Since I’m Canadian, and these are awesome, I’m spreading the wealth (of knowledge).  These bars are not nearly as famous outside of Canada as I thought.  Nanaimo is pronounced “Nah-nai-moe” in case you were wondering and these no-bake dessert bars are suuuuuuper rich, but incredibly delicious.  This recipe comes straight from the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia where the bar originated (hence the name).  Enjoy with a glass of cold milk!

You may be wondering where to find “custard powder”.  Well of course you can buy it on Amazon.  Here’s the link to Bird’s Custard Powder.

Nanaimo Bar Recipe

Bottom Layer
½ cup unsalted butter (European style cultured)
¼ cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 ¼ cups graham wafer crumbs
½ 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
½ 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 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

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