Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars
ingredients
For the Base:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cup graham wafer crumbs
1/4 cup coconut
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, finely chopped
For the Middle Layer:
1/2 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter (try natural peanut butter, for all the peanut-y taste without adding more sweetness)
2 cups icing (confectioners) sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
For the Top Layer:
2 tablespoons butter
4 ounces (squares) semi sweet chocolate
method
For the Base Layer:
In a saucepan mix together butter, sugar and the beaten egg. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened.
In a large bowl mix together the graham wafer crumbs, coconut and finely chopped peanuts. Add the butter egg mixture and mix well. Press evenly into an foil or parchment lined 8-inch square pan and chill for 15 minutes. (*Tip: for firm, even layers, use a small object with a flat bottom like a drinking glass, to tamp down the bottom and middle layers).
For the Middle Layer:
Beat together peanut butter, butter, icing sugar, and milk until smooth. (I like to do a taste test and sometimes add a bit more peanut butter). Spread over the base. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.
For the Top Layer:
Melt chocolate and butter together in a double-boiler over hot water or in the microwave. Spread over middle layer. Chill until firm and then cut into squares. (*These aren't the easiest squares to cut without cracking the chocolate layer. I had the best luck using a serated knife and very gently "sawing" through the top chocolate layer. In hindsight, it may have been better to let them sit at room temperature a bit before cutting, to soften the top chocolate layer before cutting. I'll try that next time!)
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Comments
Ooo, a peanut butter middle sounds great! And they look lovely!
Christi on January 27, 2010 12:53 PM
Yummmmm,I really like the peanut butter-chocolate combination,
What a great version for this challenge-
it looks superb!
Great job!
Inbal
(also a DB)
fairy_mi on January 27, 2010 1:23 PM
I really like that you used peanut butter in your recipe. I had never eaten a nanaimo bar so I used the recipe provided, and yes they are a little too sweet. Next time I might try your recipe.
Amy Lucille on January 27, 2010 2:00 PM
Thanks so much for stopping by, Christi, fairy_mi and Amy! I think you'd like the peanut butter version. Reminds me of peanut butter cups.
Jen on January 27, 2010 2:56 PM
Aww.. you made yours so neat, look so yummy :)
Zita on January 27, 2010 3:00 PM
yes! another peanut fan :)
I have had to make this twice more since the original challenge, my family love it so much.
kate the bake on January 28, 2010 1:44 AM
Mmmm, these look really tasty! I love the peanut butter layer...looks delicious! :)
sara on February 2, 2010 1:18 AM
Excellent! Can never have enough Nanaimo bar recipes. This one looks excellent especially since our family all love Reese's peanut butter cups. Can't wait to try them.
Thanks for the recipe!
Nanaimo on February 12, 2010 6:09 PM
Hey there!
I don't usually have a sweet tooth but today I was up for the delish peanut butter chocolate combo... As a Canadian living in Australia I miss home faves - I even have to make my Graham Wafers from scratch! Anyway, I did your recipe but I made a few changes. I used less sugar in the base and thenI added Rice Krispies to the peanut butter layer and I also used two kinds of Belgian chocolate (one with almonds) as well as chocolate chips for the top layer. MMMM. I haven't had a slice cos it's still in the fridge chilling but it looks unreal!! Can't wait to try it! Thanks for your inspiring recipe!
Carmel on April 23, 2010 3:23 AM
Rice Krispies sounds like a great addition, Carmel. Hope you like them. They were a big hit in my home!
Jen on April 23, 2010 6:42 AM
for ease of cutting through chocolate without cracking as soon as it sets enough room temperature score the chocolate with sharp knife then refrigerate
mitch on August 4, 2010 5:12 AM
Great tip, Mitch. Thanks!
Jen on August 4, 2010 6:58 AM