For as long as I can remember, Nanaimo Bars have been a feature at every family holiday dessert table. The mere mention of the name can cause my overseas brothers to groan in jealous delight. 🙂

They come from my homeland of Canada and are devilish little morsels, chock full of butter and chocolate and more butter.

So on this most American of holidays, I wish my Yankee friends HAPPY THANKSGIVING and share a little treat from our Canadian Thanksgiving holidays.

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup softened butter
1/4 cup white sugar
5 tablespoons Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa
1 large egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup shredded coconut

Middle Layer:
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vanilla pudding powder
2 cups powdered sugar

Topping:
4 ounces dark chocolate
1/4 cup butter

Directions:

Bottom Layer:

  • Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler or heavy saucepan.
  • Add egg & stir to cook & thicken.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients& press firmly into an ungreased 9 x 9-inch pan.

Middle Layer:

  • Cream all ingredients together; beat until light.
  • Spread over bottom layer.

Topping:

  • Melt chips & butter over low heat; cool.
  • When cooled but still runny, spread over middle layer.
  • Chill in refrigerator. Use a very sharp knife to cut into squares.