Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are typically a festive holiday treat, but they’re so delicious that they deserve to be enjoyed all year round. With their rich layers of chocolate and cream, combined with a chocolate-graham-cracker-nut crust, they truly offer the best of everything. Originally from Canada, these bars have gained global appeal, and fortunately, they’re incredibly easy to make. Once you try them, you’ll want to whip up a batch right away!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The bottom layer is a cookie-like crust enhanced by the crunch of nuts and sweetness of coconut. The creamy filling offers just the right amount of sweetness, balanced by the rich chocolate topping. These bars are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Plastic wrap

Ingredients

• Bottom Layer:
• 1 stick unsalted butter, cubed
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups graham crackers, finely crushed
• 8 oz sweetened coconut, shredded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• Cream Filling:
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate instant pudding mix
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• Chocolate Topping:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• Optional: ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Melt 1 stick of cubed butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa powder, salt, and brown sugar, remove pan from heat and whisk until the mixture is well-blended.
3. Slowly whisk in the beaten egg and mix constantly until the egg is incorporated. Return the pot to the stovetop over medium heat and cook until the chocolate mixture has thickened, stirring frequently, for up to 2 minutes.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and graham cracker crumbs. Once blended, pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 40 minutes.
5. Beat 5 tablespoons unsalted butter with heavy cream and instant pudding powder until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar until a creamy mixture comes together. Spread the cream filling over the top of the chocolate base layer and cover with plastic wrap. Return the pan to the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
6. Melt chocolate chips with butter in a microwave-safe bowl, cooking in short increments and stirring until melted and smooth. Add salt, if using, and stir until blended. Spread the chocolate topping over the top of the cream filling. Cover with plastic wrap and return to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes or until the chocolate has completely set.
7. To serve, cut into squares. Store in an airtight container. If stacking your Nanaimo bars, place a layer of parchment paper between each layer.

Tips for Success

• Ensure each layer is fully set before adding the next to maintain a distinct layer appearance.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Feel free to experiment with different nuts or try adding dried fruit for added flavor.
• You can substitute the white chocolate pudding mix with vanilla for a slightly different taste.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of Nanaimo bars provides a rich blend of texture and flavor, making it a deliciously satisfying treat. Exact nutritional values will depend on portion size and specific ingredient brands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Nanaimo bars ahead of time? Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Nanaimo bars? Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

What can I use instead of graham crackers? Digestive biscuits or any similar crumbly cookie can be used as a substitute.

Conclusion

These Nanaimo bars are a must-try treat that combines all the best flavors and textures into one delightful dessert. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear about your Nanaimo bar adventures in the comments below.