Nanaimo Bar
Indulge in the rich, no-bake decadence of Nanaimo Bars, a beloved Canadian dessert that layers pure indulgence from bottom to top. Featuring a chewy, chocolatey graham cracker base infused with shredded coconut and nuts, followed by a creamy custard center, and crowned with a glossy chocolate layer, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is as easy to make as it is irresistible, requiring just 30 minutes of prep time. With its trio of textures and flavors, the Nanaimo Bar is an iconic treat that will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe! Ideal keywords: Nanaimo Bars recipe, no-bake dessert, Canadian dessert, layered bar recipes, custard filling.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for custard layer)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons custard powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to help lift the bars out later.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
Add the beaten egg while stirring constantly to avoid scrambling, and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and nuts. Mix well.
Press this mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form an even base layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the custard layer.
For the custard layer, using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup of butter until smooth. Add heavy cream and custard powder, mixing to combine.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chilled base layer, then return to the refrigerator to set.
For the top chocolate layer, melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter gently in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
Allow the chocolate to cool slightly but not harden, then spread evenly over the custard layer.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.
Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean after each cut for neat edges.
Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Nanaimo Bars!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5647 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 324.6 g | 416% | |
| Saturated Fat | 174.5 g | 872% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 660 mg | 220% | |
| Sodium | 1753 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 710.7 g | 258% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 48.8 g | 174% | |
| Total Sugars | 468.4 g | ||
| Protein | 59.8 g | 120% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 323 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 26.0 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 1764 mg | 38% | |
*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.
