Nanaimo Bar Party

Our colorful display of Nanaimo Bars (third layer not yet applied)

George's favorite confection is this Canadian dessert called Nanaimo Bars. I posted about it before for Canada Day. We've been wanting to find our favorite recipe since there are so many variations. We decided to try 6 different filling flavors. We had good ol' vanilla, mint, lime curd, beet raspberry (beet sounds odd, but it's yummy mixed with raspberries), chocolate cream cheese, and vanilla cream cheese. My favorite were the cream cheese flavors...probably the chocolate cream cheese. So here is the Best Nanaimo Bar recipe in my opinion. (George's opinion varies slightly from mine...click here if you want to see his recipe.)

mmm-MMM-mmm Nanaimo Bars

Bottom Layer

• 1/2 c. unsalted butter
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 5 T. cocoa
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 c. graham wafer crumbs
• 1/2 c. finely chopped almonds (I didn't roast them, but think it would add good flavor)
• 1 c. coconut (I used the flakes and chopped them finely)

Melt the first 3 ingredients in double boiler. Add egg and stir until thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan. Put in refrigerator to cool.

Second Layer

• 1/2 c. unsalted butter
• 2 T. and 2 t. cream
• 2 c. powdered sugar
• 4 oz. cream cheese

Cream all ingredients together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer. And cool in refrigerator while you make the third layer.

Third Layer

• 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
• 2 T. unsalted butter

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

Thanks Canada for sharing this yummy dessert!