Nanaimo Bars : A favourite Canadian dessert

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.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter.

Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa to the melted butter and blend together.

Whisk in 1 large beaten egg gradually over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well.

Stir in 1 cup of sweetened coconut and 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts.

Add 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and mix until thick.

Prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray.

Press the chocolate coconut mixture into the bottom of the dish and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

For the middle layer, beat 1/4 cup of butter until light and fluffy.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, mixing well.

Incorporate 2 tablespoons of custard powder and blend until combined.

Add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until it reaches an icing-like consistency, adjusting with more milk if needed.

Spread the custard mixture over the first layer and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

For the top layer, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 4 oz of semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave until smooth.

Spread the melted chocolate over the custard layer and refrigerate until set.

To cut the bars, lift them out using the foil, score the chocolate with a heated knife, and then cut into squares.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens