Description
Indulgent Canadian Nanaimo bars offer a layered dessert paradise of creamy custard, chocolate, and graham cracker crust. Sweet treats from British Columbia promise delectable moments you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Primary Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
Finishing Layer Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces (113 grams) semisweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding powder)
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the foundational layer by melting butter, sugar, and cocoa powder using a double boiler or heat-safe vessel positioned over simmering water. Whisk in the beaten egg until the mixture develops a slightly thickened consistency.
- Remove from heat and incorporate graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and almonds, blending thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact base layer.
- For the middle layer, cream butter with custard powder and cream until achieving a smooth texture.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy with a fluffy appearance.
- Carefully spread the creamy mixture over the chilled bottom layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the middle layer to set and firm up completely.
- Create the chocolate topping by gently melting semisweet chocolate and butter together, using either a microwave or double boiler method.
- Once the middle layer has chilled, pour the melted chocolate over the surface, spreading uniformly with a spatula.
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or briefly chill in the refrigerator before cutting into precise square portions.
Notes
- Perfectly press the bottom layer with a flat-bottomed measuring cup or spatula to create an even, compact base that holds together when cut.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the middle layer to ensure a smooth, lump-free creamy filling that spreads easily and sets beautifully.
- Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean, sharp edges and prevent the layers from mixing or becoming messy during slicing.
- Customize the recipe by swapping almonds with pecans or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet twist that enhances the chocolate’s richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg