Nainamo bars are a beloved Canadian dessert that combines the best elements of chocolate, peppermint, and graham crackers. This no-bake treat features a dense, fudgy chocolate-peppermint base pressed into a pan, topped with a luscious vanilla pudding cream layer, and finished with a glossy layer of melted chocolate. The result is a decadent slice with contrasting textures and flavors: the crunch of the crumbs, the soft richness of the pudding, and the cool snap of the chocolate topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a sweet indulgence, these bars are incredibly popular at gatherings. They require no oven time, making them a convenient yet impressive dessert to prepare. Simply press, spread, chill, and enjoy the nostalgic taste of this classic treat.
Nainamo Bars – Revisionist
Description
Nainamo bars are a beloved Canadian dessert that combines the best elements of chocolate, peppermint, and graham crackers. This no-bake treat features a dense, fudgy chocolate-peppermint base pressed into a pan, topped with a luscious vanilla pudding cream layer, and finished with a glossy layer of melted chocolate. The result is a decadent slice with contrasting textures and flavors: the crunch of the crumbs, the soft richness of the pudding, and the cool snap of the chocolate topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a sweet indulgence, these bars are incredibly popular at gatherings. They require no oven time, making them a convenient yet impressive dessert to prepare. Simply press, spread, chill, and enjoy the nostalgic taste of this classic treat.Ingredients
Directions
-
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 5 tablespoons sugar, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract.
-
Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
-
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately beat in the egg.
-
Stir vigorously until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency.
-
Fold in the graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed.
-
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch square pan.
-
In a separate bowl, cream together the remaining 1/4 cup butter, vanilla pudding mix, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
-
Spread the vanilla pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer in the pan.
-
Melt the 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.
-
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the vanilla layer, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
-
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
-
Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 36
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1458.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 60.1g93%
- Saturated Fat 35.2g177%
- Cholesterol 201.0mg67%
- Sodium 1892.1mg79%
- Total Carbohydrate 199.7g67%
- Dietary Fiber 21.6g87%
- Sugars 167.2g
- Protein 41.9g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Ensure the egg is fully beaten before adding it to the hot chocolate mixture to prevent scrambling.
Press the graham cracker layer firmly into the pan to help the bars hold their shape when cut.
For easier cutting, let the bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing, then return to refrigerator.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can substitute vanilla extract for peppermint if preferred, though peppermint is traditional for Nainamo.
