Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars, a Canadian no-bake dessert featuring a chocolatey base with coconut and walnuts, a luscious cappuccino-flavored filling, and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate topping. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sweet treat with a mocha twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
Cappuccino Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder or instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Topping:
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Base Layer: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Slowly whisk in the beaten egg and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cappuccino Filling: Dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water and allow it to cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add the dissolved espresso, heavy cream, vanilla custard powder or pudding mix, and powdered sugar. Beat the mixture until light and fluffy. Spread the filling evenly over the chilled base layer and return the pan to the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter together either in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave with short bursts. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour this over the chilled cappuccino filling layer and tilt the pan gently to spread it evenly. Chill until fully set, about 1 hour.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the fully set bars into 16 squares. To keep edges neat, wipe the knife clean between cuts. Serve chilled and enjoy the rich cappuccino flavor in every bite.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder slightly according to taste.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars from the pan for clean cutting and serving.
- Ensure the egg in the base layer is thoroughly cooked during the heating step to avoid any raw egg risk.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
