Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian dessert that consists of three layers: a chocolatey base, a creamy filling, and a chocolate topping. They are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year, and they are relatively easy to make at home.

Nanaimo Bars are named after the city of Nanaimo, located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. They are believed to have originated in the early 20th century and have since become a popular dessert across Canada.

The base layer of Nanaimo Bars is made with a combination of graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and nuts, which are mixed with melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. The mixture is pressed into a baking pan and chilled before being topped with a layer of sweet custard filling. The filling is made with a combination of butter, confectioners' sugar, custard powder, and milk, which is beaten until smooth and creamy. Finally, the bars are topped with a layer of melted chocolate and butter, which is spread evenly over the filling and chilled until firm.

Nanaimo Bars are a rich and decadent dessert that are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. They are typically cut into small squares or rectangles, as they are quite rich and a little goes a long way.

In terms of nutrition, Nanaimo Bars are quite high in calories, fat, and sugar, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, they are also a good source of fiber and contain some protein, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. If you are looking for a healthier version of Nanaimo Bars, there are many recipes available that use alternative ingredients, such as coconut oil or almond flour, to reduce the calorie and fat content.

Here is a step-by-step guide to making Nanaimo Bars, along with some notes and nutrition facts.

Ingredients: For the base:

1- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

3- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

4- 1 large egg, beaten

5- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

6- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

7- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the filling:

1- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2- 2 cups confectioners' sugar

3- 2 tablespoons custard powder

4- 2 tablespoons milk

For the topping:

1- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

2- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

1- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides.

2- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth.

3- Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until well combined.

4- Add the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) to the mixture. Stir until well combined.

5- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly to create an even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

6- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

7- Add the confectioners' sugar, custard powder, and milk to the bowl. Beat until smooth.

8- Remove the pan from the refrigerator and spread the filling over the base in an even layer.

9- Place the pan back in the refrigerator while you prepare the topping.

10- In a small saucepan, melt the chopped chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.

11- Remove the pan from the refrigerator and pour the melted chocolate mixture over the filling, spreading it in an even layer.

12- Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill until the bars are firm, about 2 hours.

13- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

14- Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

1- Custard powder is a common ingredient in Nanaimo Bars, but if you can't find it, you can use vanilla pudding mix as a substitute.

2- If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for the topping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 258
• Total fat: 17g
• Saturated fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 74mg
• Total carbohydrate: 26g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Enjoy your delicious Nanaimo Bars!