Classic Nanaimo Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
Bottom Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Middle Layer (Custard Filling):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (e.g., Bird’s Custard Powder or instant vanilla pudding mix as a substitute)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Top Layer (Chocolate Ganache):
- 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Bottom Layer:
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in sugar and cocoa powder.
- Slowly whisk in the beaten egg and cook until the mixture thickens (1–2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and mix in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts.
- Press firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan.
2. Middle Layer:
- Beat together butter, custard powder, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread evenly over the base layer. Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
3. Top Layer:
- Melt chocolate and butter together (use a microwave in 15-second intervals or a double boiler).
- SLet it cool slightly, then spread over the custard layer.
- Chill until fully set (at least 1–2 hours before cutting).