Nanaimo Bars

By michaelmeiner

Ingredients

• FIRST LAYER
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• SECOND LAYER
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 Tablespoons half and half or light cream
• 2 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 Tablespoons instant vanilla pudding
• THIRD LAYER
• 5 ounces semisweet chocolate -- chopped
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Preparation

Step 1

Lightly spray a 9 inch square pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper.

For the first layer, combine butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and cocoa in a medium bowl. Set bowl over pan of simmering water and stir until mixture is slightly thickened. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped nuts. Turn out and press evenly into pan.

For the second layer, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir together well. Spread over the first layer. Place pan in the freezer for 10 minutes.

For the third layer, melt the chocolate in a double boiler over barely simmering water. Stir the butter until melted. Spread over second layer and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.