Nanaimo Bars have always been a family favorite. I have been enjoying them since I was a child. I first had homemade Nanaimo Bars at our neighbors house – she often made scrumptious desserts and appetizers. The Nanaimo Bars I grew up on often had walnuts in the base along with chocolate, graham cracker crumbs and decadent coconut and the middle was always a creamy vanilla buttercream-type filling made with custard powder and then topped with a rich chocolate. Everything perfect in a bar or square that we usually had on special occasions, when company came over or through the holidays!
I have had several flavors of Nanaimo Bars through the years too, like mocha, Irish cream or peppermint and no matter what flavor we try, they are always delicious! We have also made an array of homemade Nanaimo Bars, some successful and some unsuccessful like my PB&J Nanaimo Bars that did not set because of the jam I used and were a gloppy mess, but still equally yummy! For the last several years (almost ten actually), I have been making these delicious bars without any walnuts and they are absolutely delicious — I actually prefer them nut-free!! But these are totally versatile and you can use walnuts (traditional) or change it up with almonds, peanuts or nut free like we now do.
With the holidays here, Nanaimo Bars are always on our dessert platter. We usually make original Nanaimo Bars which is a vanilla-flavored bar or peppermint but I like experimenting with different flavors! Today I am sharing our favorite and a definite classic – Original Vanilla Nanaimo Bars!
Let’s get started!
Combine coconut, graham crackers and walnuts if you are using them. Set aside. It is always handy to have this part of the base ready to go!
In a saucepan, melt butter, sugar and cocoa. Once butter has melted, add in an egg and cook until slightly thickened. Sometimes my mixture looks a little curdled, or separated, but that is completely fine. Usually this happens when it gets overcooked. The mixture will come together once the coconut mixture is stirred in. Once cooked, add the coconut-crumb mixture and stir well. Press into a greased 8″ or 9″ pan. Set aside until cool.
Time to make the filling. Cream butter, milk, instant vanilla pudding mix or custard powder and icing sugar together until creamy. Add more milk until a spreadable mixture is attained. You do not want it too thick, but you also do not want it too thin or the nanaimo bars will not set properly. Spread over bottom layer and set in fridge to set.
On a side note: If you are using instant pudding, the grittiness of the pudding does dissolve and the bars once ready, has a regular texture!
Melt chocolate and butter together and spread over middle layer. Spread quickly as chocolate may set. Leave on counter until chocolate sets. I never place in the fridge otherwise the bars are difficult to cut even with a hot knife, and the chocolate often cracks and breaks.
Cut into squares and serve. Place remaining squares in an airtight container. Stores well in freezer, up to 6 months.
Original Vanilla Nanaimo Bars
Base:
1-1/2 cups graham crackers crumbs
1 cup coconut
1/4 cup ground walnuts, if using
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 egg, beaten
Combine crumbs, coconut and walnuts (if using). Set aside. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar and cocoa over medium heat. Stir until melted. Add egg and mix well. Cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and add coconut mixture. Mix well. Press into a greased 8″ or 9″ pan. Set aside. Let cool.
Filling:
1/2 cup butter
6 tbsp milk
5 tbsp (or enough to taste) instant vanilla pudding mix or custard powder
2 cups icing sugar
Combine butter, mix, pudding and icing sugar together. Mix well. Spread over bottom layer and set in fridge to set. This will also help the chocolate layer to spread more easily.
Topping:
2/3 cup chocolate chips
2 tbsp butter
Melt chocolate and butter together. Spread over top filling. Let set. Placing in fridge will make slicing into bars/squares difficult. Leave on counter until set. Cut into squares to serve. Freezes well.
More Nanaimo Bar recipes coming soon!
enjoy from Our City Homestead to yours