Description
Indulgent Canadian Nanaimo bars blend sweet chocolate, creamy custard, and nutty coconut into a no-bake dessert that whispers comfort. Layers of pure delight invite you to savor each rich, delectable bite of this classic British Columbian treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer:
- 180 grams (1 1/2 cups) graham crackers
- 98 grams (1 cup) sweetened shredded coconut
- 65 grams (1/2 cup) walnuts
- 113 grams (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 67 grams (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 26 grams (5 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
Middle Layer:
- 84 grams (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 173 grams (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
- 36 grams (3 tablespoons) custard powder
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Top Layer:
- 170 grams (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 42 grams (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating an 8×8 inch pan with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Create the foundational layer by pulverizing graham crackers, coconut, and walnuts into fine crumbs using a food processor. Simultaneously, combine butter, sugar, and cocoa in a saucepan, heating until melted, then incorporate egg and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Blend the graham cracker crumbs with the warm chocolate mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation. Firmly press the combined mixture into the prepared pan, then place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set and solidify.
- Craft the creamy middle layer by whipping butter, sugar, custard powder, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Carefully spread this mixture evenly over the chilled base, then refrigerate for 1 hour to allow complete setting.
- Prepare the decadent chocolate topping by gently melting chocolate and butter together until smooth and glossy. Pour and spread the chocolate mixture uniformly over the custard layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Chill the dessert for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. When ready to serve, use a knife warmed under hot water to slice into 16 precise squares. Store in the refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Customize Crumb Base Experiment with alternative cookies like Oreos or gluten-free graham crackers to suit different dietary needs and add unique flavor profiles.
- Perfect Custard Layer Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling and use high-quality custard powder for rich, authentic taste.
- Chocolate Topping Technique Temper chocolate carefully to prevent streaking and create a glossy, professional-looking finish that adds elegance to the dessert.
- Storage and Serving Slice bars when completely chilled for clean edges, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg