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Nanaimo Bars
Prep
30 mins
Cook
0 mins
Servings
16
Difficulty
Easy
These Nanaimo bars are my go to treat when I want something impressive without any baking required. They're named after the Canadian city where they originated, and once you taste the three delicious layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut, you'll understand why they're so beloved. The best part is that they come together in just thirty minutes with no oven time needed, making them perfect for when you want homemade candy fast. Coconut, one of the key ingredients, provides healthy fats and fiber while adding wonderful tropical flavor. Whether you're preparing them for a potluck or treating yourself, these bars deliver bakery quality results with minimal effort.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 11 cup butter, softened, divided
- 55 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup white sugar¼ cup white sugar
- 11 egg, beaten
- 11 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 11 cup flaked coconut
- ½ cup finely chopped almonds (Optional)½ cup finely chopped almonds (optional)
- 33 tablespoons heavy cream
- 22 tablespoons custard powder
- 22 cups confectioners' sugar
- 44 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
- 22 teaspoons butter
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in egg and stir until thick, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 2
Remove from the heat and mix in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and almonds. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8-inch pan.
- 3
For the middle layer, beat remaining 1/2 cup softened butter, heavy cream, and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
- 4
While the second layer is chilling, melt semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat.
- 5
Spread melted chocolate mixture over chilled bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.
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