NANAIMO BARS (WITH 6 VARIATIONS)

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These no-bake, three layered snack bars start with a crumb base, followed by a layer of light custard buttercream, then topped with a shimmering layer of chocolate. Nanaimo Bars are one of Canada's favorite confections, named after the beautiful city of Nanaimo, B.C. It all began when Mabel Jenkins, a Nanaimo housewife entered the recipe in a magazine contest back in the 1950's. She won the contest with these tasty treats even made the town famous for them. There are six variations of filling here at the bottom of this recipe. Buddha got this recipe from a co-worker named Kindalee.

Provided by 2Bleu

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (or almonds or pecans)
1/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute vanilla jello pudding powder)
1/4 cup milk
3 cups icing sugar
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • BASE: Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Stir in sugar and cocoa until smooth. Whisk egg with vanilla and stir into butter mixture. Remove from heat.
  • Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press evenly over bottom of greased 9" square pan. Chill until set, at least 20 minute.
  • FILLING: Beat butter with wooden spoon until light. Beat in custard powder and milk.Gradually beat in sugar. Spread over chilled base and let set in fridge.
  • TOPPING: Melt together chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Spread in even layer over chilled filling.
  • Store in fridge until chocolate topping begins to harden. Score topping into 16 small bars (bites). Cut before totally solid, use a hot knife, wiping clean between cuts. Store in fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • FILLING VARIATIONS:.
  • PEANUT BUTTER FILLING.-- 2 Tbsp Custard powder, 1/4 cup Milk, 2 Tbsp Butter; softened, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter 2 cups confectioners sugar -sifted.
  • MINT FILLING -- 1/3 cup butter, 3 Tbsp custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute jello pudding powder), 1/4 cup milk, 3 cups icing sugar, 1 teaspoons peppermint flavoring, 1-2 drops green food coloring as desired.
  • CAPPUCCINO FILLING -- 2 Tbsp milk, 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups confectioners sugar.
  • GRAND MARNIER FILLING -- 2 cups Icing Sugar, 1/4 cup Butter; softened, 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or orange -liqueur, 1 Tbsp Orange rind; coarsely grated.
  • BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM FILLING -- 1/3 cup butter, 3 Tbsp custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute vanilla jello pudding powder), 1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream, 2-3 cups icing sugar.
  • CHERRY FILLING -- 1/4 cup Butter; softened, 1 tablespoons Cherry juice, 2 cups Icing sugar, 1/3 cup chopped Maraschino cherries, 1-2 drops of red food coloring.

maureen chishala
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These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The chocolate ganache is rich and creamy, and the graham cracker crust is the perfect base. I love the addition of the coconut and walnuts. They add a nice crunch and flavor.


anisha tamang
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I'm not a big fan of coconut, but I really enjoyed these bars. The coconut flavor is subtle and it pairs perfectly with the chocolate and graham cracker crust. I'll definitely be making these again.


O'neil Alex
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These bars are a bit time-consuming to make, but they're worth it. They're so delicious and they're always a hit at parties. I love the different layers and textures.


Raiden
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I made these bars for my husband's birthday and he loved them! He said they were the best Nanaimo bars he's ever had. I'll definitely be making them again.


Juber Ahmed
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These bars are so addictive! I can't stop eating them. They're the perfect combination of chocolate, coconut, and graham crackers. I highly recommend this recipe!


Ramadhan Hafidh Suleiman
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I've made these bars several times and they're always a hit. They're so easy to make and they're always delicious. I love the different variations that are included in this recipe. It's nice to be able to change things up.


Jerry Malloy
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These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The chocolate ganache is rich and creamy, and the graham cracker crust is the perfect base. I love the addition of the coconut and walnuts. They add a nice crunch and flavor.


Nnopi SukkiieeY
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I'm not a big fan of coconut, but I really enjoyed these bars. The coconut flavor is subtle and it pairs perfectly with the chocolate and graham cracker crust. I'll definitely be making these again.


abcd moyna
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These bars are a bit time-consuming to make, but they're worth it. They're so delicious and they're always a hit at parties. I love the different layers and textures.


Mostafa Zakho
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I made these bars for my husband's birthday and he loved them! He said they were the best Nanaimo bars he's ever had. I'll definitely be making them again.


Brenton Rodkey
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These bars are so addictive! I can't stop eating them. They're the perfect combination of chocolate, coconut, and graham crackers. I highly recommend this recipe!


Nilesh
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I've made these bars several times and they're always a hit. They're so easy to make and they're always delicious. I love the different variations that are included in this recipe. It's nice to be able to change things up.


Isla Kane
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These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The chocolate ganache is rich and creamy, and the graham cracker crust is the perfect base. I love the addition of the coconut and walnuts. They add a nice crunch and flavor.


Twins Khumalo
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I'm not a big fan of baking, but I made these bars for my family and they were a hit! They're so easy to make and they taste amazing. I'll definitely be making them again.


Willie DeJesus
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I made these bars for a bake sale and they were a huge success! Everyone loved them and I sold out in no time. I'll definitely be making them again for my next bake sale.


Blake Myers
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These bars are so rich and decadent. They're perfect for a special occasion or when you just need a sweet treat. I love the different layers and textures. The chocolate ganache is especially delicious.


Robert Reily
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I was a bit skeptical about making these bars because I'm not a big fan of coconut. But I was pleasantly surprised! The coconut flavor is subtle and it pairs perfectly with the chocolate and graham cracker crust. I'll definitely be making these again


top fun 4 u ever
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I've tried many Nanaimo bar recipes, but this one is by far the best. The combination of flavors is perfect and the texture is amazing. I highly recommend this recipe!


Sara Saliim
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These Nanaimo bars were a hit at my party! They were so easy to make and everyone loved them. I will definitely be making them again.