Nanaimo Bars

oh baby--eat me

Oh my...these are amazing. Is it bad that my hubby and I ate a whole 8x8 pan of these in 3 days?? I hope not. Now he's on a diet. Anyways, there were so good that I decided to make these for my sister-in-laws baby shower last Sunday. This is a Canadian classic and they are delicious. Found the recipe here.

Ingredients

• Bottom Layer
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (optional)
• 
  
• Middle Layer 
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons custard powder
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 
  
• Top Layer 
• 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
• 2 teaspoons butter

Directions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Note: You can use Vanilla Pudding Mix instead of the custard powder but, it will be much sweeter.

Enjoy !!

-Christy