Nanaimo Bars

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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: none

Yield: 16

This perennial Canadian dessert bar is a favorite in our family. It's decadently rich, with a graham, coconut, chocolate bottom layer, a rich sweet center and a smooth chocolate top.

In our house they are made for times of celebration - especially Christmas and family get-togethers.

Ingredients and Instructions

Bottom Layer

½ cup butter
¼ cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 ¼ cups graham wafer crumbs
½ c. finely chopped almonds
1 cup coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat.

Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan.

Second Layer

½ cup butter
2 Tbsp. and 2 Tsp. cream
2 Tbsp. vanilla custard powder *
2 cups icing sugar **

Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

Third Layer

4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
2 Tbsp. butter

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool slightly.

Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.

* if you can't find custard powder, you may substitute dry instant vanilla pudding mix
** icing sugar is also known as confectioner's sugar or powdered sugar