Tea Blog

To celebrate Canada Day on July 1st, why not make a traditional Canadian dessert called Nanaimo Bars (pronounced na-nai-mo). The name Nanaimo comes from the city of Nanaimo on the Vancouver Island of British Columbia. The name itself means “big strong tribe” in the local native language. Nanaimo Bars are very popular in Canada and have been since the 1950s when a woman named Mrs. E. MacDougall created it for a cookbook.

Prep time: 30 mins

Total time: 4 hours

Servings: About 32 if cut into 33g bars.

6 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided

3/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. butter, softened and divided (12 tablespoons + 1 = 13 tablespoons butter)

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (you can buy these pre-crushed or take some graham crackers and crush them yourself by hand or in a food processor)

1 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

3 tbsp milk

2 Tbsp. Bird’s Custard Powder (You can purchase the custard powder here)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Microwave the 2 oz. of chocolate and 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) in a large microwaveable bowl on medium power for 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Add the egg and vanilla. Once blended, stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press the base mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch square pan and bake for 8 min. Cool completely once removed from the oven.

When the base has cooled, mix the custard powder and milk together in a medium bowl with a whisk until blended. Add 1/4 cup of the remaining butter and mix well. Gradually beat in the sugar until well-blended, then spread onto crust. Refrigerate for about 15 min.

Microwave remaining chocolate and butter in a microwaveable bowl for 2 to 3 min. or at least until the butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Spread the chocolate butter mixture over the custard layer and cool completely. Cut using a sharp knife and enjoy!

Enjoy Nanaimo Bars with a cup of our Ontario Breakfast Tea, a black tea with a malty flavor and hints of Earl Grey. Nanaimo Bars are very easy to make and taste divine.

-CD

Note: This recipe has been provided courtesy of The Kraft Heinz Company. Re-written with permission.