Decadent Caramel Cranberry Meringue Dream Bars
Indulge in the delightful flavors of sweet caramel and tart cranberries enveloped in a cloud of fluffy meringue in these Decadent Caramel Cranberry Meringue Dream Bars. This recipe, inspired by Very Best Baking, brings a harmonious balance of textures—crunchy, chewy, and soft. The buttery base mingles beautifully with melty milk chocolate, ensuring each bite is a perfect treat for gatherings or as a sweet surprise for yourself. Whether you choose the recommended Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate and Caramel Swirl Morsels or go with classic milk chocolate chips, you're in for a wonderful dessert that will impress your friends and family. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite!
24
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
butter
1 cup (chilled and cut into small pieces)
milk chocolate chips
1 2/3 cups (divided, use for both the base and topping)
dried sweetened cranberries
1 cup (divided)
egg whites
3 large (at room temperature)
light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and powdered sugar until fully combined.
4
Cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5
Press the crumbly mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust appears dry and starts to turn golden.
6
Once the crust is out of the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of the milk chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the dried cranberries evenly across the hot cookie base.
7
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
8
Gradually add the light brown sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
9
Spoon the meringue over the melted chocolate and cranberries, carefully spreading it to the edges of the pan to ensure an even layer.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 14 to 18 minutes or until the meringue is puffed and a beautiful golden brown.
11
While the bars are still hot from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of cranberries on top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
12
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares. If the knife becomes sticky, dip it in warm water for easy slicing.
Nutrition Information
8
Fat
20
Carbs
1.25
Protein
0.25
Fiber
12
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel Cranberry Meringue Dream Bars?
These are dessert bars featuring a buttery crust, milk chocolate, tart cranberries, and a fluffy meringue topping, offering a balance of crunchy, chewy, and soft textures.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350°F (175°C) for both baking stages.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking pan greased with butter or non-stick spray.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar, and 1 cup of chilled butter.
How do I prepare the butter for the crust mixture?
The butter should be chilled and cut into small pieces before being cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
How long should the base crust bake?
Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it looks dry and begins to turn golden brown.
What specific chocolate chips are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate and Caramel Swirl Morsels, though classic milk chocolate chips also work well.
How many chocolate chips are needed in total?
You will need a total of 1 2/3 cups of milk chocolate chips, divided into two portions.
When do I add the first layer of chocolate and cranberries?
Immediately after removing the hot crust from the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of dried cranberries over it.
What temperature should the egg whites be for the meringue?
The 3 large egg whites should be at room temperature to achieve the best volume when beaten.
How do I make the meringue for these bars?
Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
What type of sugar is used in the meringue topping?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar in the meringue rather than granulated sugar.
How do I apply the meringue layer?
Spoon the meringue over the chocolate and cranberries, carefully spreading it to the very edges of the pan.
What is the final baking time for the assembled bars?
Bake the bars for an additional 14 to 18 minutes until the meringue is puffed and golden brown.
What toppings are added after the final bake?
While still hot, sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries over the top.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking pan placed on a wire rack.
What is the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares; if the knife gets sticky, dip it in warm water between slices.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per bar?
Each bar contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do these bars contain sodium?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 12mg of sodium.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar provides 1.25 grams of protein.
Is there fiber in this dessert?
Yes, there is a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.25 grams per serving.
Are these bars suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, the combination of cranberries and chocolate makes them perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
The bars have a harmonious balance of a crunchy buttery base, chewy cranberries, and a soft, fluffy meringue.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?
The recipe specifically calls for dried sweetened cranberries; frozen ones may release too much moisture and affect the meringue.
What happens if I don't beat the egg whites to stiff peaks?
If the peaks are not stiff, the meringue may collapse or become runny rather than puffed and golden.
Why do I need to sift the flour and powdered sugar?
Sifting helps ensure the crust mixture is light and free of lumps, leading to a better crumbly texture.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires 7 main ingredients: flour, powdered sugar, butter, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, egg whites, and light brown sugar.