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Nanaimo Bars

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Nanaimo bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert known for their distinct three-layer structure. The bottom layer is a sweet, crumbly mixture of graham crackers, coconut, and almonds bound with melted butter and cocoa. The middle layer offers a smooth, rich custard cream that provides a delicate contrast to the crunchy base. Finally, a thin, glossy layer of semi-sweet chocolate icing caps the bar, adding a deep chocolate finish. These bars are incredibly easy to assemble, requiring no oven time, making them perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a quick sweet craving. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and are always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 16
Calories: 854.2
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Nanaimo bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert known for their distinct three-layer structure. The bottom layer is a sweet, crumbly mixture of graham crackers, coconut, and almonds bound with melted butter and cocoa. The middle layer offers a smooth, rich custard cream that provides a delicate contrast to the crunchy base. Finally, a thin, glossy layer of semi-sweet chocolate icing caps the bar, adding a deep chocolate finish. These bars are incredibly easy to assemble, requiring no oven time, making them perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a quick sweet craving. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and are always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
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
  • 2 cups Icing sugar
  • 4 oz Chocolate; semisweet
  • 2 tablespoon Butter; unsalted
Directions
  1. 1
    Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. 2
    Combine butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a double boiler over barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. 3
    Remove the double boiler from heat. Quickly stir in the beaten egg and mix vigorously for a few seconds to cook and thicken the mixture.
  4. 4
    Immediately stir in the graham wafer crumbs, sweetened coconut, and finely chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
  5. 5
    Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8-inch square pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
  6. 6
    For the middle layer, cream together the softened butter and custard powder in a bowl until combined.
  7. 7
    Gradually beat in the icing sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
  8. 8
    Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chilled crumb layer. Return the pan to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the topping.
  9. 9
    Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and butter together in a double boiler over barely simmering water, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  10. 10
    Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly to room temperature so it thickens but remains pourable.
  11. 11
    Spread the chocolate icing evenly over the custard layer using a spatula.
  12. 12
    Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
  13. 13
    Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

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: Store Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Substitutions: You can substitute graham wafer crumbs with digestive biscuits if graham crackers are unavailable. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies.

Tips: Ensure the egg is well-beaten before adding it to the hot mixture to prevent curdling. Press the bottom layer firmly to ensure the bars hold their shape when cut.

Variations: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the middle layer for extra flavor. You can also use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.

Keywords: nanaimo bars, no bake dessert, canadian dessert, graham cracker crust, custard filling, chocolate topping, coconut, almonds, cocoa powder, sweet treat, easy dessert, potluck recipe, holiday baking, chocolate bars, cream filling, dessert bars
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/nanaimo-bars/