Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars have three layers.

Ingredients for bottom layer

• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups crushed graham crackers (packaged graham cracker crumbs may be used)
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Ingredients for middle layer

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 Tablespoons vanilla custard powder (available in Canada, but not in the United States; instant vanilla pudding powder may be substituted)
• 3 Tablespoons milk

Ingredients for top layer

• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 Tablespoon butter

Procedure

1. Make bottom layer: Grease a 9-inch square cake pan.
2. Combine ½ cup butter, sugar, cocoa, egg, and vanilla in a heavy sauce pan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.
3. Add graham crackers crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts, stirring to combine. Press the mixture in the greased pan.
4. Make middle layer: Beat together ¼ cup butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla custard or pudding powder, and milk, until the mixture is creamy.
5. Spread over graham cracker base in cake pan. Refrigerate bars until firm, at least 1 hour.
6. Make topping: Melt semi-sweet chocolate and 1 Tablespoon butter. Drizzle over chilled bars. Return to refrigerator to chill until firm (at least 1 hour).
7. Cut into squares and serve.

Serves 16.

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