Sunday, April 14, 2013

Nanaimo Bar Rice Krispy Treats

Before I get into today's post I have a confession to make: I have actually never had real Nanaimo Bars.

Mallow and Co: Nanaimo Bar Rice Krispy Treats

Fraud! How can I make mock Nanaimo Bars if I've never even had the real thing?! Who do I think I am!?! I know. But honestly, if the real bars are even half as good as these ones are, they must be awesome. Because these are AWESOME. But first, does everyone even know what Nanamio bars are? Because none of my family members did. All I got were blank stares. Let's turn to my good friend Wikipedia:

"The Nanaimo bar is a dessert item of Canadian origin popular across North America. It is a bar cookie which requires no baking and is named after the west coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. It consists of a wafer crumb-based layer topped by a layer of light vanilla or custard flavored butter icing which is covered with melted chocolate made from chocolate squares."

Nanaimo Bar Rice Krispy Treats

And even more importantly, how do you pronounce Nanamio?! I mean I've seen it written lots of times, but I've never thought about the pronunciation. When I was trying to describe these to my husband, I didn't even know what to call them. "Guess what rice krispy treat I just made?! I made.... uh... Na-naaa-mio... Na-nahhm-e-oh... Nannn-am-oh?" I finally gave up and just spelt it for him. Then I went and looked it up.

The correct pronoun cation is actually: "nuh-NI-mo." Sounds like "The wino." (Thank you Yahoo Answers. A website second only to Wikipedia)

Annnnyways, these are good. Like really good. British Colombia knew what was up when they invented these treats. To make them truly authentic, I used cocoa krispies and included chopped almonds and coconut flakes. The custard layer and chocolate topping I left alone, because who wants to mess with something that good? Because really, those two are probably one of the most perfect pairings in this world. I could have eaten this whole pan myself. You think I'm joking. I'm not. Now the big debate is whether I will ever need to really make real Nanamio Bars... or just stick with this rice krispy treat version.

Mallow and Co: Nanaimo Bar Rice Krispy Treats


Nanaimo Bar Rice Krispy Treats

Krispy Layer:
4 Tbsp butter
6 cups marshmallows 
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 Tbsp cocoa powder
4 cups cocoa krispies
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
3/4 cup crushed almonds


Filling:
1/3 cup salted butter, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp custard powder or vanilla/white chocolate instant pudding mix
2 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Layer:
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp butter



Krispy Layer
Mix the rice krispies, coconut, and almonds together in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted add in the marshmallows. Stir until they are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) then stir in the vanilla and cocoa powder
Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispies. Stir lightly to combine, then press into a greased 9x9 pan. Allow to cool 30 min.

Filling:
On medium speed whip together butter, cream, and custard powder about 2 minutes. Stir in powdered sugar and blend until smooth and creamy, about another minute. Spread over top your cooled rice krispies. Let this set in the fridge for about 30 minutes. 

Chocolate Layer: 
Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between each one until fully melted. Then top Pour over top your cold rice krispies and allow to cool until hardened.. Enjoy! 

Nanaimo Bar Rice Krispy Treats


28 comments:

  1. These look for wonderful once again! I would expect nothing less from what I've seen on your blog! Thanks for coming by again to the link party at Home | Styled and I hope you have a great week!

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  2. One word. YUM!! Thanks for linking up to MM. Pinned and shared on FB ~ Paula @ Call Me PMc

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  3. These look fabulous!

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  4. I LOVE the "real" Nanaimo Bars but can't wait to try these!!!!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. I hope you do - I really should try the real thing sometime too!

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  5. O my goodness! I love this bars!

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  6. OMG I love these! I've never had a nanaimo bar either and I kick myself for it!

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    1. seriously - we need to get on the nanaimo bar train!

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  7. This is genius! I love Nanaimo bars but never really think to make them--this variation gives me the perfect excuse!

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  8. My college roommate was Canadian, and I think she introduced me to these bars. If they are the ones I'm thinking about, they are AWESOME! And I will definitely have to try your recipe. Pinning right now.

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    Replies
    1. I bet they are the same ones - I really need to try the real thing! Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. This is awesome! I must confess that even though I've grown up with nanaimo bars, I don't care for the base that much and usually dissect mine, eating the base first and then enjoying the top 2 layers! These might just change the way I eat a Canadian classic! Thanks for the twist!

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    1. Ha ha - you definitely need to try these then! Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. West coast Canadian here! Found the recipe on pinterest, might give it a go.
    Also it's Nanaimo, British Columbia, not Nanamio or Colombia :P

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  11. I generally do not mess with Nanaimo Bars, but I will pass this recipe along to my son who loves to make traditional ones.

    I live 50 km for Nanaimo and there are two things that you must know about authentic Nanaimo Bars. You must use Graham Wafer crumbs in the base, not vanilla wafers. The filling is make with Bird's Custard Powder, not vanilla or any other form of puddling mix. Bird's Custard Powder is available all over the world, so no excuse for using instant pudding mix.

    We tend to be protective of our Nanaimo Bars here.

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    Replies
    1. Yes! Agreed! Never vanilla pudding (bleach!) Only custard powder.

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  12. These were wonderful and really easy, such a nice change from both rice krispie treats and Nanaimo Bars. I didn't have the chocolate cereal, so I added more cocoa to regular rice krispies...still worked out. I wish more people would try the recipe, then comment...IMHO,it adds more value. Thank you so much for the recipe...everyone loved it.

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  13. Grew up eating the Real Nanaimo Bars! Spent many summers visiting family in Nanaimo area. Use Birds Eye Custard powder for the filling and crushed graham wafers/crackers for base. Will be trying this variation on my family soon. My son-in-law cries if I say i’m Not making these and butter tarts for Christmas!

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  15. Oh wow. I am trying these for sure. I love nanaimo bars, but always hesitate to make them. You have inspired me to make these.

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  16. I had a "Squares" cookbook in college (in the early 80s) and the last recipe in the book was Nanaimo bars. We had no idea how to pronounce the word (as we were in the UK) but we made them A LOT, and ended up calling them chocolatey fudgywudgy bars. It wasn't till I moved to Canada that I found out that it wasn't just a funny name, but instead was a place on the island. I'll give these a go as I have a box of rice crispies to use up.

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