Nanaimo Bars

First created in Nanaimo, B.C., these decadent bars have a coconut crumb base layered with creamy vanilla custard and a rich chocolate topping. A crowd favourite, serve at backyard parties and picnics during warmer weather months or enjoy as a sweet treat at any time of year.

30m
Prep time
2h
Cook time
160
Calories
18
Ingredients
30
Servings

What you'll need

Sea Salt Grinder

Pure Vanilla Extract

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups (300 ml) graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (250 ml) sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup (125 ml) finely chopped walnut pieces
1/3 cup (75 ml) cocoa powder
1/4 cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1/2 tsp (2 ml) Sea Salt Grinder
1/2 cup (125 ml) butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp (5 ml) Pure Vanilla Extract
Filling:
1/4 cup (125 ml) butter, softened
2 tbsps (30 ml) vanilla custard powder
1/2 tbsp (2 ml) Pure Vanilla Extract
2 cups (500 ml) icing sugar
3 tbsps (45 ml) milk (approx.)
Topping:
1 cup (250 ml) semisweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter

Nutrition information (per Serving)

160Calories
20mgCholesterol
110mgSodium
2gProtein
9gTotal Fat
1gFiber
19gCarbohydrates

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). In bowl, stir together graham crumbs, coconut, walnuts, cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Stir in butter, egg and vanilla until combined; press into greased foil or parchment paper-lined 8-inch (2 L) metal cake pan. Bake until firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack.
Filling: In large bowl, beat together butter, custard powder and vanilla. Beat in half each of the icing sugar and milk until smooth. Repeat with remaining icing sugar and milk until smooth and spreadable, adding up to an additional 1 tbsp (15 mL) more milk, if required. Spread over cooled base; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Topping: In heatproof bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate with butter. Spread over chilled filling; return bars to refrigerator and chill until set, about 30 minutes. Cut into bars or squares.
Test Kitchen Tip: Bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Reviews

Nanaimo Bars