Best Alices Nanaimo Bars Recipes

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NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

My mother taught me to make these rich, delicious bar cookies when I was young. Though I've tried many variations, I always come back to this old favorite.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 ounces semisweet chocolate

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from the heat; blend in sugar, cocoa, vanilla, egg, crumbs and coconut. Also add nuts if desired. Press into a 9-in. square pan. In a small bowl, cream 1/4 cup butter, pudding mix, milk and sugar. Spread over crumb layer; chill. Melt chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter; spread over pudding layer. Chill before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts :

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 16 bars

Number Of Ingredients 13

Nonstick vegetable spray
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup dried coconut flakes
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
4 ounces Bittersweet chocolate
1 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 tablespoons light corn syrup

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with nonstick vegetable spray.
  • For the Bottom Layer: In a dry bowl, set over barely simmering water, melt the 5 pats butter and 4 ounces of semisweet chocolate. Remove from the heat and stir in the Graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts. Pat the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan to form a crust. Bake for 9 minutes until set. Let cool to room temperature, then chill.
  • For the Buttercream: Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes Slowly beat in the maple syrup and Grand Marnier. Spread over the cooled crust and chill for 20 minutes to set.
  • For the Chocolate Glaze: In a dry bowl, set over barely simmering water, melt the chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the vegetable shortening and corn syrup. Spread the chocolate glaze over the buttercream layer and chill for 5 more minutes. Cut into 2 by 2 inch bars

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

The Nanaimo bar is a tremendously sweet, no-bake layered bar cookie from Canada made almost exclusively of packaged ingredients. The buttercream layer gets its yellow hue from custard powder, a vital ingredient that makes this a true Nanaimo bar. Use an offset spatula to give the chocolate top a surface as smooth as freshly Zambonied ice. The novelist Margaret Atwood included this recipe, from the chef Susan Mendelson, in her "Canlit Foodbook," a fund-raising book that featured food from literature, as well as author recipes. Ms. Atwood prefers walnuts in this recipe, but any combination of walnuts, almonds or pecans will do. We've added a smidge more cocoa and the optional addition of salt - but leave it out for the true Nanaimo bar experience.

Provided by Sara Bonisteel

Categories     cookies and bars, dessert

Time 2h

Yield 16 bars

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup/115 grams unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
1/4 cup/50 grams granulated sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups/235 grams graham cracker crumbs
1 cup/85 grams unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup/50 grams finely chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans (or a mixture)
1/4 cup/60 grams unsalted butter (1/2 stick), at room temperature
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons custard powder, such as Bird's
2 cups/245 grams confectioners' (icing) sugar
4 ounces/115 grams semisweet chocolate, broken into 1/2-inch (1 1/4-centimeter) pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Steps:

  • Line an 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-centimeter) metal baking pan with parchment, allowing parchment to overhang by about 2 inches (5 centimeters) on two sides.
  • Prepare the base: In a double boiler, or a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of boiling water, whisk butter with granulated sugar, egg, cocoa powder and vanilla until melted. Continue whisking until mixture thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
  • Transfer mixture to the parchment-lined pan and use your fingers to press it into an even layer. Transfer pan to the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the buttercream: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed for about 1 minute. Add heavy cream and custard powder and mix until combined, scraping sides and bottom of the work bowl as needed. Add 1 cup confectioners' sugar and mix on low until incorporated. Add remaining confectioners' sugar and mix on low until combined, scraping the bottom of the bowl as needed, then mix on medium-high speed until smooth, light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove pan from refrigerator. Dollop the buttercream on top of the base layer then gently spread it evenly on top using an offset spatula. Transfer pan to the refrigerator to chill until buttercream is set, about 30 minutes.
  • Prepare the topping: In a small, heavy saucepan or a double boiler, heat the chocolate and butter over low, stirring often, until melted and evenly combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Take pan from refrigerator and pour chocolate on top of buttercream layer. Working quickly and carefully, spread the chocolate evenly over the buttercream using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
  • Return pan to refrigerator and chill until chocolate hardens, about 25 minutes.
  • To serve the bars: Lift excess parchment to remove Nanaimo square from the pan. Cut into 16 2-inch (5-centimeter) squares. Store bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature before serving. Store remaining bars in the refrigerator for a few days, or wrap well and freeze.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 344, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 118 milligrams, Sugar 24 grams, TransFat 1 gram

NANAIMO BARS III



Nanaimo Bars III image

Because it's three layers, this sounds hard but it's worth it. My son is famous for making and taking these in to work. I've heard other names but here in the Northwest everyone knows them as Nanaimo bars. They are sold on British Columbia Ferries and at coffee stands. If you can't find custard powder, I've used instant pudding mix with good results.

Provided by MARTHA J PAUL

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     No-Bake Cookie Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

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
½ cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
2 teaspoons butter

Steps:

  • 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310.5 calories, Carbohydrate 34.1 g, Cholesterol 47.3 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 160.1 mg, Sugar 26.1 g

EASY NANAIMO BARS



Easy Nanaimo Bars image

This is a popular cookie bar in Canada. This is however only one of many variations on this recipe.

Provided by CINDERW

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     International Cookie Recipes     Canadian Cookie Recipes

Time 3h25m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup butter
2 (1 ounce) envelopes instant hot chocolate mix
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup milk, or as needed
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 (1 ounce) squares milk chocolate
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Grease a 9x9-inch square pan. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat, and stir in cocoa mix, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk together until the mixture thickens, about 1 minute (do not boil); remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup coconut, and walnuts. Mix well, and press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill the crust for about 1 hour.
  • Place the cream cheese into a mixing bowl, and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the milk, vanilla pudding mix, and confectioners' sugar to make a spreadable, creamy mixture. If mixture is too stiff to spread easily, add more milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Spread the filling in an even layer over the crust, and return to refrigerator. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
  • Melt milk chocolate and 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Spread the topping evenly over the vanilla layer, and refrigerate about 1/2 hour, until the topping is firm but not hard. Cut into bars, then return to refrigerator to finish chilling, at least 1/2 hour more. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285.2 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 34.7 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.9 g, Sodium 188 mg, Sugar 27.9 g

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo bars image

Need ideas for a coffee morning or afternoon tea? These bars from Canada are so moreish, with a crunchy biscuit base, custard layer and chocolate topping

Provided by Michelle Holmes

Categories     Afternoon tea, Dessert, Treat

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

125g softened butter
50g caster sugar
5 tbsp cocoa powder
1 egg , beaten
200g digestive biscuits , blitzed to crumbs
100g desiccated coconut
50g chopped almonds (optional)
100g butter , softened
4 tbsp double cream
3 tbsp custard powder
250g icing sugar
150g dark chocolate
50g butter

Steps:

  • Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the biscuit crumbs, coconut and almonds if using, then press into the base of a lined 20cm square tin. Chill for 10 mins.
  • For the middle layer, make the custard icing; whisk together the butter, cream and custard powder until light and fluffy, then gradually add the icing sugar until fully incorporated. Spread over the bottom layer and chill in the fridge for at least 10 mins until the custard is no longer soft.
  • Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, then spread over the chilled bars and put back in the fridge. Leave until the chocolate has fully set (about 2 hrs). Take the mixture out of the tin and slice into squares to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 29 grams fat, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 33 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 23 grams sugar, Protein 3 grams protein, Sodium 0.6 milligram of sodium

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

The Nanaimo bar is an easy, no-bake confection beloved by Canadians and perfect for potlucks and holiday parties.

Provided by Anthony Rose

Yield Makes 12 bars

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup white sugar
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1 large egg, beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1¼ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
½ tsp. kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter
6 Tbsp. whole milk
2 Tbsp. custard powder
¼ tsp. kosher salt
4 cups icing sugar
1 cup dark chocolate chips
6 Tbsp. heavy cream

Steps:

  • For the base, first prepare a double boiler on your stove: Fill a large pot about a quarter full of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and place a heatproof bowl overtop. Make sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water.
  • In the double boiler, melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder, mixing regularly until smooth. Add the egg, stirring constantly until the mixture has just started to thicken a bit, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and salt.
  • Line a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spoon the graham cracker mixture inside, press it down firmly and evenly, and refrigerate until solid, about 2 hours.
  • For the creamy middle layer, in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip the butter until light and airy, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  • Add the milk, custard powder, salt, and icing sugar and mix on low speed until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and whip until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Pour this creamy mix onto your solid base, make sure it's evenly spread out, and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
  • For the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate and cream together in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly. When the chocolate has melted, remove from the heat and let rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want the temperature to come down but still keep the chocolate completely melted. Pour this over the cream layer and, using a rubber spatula, spread it out evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving.

NANAIMO BARS (CHOCOLATE SLICES)



Nanaimo Bars (Chocolate Slices) image

These triple layered squares have a very chocolaty bottom layer, a sweet buttery custard centre and a firm chocolate top layer. They are very attractive on a cookie tray and taste divine. These have been a family favourite since I was a little kid. Prep time includes chilling time.

Provided by Just Call Me Martha

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h20m

Yield 36 squares

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup butter
5 tablespoons white sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup fine coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons custard powder
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Mix ½ cup butter, sugar, cocoa, vanilla and egg together in small saucepan.
  • Cook over low to medium heat until well mixed.
  • In large bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts.
  • Pour chocolate mixture over top and mix well.
  • Pat into 9-inch square pan.
  • Chill.
  • Cream milk, custard powder and ¼ cup butter together.
  • Add confectioner's sugar to make a firm, but soft spread.
  • Spread on top of first layer and chill again.
  • Melt chocolate and butter together.
  • Spread over previous layer and chill.
  • Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 138.1, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 16.4, Sodium 76, Carbohydrate 14.5, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 10, Protein 1.6

Alice's Nanaimo bars are a popular dessert in Canada. This sweet and chocolaty treat is named after the city of Nanaimo, a small town on Vancouver Island. With a history tracing back to the early 1950s, the nanaimo bar has since become a staple dessert for many Canadians, perfect for any occasion, from picnics to holiday feasts.

The history of Nanaimo bars

The origins of Nanaimo bars are said to have begun with Joyce Hardcastle. Her recipe for "chocolate square" was published in a women's fundraising cookbook in 1952, which is now known as the first printed recipe for Nanaimo bars. Over the years, the recipe has been modified, and different variations of it have surfaced. However, the basic components of Nanaimo bars remain the same - a base of vanilla custard topped with a layer of chocolate ganache, all topped with a sweet frosting.

The ingredients

To make Alice's Nanaimo bars, you will need the following ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup almonds (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons custard powder
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

The recipe

Making Alice's Nanaimo bars is a three-step process: making the base, making the custard filling, and making the chocolate ganache. Here is how to make Alice's Nanaimo bars:
Step 1: Making the base
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat.
  2. Stir in the granulated sugar and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder until smooth.
  3. Slowly add in the beaten egg, stirring continuously until fully combined.
  4. Remove from heat, and stir in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, finely chopped almonds, and vanilla extract.
  5. Once combined, press the mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of a lined 9x13 inch baking pan.
  6. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while making the custard filling.
Step 2: Making the custard filling
  1. In a medium bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and custard powder together until well combined.
  2. Add in the milk and powdered sugar, and stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly over the chilled base layer using a spatula, and return to the refrigerator to allow the custard to set.
Step 3: Making the chocolate ganache
  1. Place the chopped semisweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave on high in 30-second increments, mixing between each time, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Pour the chocolate ganache over the set custard layer and smooth it out with a spatula.
  4. Return the pan to the refrigerator and allow the chocolate ganache to set for at least one hour.
  5. Once set, remove the pan from the refrigerator, cut into squares, and serve.

Conclusion

Alice's Nanaimo bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With their rich chocolatey flavor and creamy custard filling, Nanaimo bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether it's a picnic or a holiday feast, Alice's Nanaimo bars will be a dessert that everyone will love.

Alice's Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian dessert that have been a favorite for decades. These delicious no-bake bars consist of three layers: a chocolate coconut crumb base, a custard filling, and a smooth, creamy chocolate topping. While they may seem simple to make, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference in creating the perfect Nanaimo Bars. This article will share some valuable tips to make Alice's Nanaimo Bars recipe.

Tips for the Base Layer

The base layer of Alice's Nanaimo Bars is a mixture of chocolate, coconut, and graham cracker crumbs. This layer is the foundation for the bars, and it's important to get it just right. Here are some tips to make the perfect base layer:
Use high-quality chocolate
The base layer of Alice's Nanaimo Bars is all about the chocolate flavor. So, it's essential to use high-quality chocolate to achieve a rich and delicious base layer. Choose chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa to get that deep, chocolatey flavor.
Toast the coconut
Toasting the coconut adds a delicious nutty flavor to the base layer. Spread the coconut onto a baking sheet and toast it in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir the coconut every few minutes to ensure it browns evenly.
Use a food processor
Using a food processor to mix the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chocolate will create a more uniform mixture. Pulse the ingredients together until they are finely ground and well combined.

Tips for the Custard Filling

The custard filling is the middle layer of Alice's Nanaimo Bars. It's a creamy mixture of butter, powdered sugar, custard powder, and milk. Here are some tips to make the perfect custard filling:
Use room temperature butter
Room temperature butter is easier to mix than cold butter. Allow the butter to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before using it in the custard filling.
Sift the powdered sugar
Sifting the powdered sugar will ensure a smooth and creamy custard filling. Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture to avoid any lumps in the custard.
Use a whisk
A whisk will create a smooth and creamy custard filling. Beat the butter and powdered sugar together using an electric whisk until light and fluffy. Add the custard powder and milk, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Tips for the Chocolate Topping

The chocolate topping is the final layer of Alice's Nanaimo Bars. It's a smooth and creamy layer of chocolate that adds the perfect finishing touch. Here are some tips to make the perfect chocolate topping:
Use a double boiler
A double boiler is the best way to melt the chocolate for the topping. It will ensure that the chocolate melts evenly and doesn't burn. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot. Add the chocolate to the bowl, and stir occasionally until it's completely melted.
Add a bit of oil
Adding a bit of oil to the chocolate will make it smoother and easier to cut. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate and stir until well combined.
Keep it thin
The chocolate topping should be thin enough to cut through easily without crumbling the base layer. Spread the melted chocolate over the custard filling evenly with a spatula. If it's too thick, it will be difficult to cut when it's time to serve.

Conclusion

Alice's Nanaimo Bars are a simple yet delicious dessert that everyone will love. By following these valuable tips, you'll be able to make the perfect Nanaimo Bars every time. From using high-quality chocolate to toasting the coconut, these tips will ensure that every layer is delicious and well-balanced. Happy baking!

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