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Rich layered dessert bar with chocolate glaze and creamy filling.

Homemade Nanaimo Bars

Bree Hester
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 382 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crust:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Middle Layer:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup room temperature butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tablespoons custard powder

Chocolate layer:

  • 3 ounces chocolate chips
  • 1/4 butter

Instructions
 

  • Start with the crust. Melt together the butter, brown sugar, and cocoa.
    Chocolate and butter in mixing bowl for baking recipe preparation.
  • I did mine over a double boiler, but if I had a microwave, I probably would have done it that way.
    Deep chocolate ganache being made in a stainless steel bowl with a whisk attachment.
  • Beat the egg, and quickly whisk it into the hot chocolate mixture. You need to add the egg slowly and keep the whisk moving, otherwise you will have scrambled eggs. Not good.
    Silky chocolate ganache in a mixing bowl with a thermometer and chocolate curl.
  • Mix in the graham crackers, coconut, and walnuts.
    Crumble topping mixture for baked dessert or pie, seasoned with spices and sugar.
  • Press the crust into an 8×8 pan that has been lined with parchment. Put the crust into the fridge to chill for a half hour.
    Rich, crumbly homemade dessert topping or crust in a lined baking pan. Perfect for baking or dessert recipes.
  • Make the buttercream layer, but creaming together the powdered sugar, butter, and custard powder. Add the cream slowly, and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
    Cream cheese frosting being spread on a dessert layer in a baking pan.
  • Spread the cream layer evenly over the crust. Back in the fridge for another half hour or so.
    Golden layered cake batter in a baking pan before baking.
  • Melt together the butter and chocolate (either a double boiler or microwave) and pour over the chilled cream layer.
    Rich chocolate ganache being poured over creamy cheesecake in a baking pan.
  • Back in the fridge to set up.
    Rich layered chocolate and cream dessert bar with a nutty crust on parchment paper.
  • Cut into small squares (they are really rich) and keep in the fridge.
    Rich layered dessert bars with chocolate and creamy filling on a white platter.

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 3gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 200mgFiber: 2g
Keyword Homemade Nanaimo Bars
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