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No-Bake Nanaimo Bars (Vegetarian) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

No-Bake Nanaimo Bars (Vegetarian)

Get ready to fall in love with Canada's most famous confection! Nanaimo Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert, featuring three layers of pure bliss: a crunchy, chocolatey graham cracker and coconut base, a sweet and creamy custard-buttercream filling, and a crisp, rich chocolate
Prep Time 35 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 20 bar
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

  • For the Bottom Layer
  • 1/2 cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (50 g / 1.76 oz) granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 ounces (60 ml / 2 fl oz) liquid egg substitute
  • 1/2 teaspoon (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (40 g / 1.41 oz) sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup (60 g / 2.12 oz) finely chopped pecans
  • For the Middle Layer
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g / 0.99 oz) butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) custard powder
  • 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons , plus 1 teaspoon / 45ml (1.5 fl oz) half-and-half
  • For the Top Layer
  • 4 ounces (113 g / 4 oz) semisweet chocolate
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) / 113g (4 oz) unsalted butter
  • Ensure each layer is fully chilled or frozen before adding the next. This prevents the layers from mixing and creates clean, distinct lines.
  • For perfectly clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice. This melts the chocolate just enough to prevent cracking.
  • Press the base layer down firmly and evenly with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to create a solid, compact foundation that won't crumble.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Pan & Egg Mixture
  2. Grease an 8x8 inch pan.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the liquid egg substitute and vanilla extract.
  4. Set aside.
  5. Make the Bottom Layer
  6. Create a double boiler by placing a metal bowl over a saucepan filled halfway with barely simmering water. Melt 1/2 cup (480 ml) of butter in the bowl.
  7. Stir in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until smooth.
  8. Remove from the heat.
  9. Quickly whisk in the egg and vanilla mixture until combined.
  10. Fold in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped pecans until thoroughly mixed. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  11. Refrigerate while you prepare the next layer.
  12. Make the Middle Layer
  13. In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to cream the 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of butter with the custard powder until smooth.
  14. Gradually add the powdered sugar and half-and-half, mixing until you have a smooth, creamy icing.
  15. Spread the icing evenly over the chilled bottom layer.
  16. Freeze for at least 2 hours to set completely.
  17. Make the Top Layer & Finish
  18. Using the double boiler method again, melt the remaining 1/2 cup (480 ml) of butter and the semisweet chocolate together, stirring until smooth.
  19. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  20. Once it's cool but still pourable, spread it evenly over the frozen middle layer.
  21. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 2 more hours, or until the chocolate is firm.
  22. Cut into 20 bars and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 15g

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