🍰 A Traditional Delight: Walnut Meringue Jam Bars

Looking for a nostalgic dessert that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying? These Walnut Meringue Jam Bars are a classic treat straight from grandma’s recipe book.

With a buttery shortcrust base, a fruity jam layer, and a crunchy walnut meringue topping, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon with tea. The textures and flavors blend beautifully — and yes, the cracked meringue top is all part of its rustic charm!

Ingredients:

For the crust (shortcrust pastry):

150 g white flour (type 000 or all-purpose)

60 g powdered sugar

2 egg yolks

1/2 packet baking powder (approx. 5 g)

100 g cold butter (cut into small cubes)

For the filling:

• 1 jar of jam (approx. 250 g – plum or mixed fruit, as preferred)

For the walnut meringue topping:

2 egg whites

100 g powdered sugar

60 g ground walnuts (preferably fresh Romanian-style walnuts)

Instructions:

Prepare the crust:

Mix together the flour, powdered sugar, egg yolks, baking powder, and cold cubed butter. Knead quickly into a smooth dough. Press the dough directly into a parchment-lined baking tray (recommended size: 20×24 cm), smoothing it evenly.

Bake the crust:

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.

Add the filling:

Once the crust is out of the oven, spread a generous layer of jam evenly over the surface.

Make the walnut meringue:

Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and keep mixing until glossy. Gently fold in the ground walnuts using a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to deflate the meringue.

Final bake:

Spread the walnut meringue evenly over the jam layer. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.

Cool and slice:

Allow the dessert to cool completely, then slice into squares or rectangles. Don’t worry if the meringue cracks during slicing — it’s part of the charm!