How To Make Nanaimo Bars (EASY RECIPE!)

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while margarine is often less expensive.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Coconut cream offers a rich texture while the milk + cornstarch mix is budget-friendly.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia reduces calories while brown sugar adds a deeper flavor.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: pecans

Almonds are often lower in calories and pecans can be more affordable.

Boil water in a pot and place a metal mixing bowl on top to create a double boiler.

Add butter to the bowl and let it melt a little before adding other ingredients.

Once the butter is melted, add cocoa powder, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg; mix until combined.

Add shredded coconut and graham crumbs to the mixture and stir until well combined.

Mix in chopped walnuts until incorporated.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a square baking container using hands to create a firm layer.

Place the pressed layer in the fridge while preparing the second layer.

For the second layer, cream together butter, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk until combined.

Add icing sugar gradually, mixing slowly to avoid an explosion of icing sugar.

Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed, then mix for another 20 to 30 seconds.

Melt chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.

Spread the buttercream icing over the bottom layer evenly.

Refrigerate the assembled bars for about 15 minutes to let the icing harden before adding the chocolate layer.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens