The Best Nanaimo Bars

The Best Nanaimo Bars

Ingredients

For the base:

2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

½ cup butter, softened

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites

2 cups graham wafer crumbs

1 cup unsweetened coconut

For the filling:

4 tablespoons custard powder

6 tablespoons milk

½ cup butter

4 cups powdered sugar

3 teaspoons vanilla

For the glaze

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

4 tablespoons butter

Directions

Place the 2 ounces of chocolate in a medium microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate is almost melted. Continue to stir until it is completely melted. Add the butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, egg whites, graham wafer crumbs and unsweetened coconut and mix well. Press into a 9x13 inch pan and chill for 20 minutes.

In another bowl, whisk together the custard powder and milk. Mix in the butter as well as you can, it will look a bit lumpy, that’s okay. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread the filling evenly over the chilled base. Chill for another 15-20 minutes.

In a microwave safe bowl, place the 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate and the butter and heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate is almost melted. Continue stirring until it is completely melted. Spread evenly over the chilled custard layer. Chill for several hours or overnight.

Cut into bars and store covered in the refrigerator for a week, or remove from the pan and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. I actually prefer these just slightly thawed straight from the freezer!