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Nanaimo Bars (Canadian

Nanaimo Bars (Canadian recipe image
Nanaimo bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert featuring three distinct layers. The base is a sweet, crumbly mixture of graham crackers, coconut, and almonds bound with butter and cocoa. The middle layer is a smooth, rich custard-flavored buttercream that provides a creamy contrast. The top is a glossy, slightly bitter chocolate ganache that ties the flavors together. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and sweetness, making them an ideal treat for potlucks, holidays, or a simple afternoon snack. They require no baking, just assembly and chilling, making them accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 16
Calories: 854.2
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Nanaimo bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert featuring three distinct layers. The base is a sweet, crumbly mixture of graham crackers, coconut, and almonds bound with butter and cocoa. The middle layer is a smooth, rich custard-flavored buttercream that provides a creamy contrast. The top is a glossy, slightly bitter chocolate ganache that ties the flavors together. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and sweetness, making them an ideal treat for potlucks, holidays, or a simple afternoon snack. They require no baking, just assembly and chilling, making them accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
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
  • 1/2 cup Butter; unsalted, softened
  • 2 tablespoon Custard powder
  • 1 cup Icing sugar
  • 4 oz Chocolate; semisweet
  • 2 tablespoon Butter; unsalted
Directions
  1. 1
    Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. 2
    For the base: Melt 1/2 cup butter in a double boiler over barely simmering water.
  3. 3
    Stir in sugar and cocoa powder until melted and smooth.
  4. 4
    Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg until well combined.
  5. 5
    Fold in graham wafer crumbs, sweetened coconut, and chopped almonds.
  6. 6
    Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  7. 7
    Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
  8. 8
    For the filling: Beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy.
  9. 9
    Mix in custard powder and gradually beat in icing sugar until light and fluffy.
  10. 10
    Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chilled base layer.
  11. 11
    Return the pan to the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
  12. 12
    For the topping: Melt chocolate and 2 tablespoons butter in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
  13. 13
    Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly to room temperature to thicken.
  14. 14
    Spread the chocolate topping evenly over the custard layer.
  15. 15
    Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  16. 16
    Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

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 custard powder is unavailable, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Tips: Ensure the base is pressed down firmly to prevent crumbling. For easier cutting, dip your knife in hot water between cuts.

Safety: When using a double boiler, ensure the water does not boil vigorously to prevent scorching the chocolate or butter.

Keywords: nanaimo bars, canadian dessert, no-bake bars, chocolate bars, graham cracker crust, custard filling, coconut dessert, almond bars, potluck dessert, easy dessert, chocolate ganache, buttercream, layered bars, holiday treat, summer dessert
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/nanaimo-bars-canadian/