Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars are a delightful no-bake treat featuring a rich chocolate base, a refreshing mint custard center, and a smooth chocolate topping. This classic Canadian dessert is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a cool twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 egg
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (for the mint layer)
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons custard powder
• 1 teaspoon mint extract
• Green food coloring (optional)
• ¾ cup chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, melted butter, granulated sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even bottom layer. Bake for 11 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. Step 4: For the mint layer, beat together powdered sugar, ½ cup butter, milk, custard powder, mint extract, green food coloring, and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder on medium speed until smooth and fully combined.
5. Step 5: Spread the mint layer evenly over the cooled base. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Microwave the chocolate chips and vegetable oil on medium heat in short intervals, stirring between, until just melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Spread the melted chocolate over the chilled mint layer. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans and increase the coconut flakes slightly.
• Use peppermint extract if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
• Allow bars to chill thoroughly to get clean, sharp slices when cutting.
• For an extra festive look, drizzle white chocolate over the top before chilling.

Storage

Store Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Nanaimo bars without an oven?

The only baked component is the bottom layer, which helps bind the ingredients. You can try no-bake crust alternatives like crushed cookies mixed with melted butter, but the traditional texture may vary.

What can I substitute for custard powder?

If custard powder is unavailable, you can use instant vanilla pudding mix or cornstarch mixed with a bit of vanilla extract, though this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 53 reviews

Delight in the rich and refreshing flavors of Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars, a classic no-bake Canadian treat with a crunchy graham cracker base, a creamy mint custard middle layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. These bars offer a perfect balance of chocolate and mint, with a satisfying nutty crunch, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bottom Layer

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 egg

Mint Layer

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons custard powder
• 1 teaspoon mint extract
• Green food coloring, to taste

Chocolate Topping

• ¾ cup chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
2. Make the Bottom Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and egg. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan, creating a firm base. Bake for 11 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Mint Layer: Using a mixer, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, milk, custard powder, mint extract, and green food coloring on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Spread this creamy mint layer evenly over the cooled bottom layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the mint layer is set, about 1 hour.
4. Make the Chocolate Topping: Microwave the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl on medium heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is just melted and smooth. Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled mint layer.
5. Chill and Serve: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature or place them back in the refrigerator to firm up the chocolate topping. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges and cut into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute walnuts with pecans based on preference or availability.
• For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan butter and chocolate chips.
• Ensure the bottom layer is fully cooled before adding the mint layer to prevent melting.
• Adding a few drops of green food coloring is optional but enhances the traditional mint appearance.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars, Nanaimo Bars, mint dessert, layered chocolate bars, no-bake dessert base, custard filling, walnut dessert