Description
Indulge in these delicious Nanaimo Bars, a no-bake Canadian treat with layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut goodness. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Scale
For the base layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the custard filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder or instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the chocolate topping:
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan: with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth, then slowly whisk in the beaten egg. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts if using. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill while preparing the next layer.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with custard powder, powdered sugar, and milk until light and fluffy. Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chilled base. Chill again for 15–20 minutes.
- Make the topping: Melt the chocolate and butter together, then pour over the chilled custard layer. Spread evenly and chill for at least 1 hour or until set.
- Lift the bars out: using the parchment overhang, and slice into squares using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Custard powder gives these bars their classic flavor, but instant vanilla pudding works too.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
