This luscious recipe is a twist on Nanaimo Bars with a dense chocolate base, a layer of creamy mint filling, and a rich chocolate topping. It’s hard to have just one.
What is a Nanaimo Bar?
Nanaimo Bars are a Canadian confection (just like butter tarts!) with a cream filling between two different chocolate layers. The creamy layer is similar to buttercream frosting but with the addition of custard powder for a slightly denser consistency. They originate from British Columbia and have traversed the globe—and it’s no wonder why! Nanaimo Bars are one of those delectable sweet treats that are easy to make but turn out super fancy looking. They really are irresistible, and usually one of the first things to disappear from a dessert buffet. This chocolate mint version is no different.
What’s in a Nanaimo Bar?
BASE The base of these bars is similar to a brownie but with more texture and flavor. A chocolatey combination of cocoa, graham crumbs, chopped nuts and coconut. FILLING The mint cream layer in the middle is much like a mint buttercream with the addition of custard powder. You can often find custard powder in the grocery store either near the puddings or sometimes with International items (it’s from England) or order it online here. TOPPING The smooth topping is made with milk chocolate chips mixed with a little oil to help with melting them in the microwave. The vegetable oil also keeps the chocolate a little bit on the softer side to prevent it from cracking when hardening.
How to Make Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars
There are three layers in most recipes for Nanaimo Bars, and this one is no different, but it’s super easy!
Tips & Tricks
It’s important that the base layer be completely cool before layering, or the mint cream will melt. Col the base layer in the refrigerator. Make sure the custard layer is cooled and completely set before spreading the melted chocolate on top, as well. Let Nanaimo Bars chill in the refrigerator for as long as possible before cutting them. This allows the layers to become really firm. To make sure chocolate chips don’t scorch, heat in 10-second intervals using a Pyrex or other microwave-safe container. Stir thoroughly in between the 10-second intervals, allowing the chips to melt as much as possible while stirring. A good rule of thumb: the less microwaving the better when melting chocolate.
Storing Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo Bars have lots of dairy. Plus, the layers like to melt together if the temperature gets too high, so store them in between layers of wax paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars are perfect for a make-ahead dessert and they are great for freezing for the holidays! Just wrap them up in layers and keep them in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 6 months.
Decadent Desserts to Try
Milano Cookie Balls – a no bake treat German Chocolate Cake – rich & moist Fantasy Fudge – no candy thermometer required Chocolate Mint Brownies – soft & chewy Better Than Sex Cake – freezer friendly Black Forest Chocolate Trifle – only 5 ingredients Magic Cookie Bars – 7 layers of magic
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