Nanaimo Bars

Course: Dessert

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter softened
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • ½ cup finely chopped almonds Optional
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons custard powder or instant vanilla pudding powder
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 4 1 ounce squares semisweet baking chocolate
  • 2 teaspoons butter

Instructions

  • In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and almonds (if you like). Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8 inch pan.
  • For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
  • While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat. Spread over the chilled bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.