Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/chocolate-mint-nanaimo-bars-recipe/
