Quintessentially Canadian Nanaimo Bars

Everyone's an expert when it comes to a classic like this

By Evelyn Raab

Refrigeration time 30 minutes
Makes about 25 smallish squares

"My mom makes U-nymo bars too," seven-year-old taste-tester Gabrielle informs me as she helps herself to thirds. "But hers are better." Hmph. Everyone's an expert when it comes to a classic like this.

Ingredients:

Bottom layer
½cup (125 mL) butter
¼cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
1/3cup (75 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder
egg, beaten
1¾cup (425 mL) graham cracker crumbs
1cup (250 mL) shredded coconut
½cup (125 mL) finely chopped almonds
Middle layer
½cup (125 mL) butter
3tbsp (45 mL) milk
2tbsp (30 mL) vanilla custard powder or instant vanilla pudding mix
2cups (500 mL) icing sugar
Top layer
4 squares (1 oz/28 g each) semi-sweet chocolate
2tbsp (30 mL) butter

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, over low heat, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg. The mixture may separate and look disgusting, but don't worry -- it'll be fine. Add the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and chopped almonds. Mix until everything is combined and evenly coated with the gooey chocolate mixture. Press into a non-greased 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish and have your young assistant press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Chill until set -- about 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make the middle layer. In a bowl with an electric mixer (or in a food processor) beat together the butter, milk and custard powder until just combined. Add the icing sugar gradually, beating until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. (Beater-licking is mandatory, of course.) Have your child spread the filling evenly over the chocolate layer in the pan. Chill about 30 minutes or until set.

3. Now the topping. Melt the chocolate with the butter, stirring until smooth. Working quickly, pour over the creamy filling and spread until it covers the white layer completely and evenly. Chill, finally, for at least 30 minutes or until you can't stand it anymore. Then cut into squares with a very sharp knife, and serve to your adoring fans.

First published in Today's Parent