Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Add beaten egg and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
5. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
8. Remove from heat and stir in semisweet chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
9. Pour chocolate mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly.
10. Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate layer.
11. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.
12. Cut into bars and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 bars.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 110mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter.
- Milk chocolate chips can be used instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.
- Homemade caramel sauce can be used instead of store-bought caramel sauce.
Variations:
- Peanut butter can be added to the chocolate layer for a peanut butter chocolate twist.
- Crushed candy canes can be sprinkled on top for a festive touch.
- White chocolate chips can be used instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a white chocolate caramel flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the baking dish to prevent it from crumbling.
- Use a spatula to spread the chocolate layer evenly.
- Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure they are firm enough to cut.
Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
Serve chilled.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a platter with a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or shredded coconut.
Pairings:
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the crust is too crumbly, add a little more butter to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid any risk of salmonella.
Food history:
Nanaimo bars are a Canadian dessert named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. The original recipe dates back to the 1950s and consists of a chocolate and coconut base, a custard filling, and a chocolate glaze.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, chocolatey, nutty, and caramel.
Serving suggestions:
Serve chilled as a dessert or snack.
Related Categories
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Region: Canadian
Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Caramelized