Nanaimo Bars - Bonita's Kitchen

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.

Put on an adjustable apron before starting.

Prepare the crust by mixing 1/3 cup unsweetened butter and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt in a bowl.

Add 1 cup graham cracker crumbs and 1 cup unsweetened coconut to the bowl and toss together.

Mix in 1/4 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.

Add 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, reserving a few for the top, and toss through.

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 large egg, mixing until combined.

Firmly pat the crust mixture into the bottom of an 8x11 inch baking pan (preferably 8x8 or 9x9).

Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes until firm.

While the crust is baking, prepare the custard cream by mixing 1/2 cup unsweetened butter until spreadable.

Add 1/8 teaspoon sea salt and mix again.

Sift in 2 cups confectionary sugar one cup at a time, mixing in between to remove lumps.

Add 2 tablespoons custard powder and mix thoroughly.

Incorporate 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract into the mixture.

Sift in the second cup of confectionary sugar and blend until smooth.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens