Nanaimo Bars

A little treat for all my American friends....

Nanaimo Bars. These are delicious, and sadly, a Canadian treat.  I had never had these until I moved to Canada. But I need to spread the word. Eating one is never enough. But try to give some away to your friends, otherwise you may eat the whole tray. 

Nanaimo Bars

Bottom layer

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup white sugar

5 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 egg beaten

1 cup graham crackers

1/2 cup almonds

1 cup coconut

Middle Layer

1/2 cup butter

3 tablespoons cream or half and half

2 tablespoons vanilla pudding powder

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Top Layer

2 tablespoon butter

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Grease an 8x8 pan, or line with parchment paper.

In a food processor, add graham crackers, coconut and almond. Pulse until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks of almonds or graham crackers! I overlooked this detail.... not pretty.

In a double boiler, or large metal bowl melt together butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Once melted whisk in egg. Once smooth, fold in dry mixture until combined. 

Press mixture into  pan. Press hard so there are no air pockets, This will ensure it does not break when cut! Place into refrigerator while preparing the second layer.

In a large bowl cream together butter, sugar, vanilla pudding powder, cream, and vanilla extract. Once smooth, remove bottom layer from refrigerator, and spread evenly over bottom layer. The colder the bottom layer, and warmer the middle layer, the easier it will spread. 

Place in fridge while preparing top layer. 

To make top layer, melt together chocolate and butter and pour over chilled middle layer. Spread evenly over middle layer, then refrigerate until top layer is hard.