Recipe: Nanaimo Bars with 6 Variations

NANAIMO BARS

FOR THE BASE:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
5 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 egg, lightly beaten (or pasteurized egg substitute to equal 1 egg)
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
FOR THE FILLING:
1/3 cup butter, softened
3 Tbsp custard powder, Bird's brand (ask your grocer or substitute vanilla jello pudding powder)
1/4 cup milk
3 cups confectioner's sugar
FOR THE TOPPING:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
2 Tbsp butter

TO MAKE THE BASE:
Melt 1/2 cup butter in heavy saucepan. Stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder until smooth; set aside.

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-inch square pan. Chill until set, at least 20 minutes.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:
Beat 1/3 cup butter with wooden spoon until light. Beat in custard powder and milk. Gradually beat in confectioner's sugar. Spread over chilled base and let set in fridge.

TO MAKE THE 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 bars. Cut before totally solid, use a hot knife, wipe clean between cuts. Store in fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.

NOTE: These look wonderful on a tray of goodies and people love them.

VARIATIONS:

PEANUT BUTTER FILLING
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 tbsp butter; softened
2 tbsp custard powder
1/4 cup milk
2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted

GRAND MARNIER FILLING
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup grand marnier or orange liqueur
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 tbsp coarsely grated orange rind

CHERRY FILLING
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/3 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1 tbsp. cherry juice
drop or 2 of red food coloring

MINT FILLING
1/3 cup butter
3 Tbsp custard powder
1/4 cup milk
3 cups confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. peppermint flavoring
1 or 2 drops green food coloring as desired.

CAPPUCCINO FILLING
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 cups confectioner's sugar
2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM
1/3 cup butter
3 Tbsp custard powder
2 to 3 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream