Nanaimo Bars No Bake Layered Dessert Bars Food

KITTENCAL'S BEST NANAIMO BARS (NO BAKE)

Steps:

• For bottom layer: In a double boiler, or on the stove element (on low heat) melt the first 3 ingredients, remove from heat; add in the egg, stir to combine and thicken. Stir in cracker crumbs, coconut and chopped nuts.
• For microwave method; melt the butter with sugar in microwave until the butter is completely melted, removing one time to stir (you do not have to cook until very hot) mix in cocoa powder until well combined, then vigorously whisk in eggs until combined, then stir in remaining ingredients (the mixture will be thick so I always mix with my hands).
• Press firmly into prepared ungreased 8 x 8-inch square pan.
• For the middle layer: cream butter, half and half, custard powder and icing sugar; beat until light and creamy.
• Spread over the bottom layer; refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
• For the topping: In the microwave, or on top of the stove, on low heat, melt the chocolate squares with the 4 Tbsp butter; stirring to combine adding in the whipping cream for a more creamier texture if desired.
• Pour evenly over the middle creamy layer (smooth out with a spoon to even out if necessary).
• Refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting.

NANAIMO BARS, NO BAKE LAYERED DESSERT BARS

Steps:

• Line 8x8 pan with foil, spray lightly with nonstick oil; for easier removal and slicing.
• Melt butter, sugar and cocoa powder in top of double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Set aside, cool slightly.
• Pulse coconut and almonds in food processor for finer texture. Add graham crumbs. Stir into melted chocolate; combine thoroughly. Press chocolate crumb mixture firmly into lined 8x8 pan.
• Cream butter, cream, custard powder and confectioners sugar together. Beat until light. Spread over cooled crumb layer.
• Melt chocolate squares and butter over low heat. Cool. Once slightly cooled, but still liquid, pour over custard layer and chill in refrigerator until set. Lifting up on the corners of the foil, lift the bars out of the pan. Peel the foil away, and allow to come to room temperature for easier slicing.
• NOTE: To serve, bring to room temperatures and cut into 2" squares (or larger). **Easier to cut at room temperature.

NANAIMO BARS (WITH 6 VARIATIONS)

Steps:

• BASE: Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Stir in sugar and cocoa until smooth. Whisk egg with vanilla and stir into butter mixture. Remove from heat.
• Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press evenly over bottom of greased 9" square pan. Chill until set, at least 20 minute.
• FILLING: Beat butter with wooden spoon until light. Beat in custard powder and milk.Gradually beat in sugar. Spread over chilled base and let set in fridge.
• TOPPING: Melt together chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Spread in even layer over chilled filling.
• Store in fridge until chocolate topping begins to harden. Score topping into 16 small bars (bites). Cut before totally solid, use a hot knife, wiping clean between cuts. Store in fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
• FILLING VARIATIONS:.
• PEANUT BUTTER FILLING.-- 2 Tbsp Custard powder, 1/4 cup Milk, 2 Tbsp Butter; softened, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter 2 cups confectioners sugar -sifted.
• MINT FILLING -- 1/3 cup butter, 3 Tbsp custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute jello pudding powder), 1/4 cup milk, 3 cups icing sugar, 1 teaspoons peppermint flavoring, 1-2 drops green food coloring as desired.
• CAPPUCCINO FILLING -- 2 Tbsp milk, 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups confectioners sugar.
• GRAND MARNIER FILLING -- 2 cups Icing Sugar, 1/4 cup Butter; softened, 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or orange -liqueur, 1 Tbsp Orange rind; coarsely grated.
• BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM FILLING -- 1/3 cup butter, 3 Tbsp custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute vanilla jello pudding powder), 1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream, 2-3 cups icing sugar.
• CHERRY FILLING -- 1/4 cup Butter; softened, 1 tablespoons Cherry juice, 2 cups Icing sugar, 1/3 cup chopped Maraschino cherries, 1-2 drops of red food coloring.