Nanaimo Bars are one of those desserts easy to have a love hate relationships with. They are so richly wonderful you love to eat them and after you have eaten too many you hate them. Make them for any occasion.
I don’t make Nanaimo Bars very often. For family members celebrating a birthday I try to make their favorite dessert. Nanaimo Bars are easily one of Patrick’s favorite. He was our October birthday. My husband and I took trip to Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada a few years ago where I found this recipe. I am reminded of that trip each time they are made.
Bottom Layer
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp cocoa (dry)
1 egg beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 24 squares)
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (I start with slivered almonds)
1 cup coconut
Melt first three ingredients in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press firmly into a unreleased 8′ X 8″ pan.
Middle Layer
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp + 2 tsp cream
2 tbsp vanilla custard powder
2 cups powdered sugar
Cream butter, cream, custard powder and sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.
Top Layer
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate ( 1 oz each )
2 tbsp butter
Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.
Make some today. You’ll become a lover too!
