Everything in moderation, including moderation

These. Are Nanaimo bars. Rich crumbly chocolate coconut base, delicate smooth custard filling, topped with a crunchy layer of chocolate that when you bite into it, smooshes the creamy centre all over the shop. If you aren’t salivating there’s something wrong with you.

These remind me so much of Canada. Nothing can top Tim Hortons. Nanaimo bars are painfully good, and look way more difficult to make than they actually are. Trust me. I wouldn’t make them if they were difficult.

I’ve made these mothers twice in 10 days, that’s how good they are. I wanted to share this recipe on Canada day, but I was balls-to-the-wall sickly so here it is, over a week late. Prepare your waist line for the glory that are Nanaimo bars …


Ingredients
1/2 cup of butter, softened 
1/4 cup white sugar 
5 tablespoons of cocoa power 
1 egg 
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs {I used Digestive biscuits. Just smash ’em} 
1 cup flaked coconut 

1/2 cup butter 
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons of custard powder
2 cups confectioners sugar

1 ounce semisweet baking chocolate
2 teaspoons butter

Method
On the stove over very low heat, combine butter, sugar, and cocoa powder and stir until smooth and butter is melted. Take off the heat. Beat in the egg, stiring until thick. Mix in the biscuit crumbs and flaked coconut. Press into an ungreased tin {8x8inches} using the back of a spoon.

For the middle layer, cream together butter, cream and custard until fluffy. Mix in the confectioners sugar until smooth. Spread on top of bottom layer and allow to cool in the fridge. 

While the second layer is chilling, melt the chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Spread over the chilled layers. Allow to set in the fridge before cutting into bars. Prepare yourself to slip into a delicate sugar coma. 

Original recipe can be found here

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8 Comments

    • July 12, 2012 / 09:05

      Most excellent Janine! Aren't they to die for? Fiance made me make them twice. They go down very well with the gentlemen folk.

  1. July 21, 2012 / 13:10

    Ahhh these remind me of Christmas. I know they can be bought or made year round but they are a staple on my grandmother's dessert table at Christmas. mmmmm. Have you ever had the mint ones? Pretty damn good too.

    • July 23, 2012 / 09:12

      I saw your message on Saturday night before I went to bed, and dreamt of eating mint Nanaimo bars! Now I'm not sure if I had them or not in 'real life'.

  2. July 23, 2012 / 10:53

    oh Holy God – these look amazing! There goes my healthy eating this week : )

    • July 25, 2012 / 14:15

      Don't worry Marie – just do as the title says! 😉

      p.s. To. Die. For.

  3. February 28, 2013 / 15:56

    Thank you for the recipe!Yummy…I look forward to making them 🙂

    Just an interesting side note; I actually live in Nanaimo BC, Canada where this bar originated :))

    Ahrina Kay
    (www.WooWoo-Diva.com)

    • March 1, 2013 / 16:47

      Most excellent, Ahrina. A true native Nanainomian – I could be terribly wrong with that. Apologies in advance.