Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in 5 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix, 1/4 cup of softened butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth.
6. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy.
7. Spread the mint filling evenly over the chilled crust. Chill in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
8. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt together 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening until smooth.
9. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled mint filling and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
11. Cut the bars into squares and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Temperature:
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below
Serving size:
- Makes 16 bars
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 410
- Total fat: 28g
- Saturated fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Total carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of semisweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
- Instead of peppermint extract, you can use mint extract or peppermint oil.
Variations:
- For a non-mint version, omit the peppermint extract and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling instead.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the crust firmly into the baking dish to prevent it from falling apart when cutting the bars.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars cleanly.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Storage instructions:
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- These bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer them at room temperature, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the bars with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve the bars on a decorative platter or cake stand.
Garnishes:
- Top the bars with fresh mint leaves or whipped cream.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad or berries.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too crumbly, add a little more melted butter to the mixture.
- If the filling is too runny, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the bars at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Nanaimo bars are a Canadian dessert that originated in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, chocolatey, and minty.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a dessert or snack.
Related Categories
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Region: Canadian
Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Minty, Chocolatey