Orange Nanaimo Bars
Indulge in the citrusy twist on a beloved classic with these irresistible Orange Nanaimo Bars, a no-bake dessert that’s as vibrant as it is decadent. Perfectly layered with a chocolate-coconut graham crust, a creamy orange-infused custard filling, and a glossy chocolate topping, these bars are a beautiful balance of rich and refreshing flavors. The addition of fresh orange zest and juice gives the traditional Nanaimo bars a zesty makeover, making them a standout treat for holidays, parties, or any time you’re craving something uniquely delicious. Quick to prepare with just 30 minutes of hands-on time, these dessert bars are best served chilled, with each bite delivering a luscious medley of textures and flavors. Perfect for showcasing citrus desserts and chocolate-coconut recipes, Orange Nanaimo Bars are destined to be your next crowd-pleasing favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (for base)
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar (for base)
- 5 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large Egg
- 1.75 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 0.75 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (for filling)
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Vanilla custard powder
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 2 tablespoons Fresh orange juice
- 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan, melt 0.5 cup butter over low heat. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then slowly add it to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened slightly.
Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in graham cracker crumbs and shredded coconut until fully combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
For the filling, beat 0.5 cup butter with powdered sugar, custard powder, orange zest, and orange juice in a mixing bowl until light and creamy.
Spread the orange custard layer evenly over the chilled base. Place it back into the refrigerator for another 20 minutes to firm up.
Melt the semisweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon butter in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring every 15-20 seconds until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the custard layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently to smooth out any air bubbles.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is completely set.
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares using a sharp knife for clean edges. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5489 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 318.5 g | 408% | |
| Saturated Fat | 194.0 g | 970% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 767 mg | 256% | |
| Sodium | 1555 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 668.7 g | 243% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.1 g | 132% | |
| Total Sugars | 499.4 g | ||
| Protein | 46.6 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.9 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 402 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 21.8 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 1835 mg | 39% | |
*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.
