MERINGUE COCONUT BARS

Meringue Coconut Bars image

Looking for an ooey-gooey bar that's delicious and different? This luscious recipe combines a cookie crust, rich chocolate layer and brown sugar meringue for the ultimate treat. Put a few on the side for yourself because they go fast.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar, divided
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream the butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture just until blended (batter will be thick). Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips, coconut and walnuts. , In another large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over the top. , Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.