Nanaimo Bars (9x13 pan)

By á-24577

Nanaimo Bars bring all that beauty and sense of belonging and relaxation back, and they are an absolute necessity at any Canadian Christmas, or any time through the year when you just want to celebrate the beauty and freedom of our nation.

Ingredients

• BASE:
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 tbsp cocoa
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (*see note for substitutions)
• 1 cup coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (OPTIONAL)
• MIDDLE LAYER:
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 6 tbsp milk
• 4 tbsp custard powder
• 4 cups icing sugar (aka powdered sugar or confectioner's sugar)
• TOP LAYER:
• 8 oz semisweet or dark chocolate
• 1 tbsp butter

Details

Adapted from hiddenponies.com

Preparation

Step 1

1.BASE: Combine first 6 ingredients in large saucepan. Heat and stir over medium-low heat until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
2.Stir in graham crumbs, coconut, and walnuts. Pack firmly into ungreased 9x13” pan. Chill while you prepare the middle layer.
3.MIDDLE LAYER: Beat all 4 ingredients together in medium bowl until smooth. Spread over first layer. Chill for 45 minutes.
4.TOP LAYER: Melt chocolate and butter in a small bowl at 50% power in microwave. Microwave for about 1½ minutes, stir and microwave another 30 seconds or longer if needed, stirring frequently. Spread fairly evenly over middle layer. Chill for 1 hour, then score chocolate with a sharp knife and return to fridge to chill completely before cutting into bars.