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Nanaimo Bars

This Nanaimo bar recipe has layers of coconut-graham crust, vanilla custard, and chocolate ganache. Make this no bake dessert tonight!

Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 9
Calories: 682 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Canadian

Ingredients

Base Layer
  • 8 tbsp butter softened
  • 5 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups Graham cracker crumbs (See Note 1)
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 3/4 cup slivered almonds
Filling
  • 8 tbsp butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp custard powder (See Note 2)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
  • 8 oz bittersweet chocolate
  • 4 tbsp butter softened

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line a 8x8" baking pan with parchment paper with some hanging off edges to lift out easily.
Base Layer
    Cup of Yum
  1. Melt 8 tablespoons of butter. In a food processor combine graham cracker crumbs, coconut, almonds, melted butter, cocoa and sugar. Pulse several times until mixture is ground and well mixed.
  2. Spoon into prepared 8"x8" baking pan and press crumb mixture evenly into bottom using rubber spatula or hands. Set aside.
Filling
  1. Using a hand mixer, beat 8 tablespoons of softened butter, powdered sugar, cream, custard powder and vanilla in a bowl on medium speed until smooth. Spread evenly over chocolate crumb layer. Set aside.
Chocolate Topping
  1. Melt remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and chocolate in saucepan over medium heat. Stir to blend and let cool for a minute.
  2. Spread evenly over vanilla layer. Chill until chocolate is firm and dessert is set, at least 4 hours. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • 4 crackers make up 1 sheet. 5 1/2 sheets ground make 1 cup. For this recipe we will need 6 sheets ground total.
  • Bird's Custard Powder is traditionally used in the filling. Substitutes include: 2 tbsp powdered vanilla pudding OR a quarter cup of powdered milk. Bird's Custard Powder is available online.

Nutrition Information

Calories 682kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 61g (20%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 48g (74%) Saturated Fat 29g (145%) Cholesterol 71mg (24%) Sodium 312mg (13%) Potassium 339mg (10%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 45g (90%) Vitamin A 819IU (16%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 68mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 9Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 682

% Daily Value*

Calories 682kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 61g 20%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 48g 74%
Saturated Fat 29g 145%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 312mg 13%
Potassium 339mg 7%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 45g 90%
Vitamin A 819IU 16%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 68mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%

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