A Delicious Delight

Happy December.  Christmas is fast approaching, which means Christmas baking in the kitchen.  As you may have read last year – Mom’s Shortbread Cookies – I love Christmas baking.  This year, I have decided to share a delicious delight that I make every year – home-made Nanaimo Bars.  

Although my Mom’s Shortbread Cookies are the first Christmas recipe I begin with, Nanaimo Bars are my second go-to.  This recipe is a simple, no-bake, mouthwatering treat that not only will your family enjoy, but so will Santa.  A special bonus:  It’s dairy-free as well.  

Nanaimo Bar Recipe

Bottom Layer:

  • 1/2 cup margerine
  • 1/4 cup white sugr
  • 5 Tbsp cocoa
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Place a metal mixing bowl over a pot of boiling water (or an official double boiler), add margarine, sugar and cocoa.  Cream well.  Add vanilla and egg.  Mix until smooth.  Add graham cracker crumbs and mix together.  Pack into a 9” greased pan. 

Middle Layer:

  • 3 Tbsp dairy-fee milk alternative
  • 1/4 cup melted margerine
  • 3 Tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups icing sugar

In another bowl, mix milk alternative, melted margarine, pudding mix, and icing sugar until blended and smooth.  Spread on top of bottom layer.

Top Layer:

  • 4 squares of unsweetened baking chocolate
  • 1 Tbsp margerine

Place chocolate and margarine in microwave safe dish or measuring cup.  Melt in 30 second intervals at reduced power (so chocolate does not get burnt) until smooth and creamy. Spread on top of middle layer.  Refrigerate until hardened. 

Note:  If you are not a dairy-free family, simply use regular butter and milk.  Also, over the years, I have used different milk alternatives (Rice Milk, Soy Milk, and Almond Milk) and each time, the recipe turns out perfectly splendid. This year, I used Oat milk as a nut-free option and again, the bars turned out delightful.  

These Nanaimo Bars will certainly be a hit in your home at Christmas time.  Not only will they get devoured by your family, but Santa will enjoy them too.  Do you have a favourite Christmas baking recipe?  If so, I’d love to know.  Click the button below to share your favourite recipe.

click here for cottage go-to meals

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