Maple Walnut Nanaimo Bars

Ingredients

Bottom Layer

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened Cocoa
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 1/4 cups graham wafer crumbs
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Maple Buttercream Middle Layer

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder or vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dash of cinnamon

Chocolate Top Layer

• 3 ounces (87 g) Semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 ounce (29 g) Unsweetened (Baker’s) chocolate
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Garnish

• Walnut Halves (as many as you slice your dessert pieces into)

Directions

Bottom Layer

1. Melt unsalted butter, sugar and cocoa in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, nuts and coconut. Press firmly into an ungreased 8 by 8 inch pan.

Middle Layer

1. Cream butter, cream, custard powder, icing sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together well. Beat until light in colour. Spread over bottom layer.

Chocolate Top Layer

1. Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Let cool to room temperature. When cooled, but still liquid, spread over the top of the bars. Mark with a knife where you will cut the pieces and put a walnut half onto each portion. Slice when ready to serve.