Nanaimo Bars

Name: Nanaimo Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 50g Caster Sugar; 5 tbs Cocoa; 1 beaten Egg; 200g shredded Digestive Biscuits; 100g Desiccated Coconut; 50g Almonds; 100g Butter; 4 tbs Double Cream; 3 tbs Custard Powder; 250g Icing Sugar; 150g Dark Chocolate

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Serves 12 467 kcal per serving Prep 20 min Cook 15 min Passive 2 h

Ingredients

50g Caster Sugar
5 tbs Cocoa
1 beaten Egg
200g shredded Digestive Biscuits
100g Desiccated Coconut
50g Almonds
100g Butter
4 tbs Double Cream
3 tbs Custard Powder
250g Icing Sugar
150g Dark Chocolate

Instructions

To make the base, place the butter, sugar and cocoa in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Whisk in the beaten egg and continue stirring for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and mix in the biscuit crumbs, desiccated coconut and almonds if using. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a lined 20 cm square tin and chill for about 10 minutes.
For the middle layer, beat the butter with the cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating until smooth and thick. Spread evenly over the chilled base and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, until the layer is no longer soft.
Melt the dark chocolate with the butter, either in short bursts in the microwave or over a water bath. Allow it to cool slightly, then pour and spread over the custard layer.
Return the tin to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate has fully set, about 2 hours. Remove from the tin and cut into squares to serve.

Tips

Press the base firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars don’t crumble when you cut them.
The middle custard layer should be thick; use Bird’s Custard Powder for the most authentic Canadian flavor and texture.
Add a tablespoon of oil to the chocolate topping to help prevent it from cracking when sliced.

Variations

Peanut Butter: Replace the custard powder filling with a creamy peanut butter frosting layer.
Mint Nanaimo: Add peppermint extract and green food coloring to the custard layer for a refreshing twist.