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Nanaimo Bars

Tara Noland
Okay, I know these didn’t originate in Ireland but from Canada, actually just south of Nanaimo BC in Ladysmith. A lady by the name of Mabel Jenkins submitted the recipe to a local cookbook back in the 1950s. They have remained a very popular treat since then. I decided to color the rich and creamy middle green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 16 squares
Calories 275 kcal

Ingredients
 

Bottom Layer

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa rounded
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup walnuts finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup coconut shredded

Second Layer

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. milk or cream
  • 2 Tbsp. custard powder
  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • Green food coloring to the desired color I used the new neon green food coloring

Third Layer

  • 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate 1 oz. each
  • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • Bottom Layer
  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Line an 8×8″ pan with parchment paper leaving enough to hang over the edge so you can easily pull out the bars later.
  • Whisk together sugar and cocoa.
  • Add graham crackers, nuts, and coconut.
  • Stir in egg and melted butter.
  • Pat firmly into prepared pan.
  • Bake for 15-20min. until set.
  • Let cool completely.
  • Second Layer
  • Cream butter then add the milk, custard powder, and icing sugar and beat well until mixed.
  • Add vanilla and green food coloring.
  • Spread over cooled bottom layer and refrigerate until firm about an hour or so.

  • Third Layer
  • Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave on half power checking every 30 seconds.
  • Mix well and let cool slightly but that it still remains liquid.
  • Spread over the green layer and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Cut into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 42mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25g
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!