Desserts

2 min Read

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bar on a fork

Uniquely Canadian, Nanaimo bars are perfect if you’re looking for something that- nanaimo bars doesn’t require baking. The bottom layer, made with graham crumbs, cocoa, chopped nuts and coconut, is pressed into the bottom and topped with a creamy frosting made with custard powder (find it alongside the Jell-O in any grocery store) and topped with melted chocolate. For anyone who has been very, very good this year.

Bottom Layer:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

5 Tbsp. cocoa

1 large egg, beaten

1 1/4 cups graham crumbs

1/2 cup finely chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts

1 cup shredded coconut

Middle Layer:

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 Tbsp. cream or milk (plus a bit extra if needed)

2 Tbsp. custard powder (Such as Bird’s – available in the pudding section)

2 cups icing sugar

Top Layer:

4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

2 Tbsp. butter

Bottom Layer: Melt the butter, sugar and cocoa in top of a double boiler. (Or if you promise to be gentle, you can do it on the stovetop in a regular pot over low heat.) Whisk in the egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat and stir in the crumbs, nuts and coconut. Press firmly into an ungreased 8″x8″ or 9″x9″ pan.

Middle Layer: Cream the butter, cream and custard powder in a large bowl with an electric mixer; gradually add the icing sugar and beat until smooth and spreadable, adding a little extra sugar or cream if needed to achieve a frostinglike consistency.

Top Layer: Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool, pour over middle layer, spread evenly, and chill. Cut into squares.

Makes about 20 bars.

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