Classic Nanaimo Bars
Traditional dish · Canadian
The quintessential no-bake Canadian dessert bar, featuring a rich chocolate crumb base, creamy custard-flavored buttercream filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping.
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Ingredients
- Butter1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar1 cup
- Unsweetened cocoa powder3 tablespoons
- Eggs, lightly beaten2
- Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
- Graham cracker crumbs2 cups
- Shredded coconut1/2 cup
- Chopped walnuts or pecans1/2 cup
- Butter, softened1/2 cup
- Custard powder2 tablespoons
- Milk2-3 tablespoons
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips4 ounces
- Unsweetened baking chocolate1 ounce
- Butter2 tablespoons
Steps
- 1
For the base: Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Do not boil.
- 2
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8 inch pan.
- 3
For the filling: Cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, custard powder, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Spread evenly over the base.
- 4
For the topping: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips, baking chocolate, and 2 tablespoons of butter together over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- 5
Pour the chocolate mixture over the filling and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Cut into bars.
