The Original Nanaimo Bar

Nanaimo Bars are a traditional Canadian bar cookie whose origins are in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

BOTTOM LAYER

1/2 cup unsalted butter (Euro-style cultured)
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cup graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8 X 8 pan.

SECOND LAYER

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons and 2 tsp. cream
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (such as Birds -- see Note below)
2 cups icing sugar

Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

THIRD LAYER

4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.

Note: Birds custard powder is widely available in the UK and Canada. However, it is harder to find in other areas of the world. If you are unable to find it, try the Napoleon Creams recipe which uses vanilla pudding. It's not quite the same, but it is a good substitute.

Reviews of The Original Nanaimo Bar:

1-5 of 34 reviews   Next >>

  Kristan in USA  Feb 5, 2010
Would make this again.
I made these last Christmas for the first time for my daughter's boyfriend, who is from Canada. He loved them! And I loved them too. The only thing is I would half again the chocolate that goes on top and if anyone has an easier way to spread the chocolate without it mixing into the custard, please post it. I was able to do it but it was very slow going.... five stars

  A cookie baker  Dec 26, 2009
Would make this again.
This bar, I admit took very long to prepare, but turned out delicious! For the 1st layer, my assistant was mixing for 10 minutes straight, but the time it took was definitely worth it! If you like sweet desserts, MAKE NANAIMO BARS! (I recommend putting more chocolate for the last layer because mine didn't end up being enough to spread on the whole area of the dessert.)
ENJOY! :D five stars

  A cookie baker in California  Dec 18, 2009
Would make this again.
My sister is coming from the Canadian Yukon for Christmas with us in California and the only gift I asked her to bring is a replacement can of Bird's Custard Powder so I can fill all the requests for Nanaimo Bars again this Holiday Season! Canadian born, I've been making rich and delicious Nanaimo Bars for at least 50 years and love them still! On a scale of 1-5, I give them a 6 using the recipe on the Bird's can. five stars

  A cookie baker in NC  Dec 15, 2009
Would make this again.
These cookies are almost like candy..very sweet and pretty good. I found the Custard powder in a specialty store and decided to try these. I can see why so many make them year after year. four stars

  A cookie baker in Ohio  Dec 2, 2009
Would make this again.
A big hit at work. five stars

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