Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- 9x9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Add graham cracker crumbs and shredded coconut to the mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Set aside.
5. In another mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
6. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk to the peanut butter mixture, beating until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the graham cracker crust in the baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil together until smooth.
9. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
10. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate layer is set.
11. Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours (chilling time)
5. Temperature:
No temperature required.
Serving size:
Makes 16 bars.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Total fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 105mg
Total carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- For unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
- For granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar or honey.
- For unsweetened cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- For sweetened shredded coconut, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut and add sugar to taste.
- For creamy peanut butter, you can use crunchy peanut butter or any other nut butter of your choice.
- For semisweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter layer for extra crunch.
- Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
- Add a layer of raspberry jam between the peanut butter layer and the chocolate layer.
- Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers and shred the coconut.
- If you don't have a double boiler, you can melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into clean, even squares.
- 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:
No reheating required.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or individual plates. Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped peanuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate shavings.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
No side dishes required.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chocolate layer cracks when cutting the bars, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
- If the peanut butter layer is too soft, refrigerate the bars for a few minutes before adding the chocolate layer.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when preparing the bars. Store the bars in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Nanaimo bars are a Canadian dessert that originated in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. The classic version consists of a graham cracker crust, a custard filling, and a chocolate topping. This recipe puts a spin on the classic by adding a layer of peanut butter.
Flavor profiles:
The bars have a sweet and nutty flavor with a chocolatey finish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars as a dessert or snack.
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Region: Canadian