What is a Nanaimo bar?

A Nanaimo bar is a popular and iconic Canadian dessert that originates from the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It is a no-bake, layered square bar consisting of three distinctive layers. The bottom layer has a graham cracker crumb, cocoa, coconut, and nuts. The second layer is a smooth and creamy custard-flavoured buttercream filling. And the top layer consists of a glossy chocolate ganache made with chocolate and butter.

Can I make Nanaimo bars ahead of time?

Yes, Nanaimo bars are a great make ahead dessert. In fact, they often benefit from some time in the refrigerator to allow the layers to set and the flavours to meld together. Store cut Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Or freeze Nanaimo bars for up to two months.

What is custard powder?

Custard powder's main ingredient is cornstarch (a thickener), salt, and flavourings, most commonly vanilla. The powder is mixed with milk and sugar to create a smooth and thickened custard. It's used to make custard, a creamy dessert sauce or fillings.

What can I substitute for egg in Nanaimo bars?

If you don't want to use egg in the base of Nanaimo bars you can simply omit it and add more butter, approx. 2 tablespoons. Or instead of cooking the egg on the stovetop, you can bake the cookie base at 350˚F for 10 minutes. Let the base layer cool completely before spreading the custard filling on top. Baking the base will result in a drier, crumbly base compared to the fudgy no-bake version.

Nanaimo Bars

Name: Nanaimo Bars
Prep time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup unsalted butter plus 2 tablespoons, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 1/2 cups graham wafer crumbs; 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 Tablespoons custard powder; 1 teaspoon pure mint extract; 3 Tablespoons milk; 2 cups icing sugar, sifted; 5 oz semi-sweet chocolate; 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter

Nanaimo Bars

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Nanaimo squares are an easy no-bake recipe that everyone loves. They are chocolatey and minty with a creamy custard filling and a sweet coconutty base.

Author: Alie Romano
Prep Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 36 bars 1x
Category: Brownies & Bars
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Canadian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base

1/3 cup unsalted butter plus 2 tablespoons, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups graham wafer crumbs
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Filling

1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 Tablespoons custard powder
1 teaspoon pure mint extract
3 Tablespoons milk
2 cups icing sugar, sifted

Topping

5 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder. Remove from heat and slowly add in the egg while whisking vigorously. Return to heat and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Add the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts. Using a fork mix until well combined and the mixture comes together.
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Using the palm of your hand press the mixture into an even layer and refrigerate until firm.
Meanwhile, make your filling. Using a stand mixer (or an electric mixer) add butter, custard powder and mint extract to a large bowl, beat until smooth and combined. Add icing sugar alternately with the milk, making 3 additions of sugar and 2 of milk. Spread the filling over the cooled base. Refrigerate until firm, approx. 1 hour.
When the filling is firm make your topping. In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of hot water, melt chocolate with butter until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the filling and using an offset spatula spread the topping evenly over the filling. Refrigerate until chocolate is almost set, approx. 20-30 minutes. Then using a sharp knife slice into bars. See tips on how to cut Nanaimo bars.

Notes

Store cut Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Or freeze Nanaimo bars for up to two months.

Use a food processor to finely chop nuts, graham crackers, and even large flaked coconut.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 1581
Sugar: 82.2g
Sodium: 2035mg
Fat: 31.4g
Saturated Fat: 11.7g
Unsaturated Fat: 0
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 302.4g
Fiber: 11.1g
Protein: 22.9g
Cholesterol: 17mg

Find it online: https://bakingforfriends.com/nanaimo-bars/