Canadians Are Geniuses For Inventing Their No-Bake National Desert - Nanaimo Bars - So Good

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 saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, and 1/3 cup brown sugar.

Once melted and not too hot, add 1 egg and whisk vigorously.

Take off the heat and add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 9 crushed graham crackers, 1 cup coconut, and 1/2 cup pecans; combine well and press the mixture into a tin or mold.

Chill until firm.

For the filling layer, beat together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup butter, 2 tablespoons custard powder, and 1/4 cup heavy cream until well combined.

Spread over the base layer and chill until firm.

For the top layer, melt together 1/6 cup butter with 6 oz chocolate chips and stir until smooth.

Spread the chocolate over the top and chill.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens