Teresa's Recipes
Nanaimo Bars
Indulge in the delightful layers of Nanaimo Bars, a beloved Canadian treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a rich, chocolatey base, a creamy custard filling that melts in your mouth, and a glossy chocolate topping, these bars are a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, this no-bake dessert has been a favorite since the 1950s and continues to be a staple at gatherings and potlucks. Each bite offers a nostalgic taste of Canada’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup, melted (for the base) Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup Cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup Shredded coconut
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1/2 cup, softened (for the custard layer) Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Custard powder
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 oz Semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons (for melting with chocolate) Unsalted butter
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 16
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, custard powder, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the milk and mix until well combined.
- Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chocolatey base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the custard layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Refrigerate the Nanaimo bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and firm.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled for the best texture.
Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.
- You can substitute the custard powder with instant vanilla pudding mix for a different flavor twist.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for the topping, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to create your own variations.