Nanaimo Bars
Posted On 15 December 2019
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.
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
- 1¾ 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.
