Chocolate Coconut Layered Bars

Here’s a big, full, detailed recipe for the dessert in your image – a layered Chocolate Coconut Bar (similar to Canadian Nanaimo Bars) – written with introduction, ingredients, methods, history, benefits, nutrition, and more, just the way you like.


🍫 Chocolate Coconut Layered Bars (Inspired by Nanaimo Bars)

🌟 Introduction

Chocolate Coconut Layered Bars are a decadent no-bake dessert, loved for their perfect combination of textures and flavors. With a crunchy nut-and-coconut base, a smooth vanilla buttercream middle, and a rich chocolate topping, these bars are both indulgent and elegant. Originating in North America, particularly popular in Canada as Nanaimo Bars, this treat has traveled across the world to become a favorite at bake sales, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations.

This recipe not only satisfies sweet cravings but also offers a nostalgic taste of old-fashioned desserts while being simple to prepare.


πŸ›’ Ingredients

For the Base Layer:

  • 1 cup (125 g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Middle Cream Layer:

  • 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding mix)
  • 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups (250 g) semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter

πŸ“ Instructions & Methods

Step 1 – Prepare the Base

  1. Grease and line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method), melt butter and sugar.
  3. Add the beaten egg and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly (this helps bind the base).
  4. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.
  5. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until set.

Step 2 – Make the Cream Filling

  1. Beat softened butter with custard powder and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with cream/milk, until light and fluffy.
  3. Spread evenly over the chilled base. Place back in the refrigerator while preparing the chocolate layer.

Step 3 – Prepare the Chocolate Topping

  1. In a microwave or double boiler, melt chocolate and butter together until smooth.
  2. Cool slightly (so it doesn’t melt the cream layer) and then pour over the filling.
  3. Smooth with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until fully set.

Step 4 – Cutting the Bars

  1. To avoid cracking, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
  2. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wipe clean between cuts.
  3. Slice into squares or rectangles.

πŸ“œ History

These bars are closely linked to Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, where they first became famous in the mid-20th century. The recipe was published in local cookbooks in the 1950s and quickly spread across North America. They became known as β€œno-bake refrigerator bars,” loved for their convenience, rich taste, and layered beauty.


πŸ’ͺ Benefits

  • Quick & No-Bake: Saves time and oven energy.
  • Versatile: You can switch nuts, add flavored extracts, or use white chocolate topping.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and parties.
  • Nutritious Touch: Nuts and coconut add healthy fats, fiber, and crunch.

πŸ— Formation (Layers)

  1. Crunchy Base: Graham crumbs, coconut, nuts, butter, sugar, egg.
  2. Creamy Middle: Butter, sugar, custard powder, milk.
  3. Chocolate Top: Melted chocolate + butter.

Each layer contrasts beautifully: crunchy, smooth, and glossy.


❀️ Lovers of This Dessert

  • Chocolate Lovers: That glossy top layer is irresistible.
  • Coconut Fans: The base is nutty and tropical.
  • Classic Dessert Seekers: Reminds many of childhood or family gatherings.
  • Holiday Bakers: A must-have treat on Christmas trays in Canada and the US.

πŸ₯— Nutrition (per bar, approx. based on 16 pieces)

  • Calories: ~280
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Sugars: 22 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)


🎯 Conclusion

Chocolate Coconut Layered Bars (Nanaimo-style) are a classic no-bake treat that balance richness, crunch, and sweetness in every bite. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, they embody the joy of shared desserts and family traditions. Perfect for chocolate and coconut lovers alike, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dessert collection.


πŸ‘‰ Would you like me to also give you a Moroccan-inspired twist on these bars (since you’re in Morocco), maybe with almonds, dates, or orange blossom water?

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