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Easy Nanaimo Bars without Custard Powder

An easy recipe for the Canadian dessert classic Nanaimo bars. The ultimate no bake treat with chocolate biscuit base, creamy frosting filling and silky chocolate top.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 16 squares
Calories: 431 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Canadian

Ingredients

Ingredients for Biscuit Base
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup caster sugar or superfine granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups crushed Lotus Biscoff biscuits
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut or dessicated coconut
  • ⅓ cup ground almonds
Ingredients for Cream Filling
  • 1¾ cup powdered icing sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or double cream
  • 3 tablespoon powdered Dream Whip or other powdered milk, pudding or custard
Ingredients for Chocolate Top
  • 5 oz dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Start by lining an 8" or 9" square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside while preparing the base.
Instructions for Biscuit Base
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder over a medium heat until smooth.
  2. Then, add the egg while whisking continuously. After about 2 minutes, this should be a smooth thickened chocolate mixture.
  3. Remove from the heat and add the crushed biscuits, coconut and almonds. Stir thoroughly and spoon into the prepared baking dish. Press into an even base layer and chill for 10 minutes while preparing the cream layer.
Instructions for Cream Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream and Dream Whip powder until well combined.
  2. Sift in the powdered icing sugar and beat until soft creamy and smooth.
  3. Spread the cream filling evenly onto the chilled base and place back in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes while preparing the chocolate top.
Instructions for Chocolate Top
  1. Place the chocolate and butter into a heatproof bowl, fitted on top of a small saucepan of simmering water (double boiler). Ensure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.
  2. Melt, stirring until smooth and then pour over the chilled cream layer, spreading evenly. Return to the refrigerator again for 2 hours until set.
  3. Once set, slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • You can also make the chocolate top layer using the microwave. Simply place the chocolate and butter together in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 10 second increments, stirring each time until smooth.
  • Further notes, substitutions and process images available in blog post.

Nutrition Information

Calories 431kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 49.7g (17%) Protein 2.3g (5%) Fat 26.4g (41%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Cholesterol 51mg (17%) Sodium 119mg (5%) Potassium 81mg (2%) Fiber 1.2g (5%) Sugar 41.7g (83%) Calcium 15mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16squares

Amount Per Serving

Calories 431

% Daily Value*

Calories 431kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 49.7g 17%
Protein 2.3g 5%
Fat 26.4g 41%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Sodium 119mg 5%
Potassium 81mg 2%
Fiber 1.2g 5%
Sugar 41.7g 83%
Calcium 15mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.