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
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.

Reviews of The Original Nanaimo Bar:


1-5 of 17 reviews   Next >>

  A cookie baker in Newfoundland, Canada  Dec 21, 2007
Would make this again.
This is an amazing recipe! Previously I used a package (I know!) and now I realize what I have been missing ! These are soooo yummy I have made 4 batches for Christmas baking because they are getting gobbled up so fast!!! You can't be dissapointed with this recipe that is for sure. five stars

  carol huston in wpg, mb  Dec 12, 2007
Would make this again.
best and easiest bar I have ever made everyone enjoyed them!! five stars

  Larry in Langley, BC  Dec 12, 2007
Would make this again.
I have been making this every Christmas for years to great reviews from friends and family. However, in my version I have modified the receipe slightly for the Christmas season. I add 1/2 tsp mint flavoring and about 12-14 drops of green food coloring to the custard layer. Then, after the chocolate layer is on and started to set I lightly score the lines I will cut and add half a marachino or glaced cherry to the center of each bar. Then cool as usual. five stars

  Joline Cosman in Vermont  Dec 7, 2007
Would make this again.
Can't wait to make these old favorites!
The BIRDS CUSTARD POWDER is available on AMAZON.com!!! Also-- about this website...would be nice if there was a way to print JUST THE RECIPE!!!! Mine came out in 5 pages when one would do.
Yikes! Also- don't have a scale..... back to Amazon I guess.....

RESPONSE: Click on the "Print Recipe" link to the right of the page.

  Dilys Poole in London England  Sep 27, 2007
Would make this again.
added to my previous comments: the original receipe called for Bird's Eye custard powder and Fry's cocoa, and walnuts (not almonds) I do not believe the receipe came from the Klondike or they would be called Klondike bars! five stars

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