Canadian marketer from UA Lifestyle | Tips | Experience
How to cook Nanaimo Bar
Before we started
Nanaimo bars are a beloved dessert in Canada and beyond, known for their three delicious layers. The bottom layer is a rich and chocolatey mixture made from graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and butter. The second layer is a creamy custard filling made from butter, vanilla custard powder, and powdered sugar. The top layer is a sweet and coconutty topping made from melted chocolate and coconut oil, sprinkled with shredded coconut for added texture and flavor (optionally).
To make the perfect Nanaimo bars, it's important to get the balance of flavors just right. Too much cocoa powder in the bottom layer can make it too bitter, while too much custard powder in the filling can make it too sweet. And getting the right texture for each layer is key, too - the bottom layer should be firm and slightly crumbly, the custard filling should be smooth and creamy, and the top layer should be firm but still easy to cut through.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, making Nanaimo bars is a fun and rewarding experience. With this recipe, you can create a batch of delicious bars that are sure to impress your friends and family. So get out your mixing bowl, grab your ingredients, and let's get started!
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Nanaimo bars:
For the base layer:
● 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted● 1/4 cup granulated sugar● 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder● 1 large egg, beaten● 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs● 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut● 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the custard filling:
● 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened● 2 tablespoons custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding mix)● 2 cups powdered sugar● 2-3 tablespoons milk
For the chocolate topping:
● 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips● 2 tablespoons unsalted butter● 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Note: If you're using salted butter, you can omit the additional salt. Also, feel free to adjust the sweetness or texture of the bars by adding or reducing the amount of sugar or milk.
Prepare the base layer
● Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan. Preheating the oven ensures it's at the right temperature when you're ready to bake your Nanaimo bars, and greasing the pan helps prevent the bars from sticking.● In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and melted butter. This creates the base layer of the bars, which provides a rich and chocolatey flavor.● Mix well and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed and compacted so that it forms a solid base for the bars.● Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Baking the base layer ensures it's firm and slightly crumbly, providing a nice contrast to the creamy filling and chocolate topping.● Remove from the oven and let cool. Letting the base layer cool before adding the custard filling prevents the layers from melting together.
Make the custard filling
● In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, vanilla custard powder, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the creamy and sweet custard filling that's a signature element of Nanaimo bars.● Add a tablespoon of milk and mix until smooth. The milk helps thin out the custard mixture, making it easier to spread over the base layer.● Spread the custard filling evenly over the cooled base layer. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause the base layer to crumble.● Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the bars allows the custard filling to set and become firm.
Prepare the chocolate topping
● In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. This creates the chocolate topping that's poured over the custard filling.● Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled custard layer and spread it evenly. Make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed and covers the entire surface of the bars.● Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the chocolate layer. The shredded coconut adds texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the bars.● Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate has set. Chilling the bars allows the chocolate topping to harden and become firm.
Serve and enjoy
● Remove the Nanaimo bars from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Letting the bars come to room temperature makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavors.● Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. Make sure the knife is sharp and clean to avoid tearing or smudging the bars.● Enjoy! The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.