Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large 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
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- 9x9 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.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until light and fluffy.
3. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and continue to mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and custard powder until smooth.
7. Add the 1/4 cup of softened butter and powdered sugar to the mixture, and continue to whisk until light and fluffy.
8. Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chilled crust, and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
9. Melt the chopped semisweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until smooth.
10. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled custard layer, and spread it evenly with a spatula.
11. Refrigerate the Nanaimo bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate has set.
12. Once the bars are fully chilled, remove them from the pan using the parchment paper as handles, and cut them into squares.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 3 hours
Temperature:
Refrigerate the bars at all times.
Serving size:
Makes 16 bars.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 85mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Custard powder can be substituted with vanilla pudding mix.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Semisweet chocolate can be substituted with dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
Variations:
- Add a layer of raspberry jam or sliced strawberries between the crust and custard layers.
- Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the custard mixture for a minty twist.
- Top the bars with chopped nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers and walnuts for a finer texture.
- Use a spatula to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan.
- Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting them to ensure clean edges.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares.
Storage instructions:
Store the Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The bars do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or cake stand, and dust them with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
Garnishes:
Top the bars with whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings.
Pairings:
Serve the bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
The bars are a dessert and do not require any side dishes.
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 seizes while melting, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir until smooth.
Food safety advice:
- Use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw eggs.
Food history:
Nanaimo bars are a Canadian dessert that originated in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
The bars have a rich chocolatey flavor with a creamy custard filling and a crunchy graham cracker and nut crust.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars chilled as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack.
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Region: Canadian