Nanaimo Bars


I found this recipe on www.bakedbree.com through the www.foodgawker.com website. It looked fun and different and I got just that! It may seem like a lot of steps but it's really easy and so creamy and rich! Love it!

Nanaimo Bars

Crust:

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 Tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Middle Layer:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup room temperature butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoons custard powder (I substituted for 2 Tblsp of instant vanilla pudding powder)

Chocolate layer:

3 ounces chocolate chips (I reaaally like chocolate so I added another 3oz)
1/4 butter

Start with the crust. Melt together the butter, brown sugar, and cocoa.
I did mine over a double boiler,but you can use a microwave as well. Beat the egg, and quickly whisk it into the hot chocolate mixture. You need to add the egg slowly and keep the whisk moving, otherwise you will have scrambled eggs. Not good.
Mix in the graham crackers, coconut, and walnuts.
Press the crust into an 8×8 pan that has been lined with parchment. Put the crust into the fridge to chill for a half hour.
Make the buttercream layer, but creaming together the powdered sugar, butter, and custard powder. Add the cream slowly, and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Spread the cream layer evenly over the crust. Back in the fridge for another half hour or so.
Melt together the butter and chocolate (either a double boiler or microwave) and pour over the chilled cream layer.
Back in the fridge to set up.
Cut into small squares (they are really rich) and keep in the fridge. EnJOY!