Wednesday, January 27, 2010

DB: Nanaimo Bars

The January 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Lauren of Celiac Teen. Lauren chose Gluten-Free Graham Wafers and Nanaimo Bars as the challenge for the month. The sources she based her recipe on are 101 Cookbooks and www.nanaimo.ca.



This month's challenge is near to my heart. Being from Vancouver, BC, the city of Nanaimo is only a short drive and ferry ride away - about 60km (36 miles). It's neat that so many bakers around the world this mont are baking these bars which originate from my very own province! (Beams with pride). My personal preference is to omit the coconut and add a few tbsp of peanut butter to the filling. However, I have included the original, unadulterated Nanaimo Bar recipe below.

Confession: I did not do the graham cracker part of the challenge, I used storebought instead because I had a sleeve of them leftover. I also couldn't find graham flour!



Nanaimo Bars
City of Nanaimo, BC

Bottom Layer
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 1/4 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/2 c. finely chopped almonds
1 cup coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan.

Second Layer
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. and 2 Tsp. cream
2 Tbsp. vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar

Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

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

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

15 comments:

Tara said...

these look so yummy!!! I love nanaimo bars, and I really like your blog!
check out mine if you want!
http://www.bakemetasty.com

Memória said...

Your bars look delicious!! I'm glad we were able to make something so close to where you live! That's so cool!

You should try the 101 Cookbooks'/Nancy Silverton's recipe; it didn't call for graham flour or wheat flour.

Julia @Mélanger said...

I'm so jealous that you have store bought Graham crackers at your disposal. I was almost addicted to them when I lived in the USA for 5 years. It was so great to do such a difference sweet dish. Glad you loved the doll! ;)

Kitchen Butterfly said...

Now I wish I'd joined the Daring Bakers too....Regardless, I'm going to make these!

Mary said...

Wow--Nanaimo bars from a local baker! They look fantastic! I wanted to make these with graham flour too, but didn't find it until after I had already made them with all-purpose flour. For next time, look in a health food store--they may have the Bob's Red Mill brand of graham flour. I highly recommend making the crackers because the dough tastes amazing, if you like that sort of thing:)

Susan @ SGCC said...

Your bars look lovely! I love the peanut butter idea. I'll bet those are fabulous!

chef_d said...

oohh i like your name :) your peanut butter nanaimo bars looks so yummy!

Deeba PAB said...

Truly indulgent & delish!! Well done on the challenge. We loved the crackers, and the bars too!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I love the idea of adding peanut butter to these! :D They look fantastic!

MaryMoh said...

I haven't tried this but they look so gorgeous and delicious. Looks challenging to make. Well done!

Snooky doodle said...

what a nice blog! These bars look delicious :)

Barbara Bakes said...

You can never go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate. Sounds great!

Lauren said...

Lovely Nanaimo Bars! I love the peanut butter base =D. Wonderful job on my challenge.

Esi said...

Like the peanut butter idea. Sounds good!

Sara said...

Mmmmmm, these look really good! Yum! :)