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Easy Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 11 reviews

This recipe for Easy Nanaimo Bars offers a classic Canadian no-bake dessert featuring a layered combination of a chocolatey crumb crust, a smooth vanilla custard filling, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars provide a delicious treat with a nutty crunch and creamy middle that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1 ½ large packages, processed in blender)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

For the Filling

  • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chopped walnuts. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until smooth and sugar is dissolved. Whisk the lightly beaten egg with a few spoonfuls of the hot cocoa mixture to temper it, then return to the saucepan and whisk constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat immediately to avoid curdling. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until combined. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Chill the crust for at least 15 minutes to set.
  2. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and whisk until the filling is smooth and creamy. Pour this creamy filling evenly over the cooled crust layer and smooth out with a spatula. Chill the bars for 10 minutes to firm up the filling.
  3. Make the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave on high in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the heavy cream until well incorporated and glossy. Spread the chocolate topping evenly over the chilled filling layer. Allow the topping to set for 3 to 4 minutes before cutting. After cutting, let the bars sit until the chocolate topping hardens completely before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to temper the egg mixture properly to prevent curdling when adding it to the hot butter mixture.
  • Chilling each layer thoroughly helps ensure clean layers and easy cutting.
  • You can substitute chopped nuts with others of your choice or omit for nut allergies, but it will alter texture.
  • Store the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days for best freshness.
  • Allow bars to reach room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/easy-nanaimo-bars-recipe/