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If you're craving a sweet treat that combines layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut, Nanaimo Bars are your answer. This no-bake Canadian classic is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into making these irresistible bars that will surely become a favorite in your household.
Nanaimo Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large beaten egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup optional chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 4 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and walnuts (if using). Press the mixture into an 8x8 inch baking pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- For the custard layer, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, custard powder, and milk until smooth. Spread over the chilled crust. Chill again for 30 minutes.
- For the chocolate topping, melt semi-sweet chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over low heat. Spread over the custard layer. Chill until set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
What You Will Need
Read more: Seven Layer Bars Recipe
What you will need to make Nanaimo Bars
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the base layer together, creating a smooth, cohesive texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base layer and helps balance the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor to the base layer, essential for the classic taste.
- Beaten egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the base layer holds together well.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Gives the base layer a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical sweetness to the base layer.
- Optional chopped walnuts: Introduces a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
- Softened unsalted butter: Creates a creamy, smooth custard layer, adding richness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the custard layer, ensuring a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla custard powder: Essential for the custard layer, providing a creamy texture and a distinct flavor.
- Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the custard layer, making it smooth and spreadable.
- Chopped semi-sweet chocolate: Forms the top layer, adding a rich, chocolatey finish.
- Unsalted butter: Ensures the chocolate topping is smooth and easy to spread, adding a glossy finish.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Nanaimo Bars Recipe
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and evenly.
- 8x8 inch baking pan: Provides the perfect size for layering the bars.
- Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly without making a mess.
- Saucepan: Needed for melting chocolate and butter together.
- Refrigerator: Crucial for chilling each layer to set properly.
Nanaimo Bars Recipe
A classic Canadian dessert with layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut-graham crust.
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Ingredients:
Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Custard Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
Chocolate Topping
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- 2. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and walnuts (if using). Press the mixture into an 8x8 inch baking pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- 3. For the custard layer, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, custard powder, and milk until smooth. Spread over the chilled crust. Chill again for 30 minutes.
- 4. For the chocolate topping, melt semi-sweet chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over low heat. Spread over the custard layer. Chill until set.
- 5. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes:
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Read more: Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the crust and custard layers.
- Chill both layers in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Add the chocolate topping just before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble all three layers.
- Chill until the chocolate topping is set.
- Cut into bars.
- Wrap each bar in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Did you know that Nanaimo Bars are named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, Canada? This no-bake dessert became popular in the 1950s and has since become a Canadian classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long do Nanaimo bars last?
They last up to a week in the fridge.
Can I freeze Nanaimo bars?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of custard powder?
Vanilla pudding mix works as a substitute.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers and check other ingredients for gluten.
How do I cut them cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wiping between cuts.
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