What's a Nanaimo Bar?

This easy no-bake dessert bar is a source of Canadian pride which may or may not have originated in British Columbia is the 1930’s (or 50’s).  In any case, it is sweet, chocolately, sweet, easy to make, sweet, and quite tasty.  My son actually asked for this for his birthday treat instead of a cake – then proceeded to eat most of it himself. I only wish I knew the recipe for the Nanaimo-style Saskatchewan bars from Dog River, but Emma doesn’t share her secrets. Try this one it’s well worth it. 

 

Bottom Layer
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ c. finely chopped almonds
1 cup shredded coconut

Heat the first 3 ingredients in microwave until just melted. Temper the egg with a few spoonfuls of the melted chocolate then add it into the rest of the mixture. Stir over low heat to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan.

Second Layer
½ cup unsalted butter
3 Tbsp. heavy cream
2 ½  Tbsp. vanilla instant pudding powder
2 cups powdered sugar

Cream all of the above together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

Third Layer
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

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