Delicious and Easy Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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Delicious and Easy Nanaimo Bars Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
65mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on November 19, 2023

Learn how to make these irresistible nanaimo bars from scratch with this easy recipe. These classic Canadian dessert bars feature a buttery chocolate crumb base, a creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade nanaimo bars are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  2. Add the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts to the bowl. Stir until fully combined.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to smooth and flatten the surface.
  4. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and vanilla custard powder until well mixed.
  5. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Spread the custard filling evenly over the chocolate crumb base in the baking dish.
  7. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  8. Pour the melted chocolate over the custard filling, spreading it with a spatula to create an even layer.
  9. Refrigerate the nanaimo bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  10. Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
  11. Serve and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Nanaimo bars are named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, Canada.
  • These bars originated in the 1950s and have become a classic Canadian treat.
  • The three layers of nanaimo bars symbolize the different resources found in British Columbia: the chocolate represents the mining industry, the custard represents the agriculture, and the coconut represents the forestry.