Nanaimo Bars

I can’t believe I actually accomplished making these butter-laden treats! Nanaimo bars are a Canadian treat that we enjoy every summer while we are in camp. They are normally gluten filled so of course I had to make them gluten free for our Boston IC party!

Nanaimo Bars(adapted from allrecipes )

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups gluten free graham crackers
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons gf custard powder  
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 8×8 square baking dish

Directions

1. In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.Set aside for 5 minutes to cool. Beat in the egg, quickly so that it will not cook in the mixture. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and almonds. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8×8 inch pan.
2. For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy[I used my mixer to get the right consistency- it takes awhile]. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth[this takes about 4 minutes']. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set[at least 25 minutes].
3. While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat. Spread over the chilled bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.

It was so nice to Emily & Dave in town for the party!

We all had a wonderful night thinking about our favorite place on earth!