Chocolate Nanaimo Bars

Growing up in the midwest of the US I had never heard of Nanaimo bars. I first learned of them when I became friends with someone from Canada in 1999. She loved them and said they were especially popular around Christmas time. I searched for a few recipes to do comparisons (I never follow recipes to a tee, I always use about 3 or 4 similar and then make my own versions by tweaking them.) My friend then surprised me by sending me a box mix from Canada. They were delicious! Even from a box! Thus, started my love of Nanaimo Bars.

This version is a chocolate mint version - not an official traditional Nanaimo, but good never-the-less!


Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars
From: Company’s Coming; 150 Delicious Squares

Bottom Layer
½ cup butter or margarine
5 Tbsp cocoa
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten lightly
2 cups graham wafer crumbs (about 24 wafers)
½ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
1 cup unsweetened coconut

Combine butter, cocoa and sugar in saucepan; bring slowly to boil. Stir in egg, just to thicken; remove pan from heat. Add crumbs, nuts and coconut and pack very firmly into greased 9” x 9” pan. Chill.

Second Layer
¼ cup butter or margarine, softened
3 Tbsp milk or cream
1 tsp peppermint flavoring
2 cups icing sugar
green food coloring.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well, adding a few drops more liquid if needed for easy spreading. Tint a light green. Spread over first layer. Chill.

Third Layer
2/3 cup chocolate chips
2 Tbsp butter or margarine
Melt chocolate and butter in saucepan over low heat or over hot water.
Cool to lukewarm, beating occasionally.
Spread over second layer. Cut into squares before chocolate glaze hardens.
Chill and store in frig.

NOTE: These keep well and freeze well.