Chocolate Tom Thumb Bars

Rating: 4.5 stars
4 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 3
  • 4 star values: 0
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0

These mouth watering, moist and chocolaty bars were always the first to disappear off my mom's holiday goodie platter. With a sweet meringue topping, these will be a hit at your next gathering.

By OldFashionedFoodie
Advertisement

Ingredients

24
Original recipe yields 24 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

    Advertisement

  • In a medium bowl; mix together shortening, white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and egg yolks. Stir in water and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine with egg and sugar mixture; blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

  • In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup brown sugar, continuing to beat until whites form stiff peaks. Spread meringue on top of base, covering completely.

  • Bake in preheated oven until meringue has risen and light brown in color, about 15 to 20 minutes. Leave to cool before cutting into bars.

Partner Tip

Reynolds® parchment can be used for easier cleanup/removal from the pan.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
259.4 calories; 2.5 g protein; 34.6 g carbohydrates; 23.3 mg cholesterol; 173.4 mg sodium. Full Nutrition

Reviews (3)

Read More Reviews

Most helpful positive review

icookforfun
Rating: 5 stars
01/08/2009
this was sooooo good! it took around 20-25 min to get completely cooked but i just waited for the meringue to get a nice tan on it and took it out. the edges were beginning to crack a bit and it was puffed up in the middle. it was perfect. yes the meringue cracked when it was cut into squares but no one cared! this was fabulous!!! a new favourite. Read More
Helpful
(6)

Most helpful critical review

larkspur
Rating: 3 stars
12/03/2008
This recipe has great potential but I had a couple of problems with it. First of all these bars had a very nice flavor but needed a little salt! I did substitute unsweetened applesauce for 1/4 cup of shortening but had problems with the bottom of the dessert being underbaked. It needed to be baked at least 10 minutes longer than the recipe stated. Also the meringue looked beautiful and puffy as it baked but when I took them out it shrunk down and pulled away from the side creating a rather ugly appearance. The one redeeming thing about this recipe is that it is tasty; like a giant chocolate chip cookie topped with meringue. With a few alterations this could be outstanding! Read More
Helpful
(4)
4 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 3
  • 4 star values: 0
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
icookforfun
Rating: 5 stars
01/08/2009
this was sooooo good! it took around 20-25 min to get completely cooked but i just waited for the meringue to get a nice tan on it and took it out. the edges were beginning to crack a bit and it was puffed up in the middle. it was perfect. yes the meringue cracked when it was cut into squares but no one cared! this was fabulous!!! a new favourite. Read More
Helpful
(6)
icookforfun
Rating: 5 stars
01/08/2009
this was sooooo good! it took around 20-25 min to get completely cooked but i just waited for the meringue to get a nice tan on it and took it out. the edges were beginning to crack a bit and it was puffed up in the middle. it was perfect. yes the meringue cracked when it was cut into squares but no one cared! this was fabulous!!! a new favourite. Read More
Helpful
(6)
larkspur
Rating: 3 stars
12/03/2008
This recipe has great potential but I had a couple of problems with it. First of all these bars had a very nice flavor but needed a little salt! I did substitute unsweetened applesauce for 1/4 cup of shortening but had problems with the bottom of the dessert being underbaked. It needed to be baked at least 10 minutes longer than the recipe stated. Also the meringue looked beautiful and puffy as it baked but when I took them out it shrunk down and pulled away from the side creating a rather ugly appearance. The one redeeming thing about this recipe is that it is tasty; like a giant chocolate chip cookie topped with meringue. With a few alterations this could be outstanding! Read More
Helpful
(4)
Advertisement
Kate Horton
Rating: 5 stars
02/19/2015
This recipe is ridiculously good. I bring in items to work probably 2-3 times a week and this has been praised as one of the best. A couple of tips: instead of stirring in the chocolate chips press them into the cookie dough before spreading on the meringue. After spreading on the meringue press parchment paper lightly onto the fluff so that it doesn't brown too quickly. Carefully peel it off 2/3 of the way through baking and continue baking to allow the meringue to crisp and brown. Allow to set overnight so that the meringue softens slightly and becomes chewy and splendid. YUMMMMM Read More
Helpful
(2)
© Copyright 2020 allrecipes.com. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.allrecipes.com 07/02/2020