Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars
Indulge in the rich, no-bake decadence of Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars, a Canadian classic with a creamy twist. These three-layered dessert bars feature a crunchy base of graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and nuts melded with rich cocoa, followed by a luscious peanut butter filling, and topped with a smooth, glossy layer of melted chocolate. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you crave a sweet treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative. With just 25 minutes of prep time and no baking required, these irresistible bars are a must-try for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Large egg
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 0.75 cup Shredded unsweetened coconut
- 0.5 cup Chopped pecans or walnuts
- 0.5 cup Smooth peanut butter
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (for filling)
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, then stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
Whisk in the egg and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts until fully combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled base layer. Return the pan to the fridge for another 15 minutes.
Prepare the topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons butter in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.7 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g | 69% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 101 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.7 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 98 mg | 2% | |
*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.
