West African-inspired Nanaimo Bars

Ingredients

In this West African adaptation of Nanaimo Bars, the traditional flavors of Canadian cuisine are transformed with the addition of West African spices and ingredients. The graham cracker crust is infused with ginger and nutmeg, while the custard layer incorporates coconut milk and cardamom. The chocolate topping is garnished with crushed peanuts, adding a delightful crunch and paying homage to West African culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Nanaimo Bars, so you can check it out.

• For the crust: For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups (180g) crushed digestive biscuits 1 ½ cups (180g) crushed digestive biscuits
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the custard layer: For the custard layer:
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons custard powder 2 tablespoons custard powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• For the chocolate topping: For the chocolate topping:
• 6 ounces (170g) dark chocolate, chopped 6 ounces (170g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30g) crushed peanuts ¼ cup (30g) crushed peanuts

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 24g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits, melted butter, granulated sugar, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. 2.
   Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased square baking dish. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the custard layer.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, custard powder, coconut milk, and ground cardamom until smooth and creamy.
4. 4.
   Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chilled crust, using a spatula to smooth the surface. Return the dish to the refrigerator and let it set for at least 1 hour.
5. 5.
   In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together, either using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
6. 6.
   Pour the melted chocolate over the custard layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top.
7. 7.
   Place the dish back in the refrigerator and let it chill for another 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
8. 8.
   Once fully set, remove the Nanaimo Bars from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Crushed peanuts — Make sure to crush the peanuts into small pieces, but not too fine, to add a satisfying crunch to the chocolate topping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard layer.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the custard mixture.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate for the topping, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to vary the flavor profile.
• If you don't have custard powder, you can substitute it with vanilla pudding mix.
• To make the bars more festive, sprinkle some edible gold dust on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.

Serving advice

Serve these West African-inspired Nanaimo Bars chilled for the best texture and flavor. Cut them into small squares and present them on a platter for guests to enjoy as a delightful dessert or snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the bars with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or powdered sugar. You can also garnish each square with a small edible flower or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for an elegant touch.