Nanaimo Bars

A decadent treat from Canada these are simple to make and a thoroughly decadent chocolate, nutty treat.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Canadian

Keyword bars, canada, dessert, nainamo

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings Servings

Calories 424kcal

Author Barb

Ingredients

For the Bottom Layer

½ cup butter
¼ cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup almonds finely chopped
1 cup coconut

For the Second Layer

½ cup butter
10 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons vanilla pudding powder not instant
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

For the Third/top Layer

4 squares semi-sweet chocolate 1 oz. each
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Prepare the bottom layer

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler. Add beaten egg gradually and whisk to incorporate. Mixture should thicken as egg is incorporated. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan.

Make the Second Layer

Cream butter, vanilla and pudding powder in large bowl. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk and once all is incorporated, beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.
Cool in fridge (makes spreading top layer so much easier if this layer hardens a bit.

Make the Top Layer

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over 2nd layer and spread to cover. Chill in refrigerator.

Notes

NOTE: The first time I made these, the directions I used said to just mix in the egg with the butter/chocolate mixture in the pan. The mixture separated and I could not get them incorporated together. So I pitched it all and started over; with the same results. 2nd time though I brought out my immersion blender and it worked like a charm in two seconds to blend everything together.

For my 2nd attempt for the Super Bowl party, I found that if I whisk as I add the egg, it blends together without the immersion blender...but good to know that if you have a problem with separating, a quick blend will give you the desired results.

Nutrition