रविवार, 8 अगस्त 2021

Pork Chops with an Apple Bacon Sauce

Pork Chops with an Apple Bacon Sauce are the answer to what’s for dinner! Savory pork is smothered in a sweet and salty sauce that is going to wow your tastebuds!

Pork is a protein-packed powerhouse food. Try pork in these tried and true favorites, Sweet and Sour, Easy Pork Schnitzel, and Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops.

Pork chops with apples and bacon in a spicy sauce.

Skillet Pork Chops with Apples Recipe

I love a good pork dish, including my Fall of the Bone Ribs, Ham and Cheese Sliders, and my Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops. Now I can add these pork chops with apples! Hands down these are one of the best recipes I’ve ever had! The spicy rub on the pork begins the flavor punch with a touch of heat. Next, you cook it in the bacon drippings adding a layer of saltiness. Then you add the apples for caramelized sweetness. You and your loved ones are going to love this flavor explosion!

This is an easy recipe that comes together for an absolute show-stopping dish. Perfect for Sunday dinner or a great family weekday meal, when the week just calls for it. These pork chops with apples will look like you’ve slaved all day, but we’ll keep the secret to ourselves. The freshness that comes from the thyme and rosemary goes perfectly with the smokey bacon and spiced pork chops. Apples just complement the whole dish. This looks intimidating but trusts me, this is super easy and absolutely divine!

What You Need For Pork Chops with Apples

The ingredients come together for a combination of flavors that is unparallel. The sweetness from the apples and the saltiness from the bacon and pork is a combination made in heaven. You are going to love this pork chops with apple recipe as will your family. For all ingredients listings and measurements, see the recipe card below.

  • Bone in pork chops: Bone in creates a more tender moist pork chop, but you can use boneless too.
  • Salt and pepper: Add more or less to taste.
  • Brown sugar: Both dark and light brown sugar will both taste divine.
  • Chili powder: An earthy spicy spice adds a bit of heat.
  • Paprika: Made from dried red peppers, it adds a vibrant color and a mild flavor.
  • Italian seasoning: Make your own Italian seasoning for the best flavor.
  • Garlic powder: A pungent flavor that is golden in this recipe.
  • Bacon chopped: Bacon amps up the flavor and adds a nice salty taste.
  • Chicken broth: Mild in flavor it is a perfect broth to make the sauce.
  • Dijon mustard: Intense and complex mix of flavor creates a nice kick.
  • Cider vinegar: Acidity helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
  • Honey: Golden sweet honey adds flavor and a hint of carmalization.
  • Fresh thyme: Mince the fresh thyme, fresh will add a bright flavor.
  • Fresh rosemary: Fresh and aromatic, it pairs perfectly with pork.
  • Apple sliced: Use a good crisp sweet apple.

How to Cook Pork Chops and Apples

There are a few steps here but it comes together really easily. The apples will cook in the sauce giving them flavor as they soften. Make sure you cook your bacon till it’s crisp. It will add flavor and texture to the pork chops with the apple.

  1. Seasoning for Pork: Salt and pepper the pork chops. In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Rub on all sides of the pork chops.
  2. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet add the bacon and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
  3. Cook Pork: Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook until no longer pink and 145 degrees. Remove the pork chops and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauce for Pork Chops: Add the chicken broth, Dijon Mustard, cider vinegar, honey, thyme and rosemary. Whisk until it starts to simmer and reduce the heat and add apples. Let the sauce deglaze and simmer the apples until they start to soften.
  5. Put it together: Add in the pork chops and bacon and allow to heat through.
Pork chops with spice rub, cooking bacon, the chops and apples.

Tips for Perfect Pork Chops With Apple Bacon Sauce

The pork cooks faster than you might think. You do not want to overcook it. The sauce will help keep the pork tender and moist. And the bacon will add flavor as well as keeping it juicy.

  • Pork: Pork chops are a lean cut of meat, especially if you use boneless pork chops. Lean meat will cook faster than other cuts. Use a meat thermometer and cook till the pork is 145 degrees. This way you’ll avoid dry pork. You can use both boneless and bone-in.
  • Size: Try to keep the pork chops the same size when you buy them, they will cook more evenly.
  • Spice: If you want to tone down the spice you can reduce the amount of chili powder. If you want it a bit spicer add a half a teaspoon more.
  • Bacon: Use thick cut bacon. It is easier to cut and cook. Plus it will add even more smokey goodness.
  • Apples: Any good sweet crisp apples will work. I like Jazz or Gala Apples. Avoid sour green apples. I find them too tart.

What to Serve With Pork Chops

These pork chops with apples and bacon are effortlessly incredible. These make a great family dinner. All you have to do is add some great side dishes to complete the meal. Pork chops go with so many dishes including Potatoes, Salad and Carrots. Round it out with some Bread and you have a meal worth sitting down for. Here are some other great options.

Making These Pork Chops in the Instant Pot

Pork is a fantastic candidate for cooking in the instant pot. It holds up so well in the instant and comes out tender and juicy. It makes for a hands-off option to this pork chops with apples dish.

  • Bacon: Turn the instant pot to saute and cook the bacon till done. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
  • Sear the Pork Chops: Place the seasoned pork chops in the instant pot and sear on both sides in the bacon fat.
  • Add: Add the rest of the sauce ingredients and apples and turn the instant pot to manual and cook for 8 -10 minutes. Let the pressuer relase manually. Serve with reserved bacon.
A pork chop with apples in a bacon sauce.
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Pork Chops with an Apple Bacon Sauce

Pork Chops with an Apple Bacon Sauce are the answer to what's for dinner! Savory pork is smothered in a sweet and salty sauce that is going to wow your tastebuds!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword pork chops with apples, skillet pork chops with apples
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 438kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 3-4 bone in pork chops
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons honey
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme minced
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary minced
  • 1 apple sliced

Instructions

  • Salt and pepper the pork chops. In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Rub on all sides of the pork chops.
  • In a large skillet add the bacon and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
  • Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook until no longer pink and 145 degrees. Remove the pork chops and set aside on a plate.
  • Add the chicken broth, Dijon Mustard, cider vinegar, honey, thyme and rosemary. Whisk until it starts to simmer and reduce the heat and add apples. Let the sauce deglaze and simmer the apples until they start to soften.
  • Add in the pork chops and bacon and allow to heat through.

Nutrition

Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 665mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 426IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg


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Perfect and Juicy Baked Chicken

This perfect and juicy baked chicken will be sure to get a WOW at your next family get-together! It is seasoned with a delightful array of spices and baked to perfection! Your tastebuds will thank you later!!

This chicken is AMAZING and you will not believe how easy it is to make! Within 5 minutes, you will have this chicken seasoned and ready to bake. It doesn’t get much better than that! If you love easy chicken recipes as much as I do then try my wings, chicken breast, and these thighs!

Baked chicken being served from a platter.

Why is This Chicken so Perfect and Juicy?

There is nothing better than a chicken that retains its natural juices after it’s cooked. This baked chicken is a home run recipe that delivers mouthwatering flavor AND texture. I have tried so many recipes and have been disappointed that the end result was always dry overcooked chicken. No matter how much sauce I would add to it to make it tolerable, it was just that. Tolerable. I wanted a recipe that was easy AND delivered delicious, juicy results and this recipe is exactly that!!

The brown sugar in this recipe helps to meat to sweat which is precisely how you are going to get that juice to remain even after baking. And guess what?? It’s easy too! No covering it in foil, no marinating it beforehand. It only takes a quick 5 minutes to put together a rub! A great recipe doesn’t have to take a lot of time and this is SO tasty. Your family will love it!!

Ingredients You Will Need

Open up that spice drawer and I bet that you already have all that you need in order to make this rub for your chicken. You will love the subtle spice but mixed with the brown sugar, it doesn’t take on too much heat so even the kids will enjoy it! See the recipe below for a list of full ingredient measurements.

  • Chicken breasts: Make sure that your chicken is either fresh or thawed. The rub won’t stick to frozen chicken!
  • Brown sugar: This is the secret ingredient that will retain all of the natural juice from the chicken.
  • Chili powder: Chili powder adds a mild spice to the dish.
  • Paprika: Paprika naturally enhances the flavor and taste of the meat.
  • Italian seasoning: Try using this Italian seasoning that will customize this dish!
  • Garlic powder: The fine texture of garlic powder helps distribute this taste evenly through the rub.
Raw chicken with a rub of spices on it.

How to Make Juicy Baked Chicken

The best part of this chicken is the combination of the golden, caramelized outside with the juicy and tender inside. Because of this, the chicken falls apart in your mouth and fills you right up!

  1. Get the oven ready: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare your chicken by using a rubber mallet to pound the chicken to even thickness.
  2. Mix sugar and spices: In a small bowl add the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
  3. Coat chicken: Rub evenly and on both sides of the chicken.
  4. Grease pan and bake: Grease a 9×13 inch pan and add the chicken. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees.
  5. Let it rest!: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to adsorb the juices.
Chicken that is cooked and ready to eat.

Tips for Cooking Chicken

Sometimes cooking chicken doesn’t turn out right because of a small step missed here or there. Read through these tips before cooking so that you can make sure to get the best result!

  • How do I know if my chicken is done? This is a very common question! When cooking meat, it’s always important to check the internal temperature before eating. An internal digital meat thermometer can help you do just that! Stick the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
  • If you want the best, let it rest! A lot of times, people will skip this part… Don’t! It’s so easy and SO important! Once your meat is done cooking and out of the oven, leave it alone! This is the moment where your meat is locking in all of the juice and can dry out if you cut into it soon!
  • Thick chicken breast: If you feel like your chicken breast is too thick, you can consider pounding it down so that your chicken is all similar in size. This will help tenderize the meat as well as let them all cook evenly. If they are already thin, skip the pounding.
  • High Temperature: If you are worried about drying out your chicken or burning it, don’t be tempted to lower the temperature. A lower temperature means that you have to cook your chicken longer, therefore drying it out! The high temperature and lower cooking time is what will deliver on the juicy, tender inside!

How to Store Baked Chicken

This dish is so yummy, you may want to bake extra for leftovers! Here is how you can enjoy this chicken multiple days in a row! It is quick and simple!

  • Refrigerate: Wait until the chicken has cooled completly and then place it into an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Freeze: Once the chicken is cool, freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Let the chicken thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Set oven to 350°F and place chicken in a baking dish. Warm chicken to desired temperature. Enjoy!
Baked chicken cut up with broccoli in a bowl over brown rice.

Ways to Use Baked Chicken

The best part about baking chicken breasts is that they are SO versatile. I love that I can cook it and eat it one way and then use the leftovers for something else the next day! That’s two meals in one!

  • In a salad: Put together a favorite salad recipe, chop this this chicken up into cubes and add it in as some extra protien!
  • With Vegetables: Pair this chicken breast with some vegetables. I love it with broccoli, asparagus or some cooked carrots.
  • When a recipe calls for chicken: Use this! It’s such a delicious, flavorful chicken! You could use it in stir fry, with rice, or even as a snack. Make some extra and have it on hand for future recipes and make your cooking experience that much easier!
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Perfect and Juicy Baked Chicken

This perfect and juicy baked chicken will be sure to get a WOW at your next family get-together! It is seasoned with a delightful array of spices and baked to perfection! Your tastebuds will thank you later!!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword asian chicken recipes, baked chicken, baked chicken recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 chicken breasts
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare your chicken by using a rubber mallet to pound the chicken to even thickness.
  • In a small bowl add the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  • Rub evenly and on both sides of the chicken.
  • Grease a 9×13 inch pan and add the chicken. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to adsorb the juices.


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शुक्रवार, 6 अगस्त 2021

Dole Pineapple Whips

Dole Pineapple Whips are the perfect summertime treat that you can make at home. Similar to Disneyland’s and Hawaii’s Dole whips, they are refreshing and quick.

Summer wouldn’t be complete without refreshing drinks to help cool down. Try these winners, Frozen Lemonade, Pina Coladas, and Horchata!

Dole pineapple whip in a glass with fresh pineapple garnish.

The Best Pineapple Dole Whips

One of my FAVORITE things to do in Hawaii was going to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. I begged to go there every day that we were there and I was lucky enough to get to go there twice. Going and getting one of these pineapple dole whips is worth a trip to Hawaii. Soft serve creamy pineapple ice cream with pineapple juice surrounding it making it the best ice cream float you will ever have! It was so fun seeing how huge the plantation is and how the pineapple grows and is harvested. After walking around for a bit, we HAD to get a pineapple dole whips. It literally blows your mind with how amazing it is.

Nothing compares to a Hawaiian pineapple and they are perfectly ripe and sweet! I couldn’t wait to get home and try this recipe for homemade pineapple whips! These were easy to make and really did resemble a dole pineapple whip. Pineapple whips are soft and creamy and so delicious! They are absolutely delicious! Apparently, they are in such high demand they now serve them at all Six Flags and at Disneyland. But you don’t have to travel further than your kitchen for one of these delectable drinks.

What you need for Pineapple Dole Whips Recipe

Simple ingredients combine to make a tropical paradise in a glass. You are going to have this recipe for dole pineapple whips memorized because you will want to make it every day.

  • Frozen pineapple chunks: You can use canned or fresh pineapple that has been frozen. Also look for frozen pineapple in your freezer section.
  • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice would be best but you can use store bought.
  • Lime juice: Fresh lime juice is the best and adds zing and freshness.
  • Sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness. Use less or more depending on your taste.
  • Vanilla ice cream: Gives the dole whip a nice creamy texture.
  • Pineapple Juice: Adds extra bit of pineapple flavor and gives it the best consistency.

How to Make Dole Whips

The key to making this dole whip is to have a really good blender. You will want to make sure this is smooth and not chunky.

  1. Blend: Place the frozen pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, vanilla ice cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  2. Freeze: Put in a gallon sized bag and let freeze for 1 hour or until it reaches desired consistency.
  3. Make it a float (Optional): Scoop the mixture into a cup and pour pineapple juice on top to make it a float!
Adding lemon juice, sugar, ice cream and pineapple juice to blend up.

Quick Tips For Easy Dole Pineapple Whips

Pineapple Dole whips are super refreshing and will cool you and your family off on hot summer days, or can make the perfect evening finisher. Just like these other ice cream treats, Brownie Batter, Raspberry Cheesecake, and Ice Cream in a Bag, this will make your summer amazing!

  • Blend: The key to a smooth creamy pineapple whip is to have a great blender. One that is high powered and can handle the frozen fruit. If you feel like your blender can’t, don’t fret. Just cut the recipe in half and blend half at a time. Then put together to freeze. Also letting the pineapple thaw slightly will help it blend up easier.
  • Freeze: Placing it in the freezer allows it to firm up to a good consisentcy. This step can be skipped if you like your consistency and just can’t wait to sip it. I don’t blame you for not waiting either.
Collage of Alyssa at the Dole pineapple plantation.

Variations to Your Pineapple Dole Whips

Pineapple Dole Whips are a favorite but if you don’t love pineapple you can change it out for a different fruit. The basic recipe would stay the same. Adjust the juice to fit the fruit you choose.

  • Fruit: If you want to mix the pineapple with other fruit or exchange it for a different fruit, the sky is the limit on flavors. Try frozen bananas, peaches, strawberries, raspberries and mangos.
  • Sugar: Feel free to use less sugar if you want more of a tart flavor or add more for more sweetness. You can also switch it out for a sugar subsitute of choice, such as stevia for lower carbs.
  • Ice Cream: Vanilla is the perfect mild flavor to compliment pineapple, but you can substitute out for frozen yogurt, sherbert, or even frozen bananas. The frozen bananas are a great non-dairy alternative, although it will change the flavor a bit.
Creamy texture of a pineapple whip up close.
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Dole Pineapple Whips

Dole Pineapple Whips are the perfect summertime treat that you can make at home. Similar to Disneyland's and Hawaii's Dole whips, they are refreshing and quick.
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword dole pineapple whips, pineapple beverage, pineapple dole whips, pineapple whips
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 546kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice

Instructions

  • Place the frozen pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, vanilla ice cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Put in a gallon sized back and let freeze for 1 hour or until it reaches desired consistency.
  • Scoop the mixture into a cup and pour pineapple juice on top to make it a float!

Notes

Updated on August 6, 2021
Originally Posted on September 12, 2013

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 1453IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg


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Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are a nutty, decadent dessert made with a graham cracker, coconut, and almond crust. Topped with buttery custard and melted chocolate, this creamy treat is the perfect sweet tooth fix.

Let’s just talk about nutty chocolate bars for a second. They are so hard to resist with how rich, flavorful and ooey-gooey they are! Snickers bars, fantasy fudge, and turtle pecan bars are some of my other favorites sure to be the star of your next party.

A stack of 3 nanaimo bars.

Easy Nanaimo Bar Recipe

If you are not familiar with Nanaimo bars, this triple-layer, chocolatey dessert originates from British Columbia, Canada. First appearing in a cookbook in 1952, these bars have now grown to be extremely popular throughout many other countries! This dessert is known by various names- New York slice, London fog bar, and prayer bar to name a few. Honestly, with how insanely good these are, it is no surprise that this Canadian treat has won the hearts of so many. Thinking about the texture of the almond-coconut crust paired with buttery, sweet custard and rich chocolate is enough to get me drooling.

Not only are these super delicious, but easy to make, too! No fancy ingredients are needed here- chocolate, pudding, coconut, almonds, and a couple of other pantry staples are all you need for Nanaimo bars. Then, all you have to do is mix up your crust, add some layers, and voila! An indulgent, delicious treat awaits. These get gobbled up at every family gathering. I have to make sure I grab some for myself before they all disappear. I know my waistline probably hates me, but these bars are so ooey-gooey I can’t resist! With just a few easy steps and ingredients, I know that you, too, will love these tasty treats from BC!

What You Need For Nanaimo Bars Recipe

A lot of these ingredients will probably already be in your pantry, but if not, I promise the grocery store run is worth it to make these bad boys! Nanaimo bars are the ultimate indulgence. You can find exact measurements for each ingredient below.

  • Butter: For the crust, I use melted, unsalted butter.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and melts down to help the ingredients meld together.
  • Cocoa Powder: Since we are adding sugar separately, I use unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Salt: Added to enhance flavor.
  • Egg: The egg in the crust works to bind everything together.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is one of the key flavors of these bars. It adds the best gritty sweetness.
  • Shredded Coconut: I use sweetened coconut in this recipe.
  • Almonds: For the perfect amount of nuttiness, I use finely chopped almonds.

Vanilla Pudding Filling

  • Vanilla Pudding Powder: Pudding is easy to find and tastes delicious, but you can also use Bird’s custard powder for a more traditional filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar will make your custard sweet while also adding a smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: I recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best depth of flavor!
  • Butter: For the filling, I also use unsalted butter, softened.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped together, heavy cream will add the most amazing, light and fluffy texture to your custard filling.

Top Layer of Chocolate

  • Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: I like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips to balance out the sweetness of the rest of the bar.
  • Unsalted Butter: Butter will be melted down with the chocolate chips to create a rich, tasty top layer.

How to Make The Homemade Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars only require a few steps of melting, mixing, and layering. This is a great recipe for kids to help out with. It is so fun to see the end result come together!

  1. Prepare Pan: First, line a 9×9 pan with parchment and set aside.
  2. Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt together until combined. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Mix in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut and almonds.
  3. Press Into Pan: Press the crust evenly into the prepared pan and put in the fridge to chill for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the custard filling.
  4. Make Custard Filling: Next, in the bowl of a mixer combine the pudding powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and softened butter. Mix until combined, Add the heavy whipping cream a tbsp at a time until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  5. Add Custard: When the base layer is nice and firm and cool, add the frosting on top and smooth evenly across it and return to the fridge.
  6. Melt Chocolate: Put the chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and it all mixes together smooth.
  7. Add Top Layer: Spread the chocolate evenly over the chilled frosting layer. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
  8. Serve: Remove from the pan and use a very sharp knife to cut into bars.
The process of making nanaimo bars.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Tips

A few simple tips and tricks can ensure you create the most delicious, chocolatey squares possible. Perfecting Nanaimo bars will keep everyone coming back for more!

  • Adding Egg: Don’t add your egg to a hot pan too quickly or it will curdle. Mix your egg and chocolate together slowly and whisk constantly.
  • Cutting Your Bars: It is easier to cut through your chocolate top layer at room temperature. Using a sharp knife, score only the tops of your bars, when your chocolate is almost hardened but still maluable. Then, return them to the fridge to finish chilling. Once your bars have chilled completely, you will not only know where to cut your bars but also not crack your chocolate in the cutting process!
  • Using a Food Processor for Your Crust: If you find it hard to pack down a crust with big pieces of almonds and graham crackers, you can first blend them together in a food processor. This way, you get smaller pieces and ultimately a denser crust.
  • Nut Substitutes: Instead of almonds, you can substitute for pecans or the traditional walnut.
  • Fruit Garnish: For a pop of beautiful ruby color and a slight fruity flavor, garnish your Nanaimo bars with cranberry or raspberry.

Storing Your Leftover Dessert Bars

Since they are best served cold, these tasty little bars are great for storing and eating later! Seeing them in my fridge when I’m craving something sweet has been a miracle, honestly.

  • In the Refrigerator: Nanaimo bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Serve straight from the fridge.
  • In the Freezer: You can also keep your Nanaimo bars in the freezer for 2-3 months in an airtight container. Simply thaw in the fridge before consumption.
8 cut Nanaimo bars.
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Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are a nutty, decadent dessert made with a graham cracker, coconut, and almond crust. Topped with buttery custard and melted chocolate, this creamy treat is the perfect sweet tooth fix.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword nanaimo bars, nanaimo bars recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 9 bars
Calories 644kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup almonds finely chopped

Filling

  • 3 Tablespoon vanilla pudding powder or Bird’s custard powder, for a more traditional filling
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2-3 Tablespoon heavy whipping cream

Top Layer

  • 5 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Line a 9×9 pan with parchment and set it aside.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt together until fully combined. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Mix in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and almonds.
  • Press the crust evenly into the prepared pan and put it in the fridge to chill for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the custard filling.
  • In the bowl of a mixer, combine the pudding powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix until combined, Add the heavy whipping cream a tbsp at a time until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  • Once the base layer is nice and firm and cool to the touch, add the frosting on top and smooth evenly across it and return to the fridge.
  • Put the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted and it all mixes together smooth. Spread the chocolate evenly over the chilled frosting layer. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
  • Remove from the pan and use a very sharp knife to cut into bars.

Nutrition

Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 229mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg


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