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Nanaimo Bars

The classic Nanaimo Bar, in all it's luscious glory.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 large squares

Ingredients
  

Base Layer
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 5 tbsp. cocoa
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 ¼ cups graham wafer crumbs
  • ½ cup finely chopped almonds
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
Middle Layer
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp plus 2 tsp cream
  • 2 tbsp Birds custard powder
  • 2 cups icing sugar
Top Layer
  • 4 squares 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Method
 

Base Layer:
  1. Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler or small bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the boil.
  2. Add beaten egg and stir until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts.
  4. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan.
Middle Layer:
  1. Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together.
  2. Beat until light and fluffy (Using an electric mixer with whisk attachments is optional but works well here).
  3. Spread evenly over bottom layer.
Top Layer:
  1. Melt chocolate and butter in top of double boiler or small bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Cool. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.
  2. To cut without crushing the squares, heat your knife in boiled water. Wipe clean and reheat every time you slice through, especially the top layer.