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Nanaimo Bars

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Nanaimo Bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert that delivers a perfect trifecta of textures and flavors. The bottom layer is a rich, chocolatey crumb crust made with graham crackers, coconut, and almonds. The middle layer offers a smooth, dreamy custard and butter cream that provides a cool contrast to the dense base. Finally, a thin layer of glossy chocolate ganache caps the bar, adding a deep cocoa finish. These bars are incredibly easy to assemble without turning on the oven, making them a fantastic choice for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need a quick treat. They hold their shape well and are best served chilled, offering a sophisticated yet comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 16
Calories: 854.2
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Nanaimo Bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert that delivers a perfect trifecta of textures and flavors. The bottom layer is a rich, chocolatey crumb crust made with graham crackers, coconut, and almonds. The middle layer offers a smooth, dreamy custard and butter cream that provides a cool contrast to the dense base. Finally, a thin layer of glossy chocolate ganache caps the bar, adding a deep cocoa finish. These bars are incredibly easy to assemble without turning on the oven, making them a fantastic choice for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need a quick treat. They hold their shape well and are best served chilled, offering a sophisticated yet comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Butter; unsalted
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 5 tablespoon Cocoa powder; unsweetened
  • 1 Egg; beaten
  • 1 3/4 cup Graham wafer crumbs
  • 1 cup Coconut; sweetened
  • 1/2 cup Almonds; finely chopped
Directions
  1. 1
    Melt butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a double boiler over barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
  2. 2
    Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg to cook slightly and thicken the mixture.
  3. 3
    Fold in the graham wafer crumbs, coconut, and chopped almonds until evenly combined.
  4. 4
    Press the mixture firmly and evenly into an ungreased 8-inch square pan to form the bottom layer.
  5. 5
    Chill the base in the refrigerator until firm.
  6. 6
    For the middle layer, cream together softened butter and custard powder in a bowl.
  7. 7
    Gradually beat in icing sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
  8. 8
    Spread the custard cream evenly over the chilled base layer.
  9. 9
    Chill again until the middle layer is set.
  10. 10
    For the topping, melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
  11. 11
    Allow the chocolate ganache to cool slightly to room temperature.
  12. 12
    Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the custard layer using a spatula.
  13. 13
    Chill the bars in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set.
  14. 14
    Cut into squares before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 16

Amount Per Serving
Calories 854.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 65.8g102%
Saturated Fat 35.2g177%
Cholesterol 114.9mg39%
Sodium 1591.1mg67%
Total Carbohydrate 42.7g15%
Dietary Fiber 13.8g56%
Sugars 21.6g
Protein 38.6g78%

* 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

Storage: Keep Nanaimo bars covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Substitutions: If you cannot find custard powder, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in the middle layer, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Tip: Ensure the pan is ungreased to help the bars hold their shape when cutting. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for clean edges.

Variation: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour in place of the graham crackers.

Keywords: nanaimo bars, no bake, canadian dessert, chocolate, custard, graham cracker, coconut, almonds, ganache, easy dessert, potluck, cookie bars, chocolate bars, dessert bars, chilled, sweet, rich, cream, butter, vanilla
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/nanaimo-bars-3/