Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons custard powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Special equipment needed:
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line the baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until light and fluffy.
3. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
4. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and custard powder until well combined.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, whisking until smooth.
8. Spread the custard mixture over the chilled crust and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
9. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter together until smooth.
10. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled custard layer and spread evenly.
11. Refrigerate the Nanaimo bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate layer is set.
12. Once the bars are set, remove them from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Temperature:
Refrigerate for 30 minutes between each layer and for at least 2 hours after the final layer.
Serving size:
Makes 16 Nanaimo bars.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 380
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 110mg
Total carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use margarine instead of butter.
- You can use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened shredded coconut.
- You can use chopped almonds instead of chopped walnuts.
- You can use vanilla pudding mix instead of custard powder.
Variations:
- You can add a layer of raspberry jam between the crust and custard layers.
- You can use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for the top layer.
- You can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the custard layer for a minty twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers and chop the walnuts.
- Use a spatula to press the crust mixture into the baking pan evenly.
- Use a toothpick to swirl the chocolate layer for a decorative effect.
Storage instructions:
Store the Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Serve the Nanaimo bars chilled.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the Nanaimo bars on a platter and dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Garnish the Nanaimo bars with fresh raspberries or chopped walnuts.
Pairings:
Serve the Nanaimo bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the Nanaimo bars with fresh fruit or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter.
- If the custard mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk.
- If the chocolate layer is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil.
Food safety advice:
Keep the Nanaimo bars refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Nanaimo bars are a Canadian dessert named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. They were first made in the early 1950s and have since become a popular dessert across Canada.
Flavor profiles:
The Nanaimo bars have a sweet and creamy custard layer sandwiched between a crunchy graham cracker and nut crust and a rich chocolate topping.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Nanaimo bars as a dessert or a sweet snack.
Related Categories
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Region: Canadian
Taste: Rich, Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Chocolatey