Nanaimo Bars Three Ways

A community recipe by SunshineMostly

Not tested or verified by Nigella.com

Introduction

As a Canadian, and from British Columbia no less, I feel it is my duty to share the Traditional Nanaimo Bar Recipe as well as 2 variations: Mocha & Mint. This recipe comes from The Lazy Gourmet; the first place these bars were ever sold commercially. Nigella in case you are wondering; they are pronounced "Na-nymo"

Ingredients

Serves: 10-15

For the Base Layer (on All Variations)

½ cup butter
¼ cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
2 cups graham crackers (crumbs - or digestive biscuits)
1 cup coconut (long-thread)
½ cup walnuts (or pecans, chopped - optional)

For the Second Layer - Variation 1 (Traditional Nanaimo Bar)

¼ cup softened butter
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons custard powder

For the Second Layer - Variation 2 (Mocha Nanaimo Bar)

¼ cup softened butter
2 tablespoons milk
17½ fluid ounces confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons instant coffee (dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water)
2 tablespoons custard powder
1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Second Layer - Variation 3 (Mint)

2⅕ fluid ounces softened butter
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons custard powder
½ teaspoon mint extract
green food colouring (a few drops)

For the Final Layer (Use for All Variations)

5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1 tablespoon butter

Method

Nanaimo Bars Three Ways is a community recipe submitted by SunshineMostly and has not been tested by Nigella.com so we are not able to answer questions regarding this recipe.

Grease a 23cm (9in, 2.5L) square baking pan

Base layer: This is the base for all the variations below

For the base layer mix together the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and cocoa and set over boiling water, stir until slightly thickened.
Add the wafer crums, coconut and chopped nuts to thechocolatey mixture. Press into the prepared pan. Press down to ensure base is even. Let stand 15 minutes.

Traitional Nanaimo Bars

Make base layer as above.
Mix together the butter, milk, confectioners' sugar and custard powder for the second layer of the traditional recipe and spread over the cooled base layer.
For the third and final layer melt the chocolate over hot (not boiling) water. Very slowly stir in the butter and spread over the second layer.
Refridgorate and cut into squares.

Mocha Nanaimo Bars

Make base layer as above.
Mix together the butter, milk, confectioners' sugar, custard powder, coffee liqueur and dissolved instant coffee for the second layer of the mocha recipe and spread over the cooled base layer.
For the third and final layer melt the chocolate over hot (not boiling) water. Very slowly stir in the butter and spread over the second layer.
Refridgorate and cut into squares.

Mint Nanaimo Bars

Make base layer as above.
Mix together the butter, milk, confectioners' sugar, custard powder, mint extract and green food colouring for the second layer of the mint recipe and spread over the cooled base layer.
For the third and final layer melt the chocolate over hot (not boiling) water. Very slowly stir in the butter and spread over the second layer.
Refridgorate and cut into squares.

Tell us what you think

What 1 Other has said

Thank you for sharing these and adapting for UK! Spent some very happy years in Canada so can't wait to make these and have a Canada moment here...

Posted by grainnemurphy on 23rd April 2019