Nanaimo Bars!

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.

Gather ingredients for Nanaimo bars.

In a double boiler, add 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup yellow sugar. Stir until melted.

Gradually add in 1 beaten egg slowly to temper it, whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to tighten up.

Transfer the chocolate mixture to a medium-sized bowl.

Add 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (not finely chopped), 1 cup flaked coconut (optional), 1/2 cup chopped pecans or chopped almonds, and 1/2 cup granola. Stir to combine.

Line an 8 by 8 dish with parchment paper and add the mixture, smoothing out the first layer with spoons.

For the second layer, in a bowl, add 1/2 cup softened butter, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons custard powder (or 2 tablespoons vanilla pudding mix). Mix with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

Add 2 cups powdered sugar, stir with a fork first to avoid a cloud, then mix until smooth.

Spread the second layer over the first layer and smooth it out. Refrigerate for 1 hour to chill.

For the final layer, break dark chocolate into a heatproof cup, add 2 teaspoons of butter, and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until melted.

Spread the final layer over the second layer and smooth it out. Refrigerate for 10 minutes before cutting.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens