Healthier Nanaimo Bars
Try this Healthier Nanaimo Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Healthier Nanaimo Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup non-fat greek yogurt
- 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup almonds finely chopped
- 30 + drops stevia (or 2+ stevia packets to taste)
- 3 tbsp plain custard powder (i use bird's custard powder)
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- Carbohydrate 11.7406507814585 g
- Cholesterol 11.6325 mg
- Fat 6.55312859667353 g
- Fiber 0.875578135073549 g
- Protein 1.25752937507059 g
- Saturated Fat 4.43655851814024 g
- Serving Size 1 1 bar (25g)
- Sodium 916.595619694029 mg
- Sugar 10.865072646385 g
- Trans Fat 0.387478406421812 g
- Calories 104 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small saucepan, start on the base layer. Melt together the coconut oil, sugar and cocoa powder. Just until its hot (not boiling). Set aside for a couple min.
- Meanwhile, in another medium bowl mix together the graham crumbs, chopped almonds and coconut.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl with a fork and add to the small saucepan of the hot coconut oil/sugar/cocoa mixture. Whisk continually. The egg with thicken the sauce. You don't want the chocolate mixture to be too hot or it will scramble the egg. Hot, but not boiling does the trick.
- Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the crumb mixture and mix well until combined. Clean hands work best.
- Press into an 8x8 pan sprayed with oil.
- For the middle layer, in another bowl, mix together the greek yogurt, stevia drops and custard powder and vanilla. Whisk well until smooth. Add the 2 Tbsp of icing sugar and mix more. Taste and add more stevia drops or packets depending on how sweet you want it.
- Spread the custard layer over the base layer. Place in the freezer while prepping the top chocolate layer.
- For the top layer, you can melt in the microwave or a small saucepan. In a small bowl (or saucepan), melt together the coconut chips and coconut oil (or use butter if you don't want it to have a hint of coconut taste). Allow to cool for a few minutes.
- After the chocolate has cooled a little, remove the bars from the freezer and spread the chocolate layer over the middle custard layer with a knife or a small spreader.
- Freeze or place in the fridge to set.
- If putting in freezer, allow to thaw at room temp to cut into 16 squares.
- If consuming within 4-5 days, it can be kept in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, place in the freezer. I find they are easy to eat straight out of the freezer.
Healthier Nanaimo Bars: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
As a busy working mom, finding time for myself is a luxury, let alone baking elaborate desserts. But the craving for a sweet treat is a constant battle. That’s why I’ve been on a quest to find healthier versions of my favorite classics, and these Healthier Nanaimo Bars are the ultimate victory! The traditional Nanaimo Bars are rich, decadent, and undeniably delicious, but they’re also packed with sugar and unhealthy fats. This recipe retains all the amazing flavor and texture, but significantly reduces the guilt factor. I’ve swapped out some ingredients to make it a little lighter, but trust me, the taste is still incredible. They’re perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, a satisfying dessert after dinner, or even a healthy-ish treat to share with friends.
The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal baking time and readily available ingredients. The base layer is a delightful blend of graham cracker crumbs, almonds, and a touch of cocoa for that signature chocolatey flavor. The middle layer is where the magic happens. I've used Greek yogurt, a powerhouse of protein and probiotics, to create a creamy, tangy custard. It adds a beautiful lightness and healthy boost without compromising the deliciousness. To sweeten, I’ve used stevia, but feel free to experiment with other natural sweeteners to your liking. The top layer is a simple yet elegant melted coconut chocolate, which melts beautifully in your mouth.
These bars are incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness to your preferences, swap out the nuts for others, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra touch of sophistication. The best part? They're easy to prepare ahead of time. You can make a batch on the weekend and store them in the freezer for a quick grab-and-go treat during the busy week. This recipe is a true testament to how you can enjoy indulgent desserts without sacrificing your health goals. The delightful balance of flavors and textures makes these bars a true winner in my book, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your household too. So ditch the guilt, embrace the deliciousness, and try these healthier Nanaimo bars today! You won’t be disappointed.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the top layer for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
- If you prefer a sweeter middle layer, add more stevia or your chosen sweetener.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal and use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- These bars are best served chilled, either straight from the fridge or after a short thaw at room temperature.
Beyond the recipe itself, the joy of baking these healthier Nanaimo Bars comes from the process. The act of measuring, mixing, and layering ingredients is a meditative and mindful experience, a welcome break from the stresses of daily life. It’s a chance to slow down, focus on the present moment, and savor the anticipation of a delicious reward. And sharing these bars with loved ones adds another layer of satisfaction. Watching their faces light up as they take their first bite, knowing you’ve created something both delicious and healthy, is truly priceless. So why not try your hand at making these bars? It's a simple act of self-care, a treat for your body and soul.
Enjoy!
