Nanaimo Bars

It’s a Canadian thing. I’m not Canadian, but my wife is. These are always a hit. Cardiologists and dentists are big fans of these as they create a lot of patients, I’m sure.

Update (27 February 2022): I’ve recently found Custard Powder at our local World Market / Cost Plus, so if you have one of those in your geography, that might make the search easier.

Nanaimo Bars

A decadent, layered treat.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cooling Time2 hours
Servings: 16

Equipment

  • 8" x 8" pan

Ingredients

The Bottom Layer

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup flaked coconut

The Middle Layer

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons custard powder
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

The Top Layer

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate (1 box)
  • ¼ cup butter, softened

Instructions

The Bottom Layer

  • In a double boiler combine the ½ cups butter, white sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Mix in the graham cracker crumbs and the coconut.
  • Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8-x-8″ pan (we use a disposable aluminum pan as you can just cut it off later).
  • Let cool completely.

The Middle Layer

  • For the middle layer, cream together 0.5 cups butter, heavy cream, and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar a heaping spoonful at a time until smooth.
  • Spread over the bottom layer. Chill to set.

The Top Layer

  • Once chilled, melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together in the microwave or over low heat. Spread over the chilled bars and let set.

Cutting

  • If you’re letting it all set up in the refrigerator, remove about 20 minutes ahead of time and remove from the pan (this is where using a disposable pan you can cut off helps). Let warm up a bit — 20 to 30 minutes — before cutting or the top layer will crack instead of cut nicely.

Notes

  • We’ve found custard powder at World Market.
Melting Chocolate And Butter
Melting Chocolate and Butter
First Layer
First Layer of the Heart Attack, Chocolate and Coconut and Crumbs and Butter
Second Layer
Second Layer of the Heart Attack, Butter and Sugar
Final Layer
Final Layer of the Heart Attack, Butter and Chocolate
Profile
Heart Attack In Profile
Bite Size Heart Attacks
Bite Size Heart Attacks