Cranberry Nanaimo Bars
Indulge in the festive flavors of Cranberry Nanaimo Bars, a decadent twist on the Canadian classic that layers rich chocolate, tangy cranberry, and buttery sweetness into a no-bake treat. This recipe starts with a graham cracker, coconut, and dried cranberry base, followed by a luscious cranberry buttercream filling made with cranberry juice and powdered freeze-dried cranberries for a pop of color and flavor. Topped with a glossy layer of semisweet chocolate, these bars are as stunning as they are irresistible. Perfect for holiday entertaining or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these easy-to-make bars come together in just 30 minutes of prep time and are best served chilled to showcase their creamy, tangy, and chocolatey goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (for cranberry layer)
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp Milk
- 1 tbsp Freeze-dried cranberry powder (optional for color)
- 3 tbsp Cranberry juice
- 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (for chocolate topping)
Instructions
Prepare the bottom layer: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
Add the egg while whisking constantly to prevent it from scrambling. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped dried cranberries until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 20 minutes while preparing the next layer.
Prepare the cranberry layer: Cream together 0.5 cups of unsalted butter, powdered sugar, milk, freeze-dried cranberry powder (if using), and cranberry juice in a mixing bowl until fluffy and evenly colored and textured.
Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the chilled bottom layer. Refrigerate for another 20 minutes.
Prepare the chocolate topping: Melt the semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cranberry layer and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
Chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until the layers are firm and the chocolate is set.
Using a sharp knife, cut the Cranberry Nanaimo Bars into 16 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
429 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.3 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.9 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 90 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.5 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.4 g | ||
| Protein | 3.6 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 142 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
