Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 1/4 cup Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the cocoa powder, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts until the mixture is evenly moistened.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
6. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, brewed espresso or strong coffee, and Kahlua until smooth.
7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
8. Spread the tiramisu filling evenly over the graham cracker crust.
9. Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
10. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the tiramisu filling in a decorative pattern.
11. Chill the Tiramisu Nanaimo Bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
12. Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 bars.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 430
Total Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 140mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
- Instead of Kahlua, you can use Bailey's Irish Cream or another coffee-flavored liqueur.
- Instead of semisweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
Variations:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the baking dish to prevent it from crumbling.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars cleanly.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can add more brewed espresso or strong coffee to the filling.
Storage instructions:
Store the Tiramisu Nanaimo Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
These bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Tiramisu Nanaimo Bars on a platter or cake stand, garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh berries, mint leaves, or chocolate shavings.
Pairings:
Serve these bars with a cup of hot coffee or espresso.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the graham cracker crust is too crumbly, add a little more melted butter to the mixture.
- If the filling is too runny, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before spreading it over the crust.
- If the chocolate drizzle is too thick, add a little vegetable oil to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store these bars in the refrigerator and consume them within 5 days.
Food history:
Nanaimo Bars are a Canadian dessert that originated in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia in the 1950s. This recipe puts a twist on the classic Nanaimo Bar by adding a tiramisu-inspired filling.
Flavor profiles:
These bars have a rich, chocolatey flavor with hints of coffee and a creamy, mascarpone filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these bars as a dessert for a dinner party or potluck. They also make a great gift for coffee and chocolate lovers.
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Taste: Rich, Creamy, Sweet, Chocolatey, Nutty