Apricot Meringue Bars Recipe

By Spookie

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 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cans (12 ounces each) apricot filling
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation

Step 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 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Spread apricot filling over crust.
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.
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. Yield: 32 bars.