Is it even Christmas in Canada without Nanaimo bars?? Living outside of Canada for the past 3 years makes me look forward to this tradition even more. A little piece of home in a cookie bar.

Yields 32 squares

For the crust:
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups graham crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For the icing:
1/4 cup Birds custard powder
1/3 cup half and half cream
1/2 cup softened butter
4 cups icing sugar
Topping:
3/4 cup chocolate chips
2 tbsp butter

  1. In a small saucepan melt the chocolate chips and butter over medium heat. Once melted whisk in the icing sugar.
  2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing in between. On medium low heat cook for 3 minutes while constantly stirring, and then add in the vanilla.
  3. In a large mixing bowl combine the graham crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well.
  5. Line a 9x13 cake pan with wax paper, leaving two edges hanging over for easy removal.
  6. Press the crust mixture into the pan, making sure to pack it down level, and place in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.
  7. In the bowl of an electric mixer cream together the custard powder, cream, butter, and icing sugar until it is well mixed. Smooth the icing over the chilled crust.
  8. Melt together the chocoalte chips and butter in the microwave in small bursts. Pour over the bars and spread quickly with a spatula.
  9. Return to fridge until set, and then cut in 1"x 2" bars and serve!