Nanaimo Bars are a beloved no-bake dessert originating from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Known for their three distinct layers—a crumbly chocolate base, a smooth custard filling, and a rich chocolate topping—these bars are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Easy to prepare at home, they are perfect for gatherings, holidays, or as a sweet indulgence with coffee or tea.
The Nanaimo Bar is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, gaining popularity across Canada and beyond. Named after the city of Nanaimo, these bars reflect the Canadian love for layered desserts. While the exact recipe has evolved, traditional versions remain a staple at Canadian potlucks and bake sales, symbolizing the sweet heritage of the region.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons custard powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Topping:
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Stir in the beaten egg until well combined.
4. Add graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and nuts (if using). Mix until fully incorporated.
5. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and refrigerate.
6. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add confectioners' sugar, custard powder, and milk. Mix until smooth.
7. Spread the custard filling over the chilled base.
8. Return the pan to the refrigerator while preparing the topping.
9. Melt chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
10. Pour the melted chocolate over the filling and spread evenly.
11. Chill until firm, about 2 hours.
12. Remove from the pan using parchment paper and cut into squares.
Nutrition Value:
1. For the Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Calories: 814
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 92g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 204mg
- Vitamins: A, E
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy fats and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Calories: 193
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily provides energy but should be consumed in moderation.
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Magnesium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and may support heart health.
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Calories: 72
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Vitamins: B12, D
- Minerals: Selenium, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients for muscle and brain health.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers carbohydrates for energy and some fiber.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Calories: 283
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 27g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: C, B6
- Minerals: Magnesium, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains healthy fats and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 40g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: E, B vitamins
- Minerals: Magnesium, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
2. For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Calories: 407
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 46g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 102mg
- Vitamins: A, E
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy fats and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- Calories: 960
- Carbohydrates: 244g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily provides energy but should be consumed in moderation.
- 2 tablespoons custard powder
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and sweetness, while some varieties contain added nutrients.
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Vitamins: A, B12
- Minerals: Calcium, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides calcium and vitamins for bone health.
3. For the Topping:
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Magnesium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and can improve heart health when consumed in moderation.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Calories: 204
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 23g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 61mg
- Vitamins: A, E
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy fats and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
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