egg whites is completely clean and dry to achieve perfect meringue.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use egg whites from a carton?
Yes, but make sure they are of good quality and stored in the refrigerator.
2. How can I prevent the meringue from deflating?
Make sure to whip the egg whites well and do not open the oven during baking.
3. What do I do if I don’t have butter at room temperature?
Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds (without melting it completely).
Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of bars with jam and meringue contains approximately 180 calories, making it a relatively light dessert option. The nuts in the composition provide healthy fats and protein, while the lemon adds a touch of vitamin C, contributing to a balanced diet.
Delicious pairings:
These bars are perfect alongside a cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.
So, don’t hesitate any longer! Put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and treat yourself to these bars with jam and meringue that will surely become everyone’s favorites. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the dough: Flour - 200 g Butter - 140 g (room temperature) Powdered sugar - 70 g Egg yolks - 3 pcs Zest of half a lemon A pinch of salt For the glaze: Egg whites - 3 pcs Powdered sugar - 120 g Lemon juice - 2 teaspoons Ground walnuts - 100 g A teaspoon of orange zest A teaspoon of rum essence Half a jar of not too sweet jam (something a bit tart)
