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–+ servings

NANAIMO BARS

So addictively good, one bite and you're hooked to these amazing Canadian classic - No Bake Nanaimo Bars! A bottom crust with nuts, cocoa, and coconut, a middle layer of creamy vanilla custard filling, then melted and chilled chocolate on top! The recipe includes both regular and gluten-free options.
5 from 10 votes
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course Dessert, Desserts
Cuisine Canada, Canadian
Servings 16
Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the Bottom Layer or Crust

  • 1½ cups ground Almonds (if doing the gluten-free version) or crushed graham crackers
  • ½ cup finely chopped Pecans (replace with almonds if not doing the gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup shredded or dessiccated Coconut
  • ½ cup (4 oz, 1 stick) Butter
  • ¼ cup Sugar
  • 5 tbsp unsweetened Cocoa powder
  • 1 Egg, lightly beaten

Middle Layer

  • ½ cup (4 oz, 1 stick) Butter, room temperature
  • 3 tbsp Milk (or Cream)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tbsp Custard Powder (like Bird’s Custard Powder)
  • 2 cups Icing (powdered) Sugar

Top Layer

  • 4-5 oz 50-70% Dark Chocolate
  • 1 tbsp Butter

Instructions
 

For the Bottom Layer or Crust

  • Combine the ground almonds or graham crackers, chopped pecans (or almonds,) and shredded coconut in a bowl.
    Using a double boiler or a saucepan over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add the lightly beaten egg and stir frequently until smooth and the mixture has thickened for about a couple of minutes.
    Mix the sauce with the nuts and shredded coconut.  Press in a buttered 8 x 8 pan.
    IMG_1044

Middle Layer

  • Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat until light and creamy. Spread on top of the nutty crust.
    IMG_1046

Top Layer

  • Melt the chocolate and butter on low heat. Cool slightly. Pour over the second layer spreading it evenly on top. Chill in the refrigerator until all layers have set about 2-3 hours.
    IMG_1048
  • For easier cutting, rinse a knife in hot water (just to get it a little hot) and then dry it quickly and use it for slicing. Repeat as needed for the rest of the slices.
    Nanaimo Bars Story Poster Image

Notes

NOTE: Don't be intimidated by the number of ingredients. Despite that, it's not hard to make and it's completely NO BAKE!

Nutrition

Serving: 16gCalories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 167mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 3gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 404IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 2mg
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