Daring Bakers Challenge : Nanaimo Bars

January 27, 2010 at 12:07 am

DaringBakers-Nanaimo

(Nanaimo Bar)

I wish there was an amusing story I could tell that related to these Nanaimo bars. The fact is, everything went really smoothly when I made them and because I had some time off from work, I even managed to complete the task a few weeks ago (instead of last-minute, as is my more typical modus operandi).

DaringBakers-Nanaimo2

Some months I have a sort of love-hate relationship happening with Daring Bakers challenges and there have been many times where I’ve contemplated relinquishing my membership, what with the demands of work and life stretching me both time and energy-wise.

It is both a negative and positive fact that I also sometimes find myself faced with recipes I wouldn’t normally contemplate making. Some people consider this A Good Thing and I’m one of these people. I don’t mind being taken out of my comfort zone and can honestly say that with every challenge so far, I’ve learned something new.

Besides, did I mention that I also love baking? I relish the opportunity to discuss ingredients and techniques with like-minded enthusiasts and love any excuse to scurry into the kitchen to make something I can later share with friends.

At some point however, I know I’ll have to face reality and accept that I’m not managing my time smartly. At some point, I’ll have to make the ’sensible’ decision.

But right now, I’m having too much fun and don’t think I’m quite ready to give it up yet.

DaringBakers-Nanaimo3

The January 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Lauren of Celiac Teen. Lauren chose Gluten-Free Graham Wafers and Nanaimo Bars as the challenge for the month. The sources she based her recipe on are 101 Cookbooks and www.nanaimo.ca.

For Gluten-Free Graham Wafers
Ingredients
138g sweet rice flour/glutinous rice flour
100g tapioca starch/flour
65g sorghum flour (or brown rice flour)
200g dark brown sugar, lightly packed
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
100g unsalted butter (cut into 1-inch cubes and frozen)
80ml honey, mild-flavoured
75 ml whole milk
2 tablespoons (30 mL) pure vanilla extract

Directions:
1. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the flours, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pulse on low to incorporate. Add the butter and pulse on and off, until the mixture is the consistency of a coarse meal.
2. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the honey, milk and vanilla. Add to the flour mixture until the dough barely comes together. It will be very soft and sticky.
3. Turn the dough onto a surface well-floured with sweet rice flour and pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Wrap in plastic and chill until firm, about 2 hours, or overnight.
4. Divide the dough in half and return one half to the refrigerator. Sift an even layer of sweet rice flour onto the work surface and roll the dough into a long rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. The dough will be quite sticky, so flour as necessary. Cut into 4 by 4 inch squares. Gather the scraps together and set aside. Place wafers on one or two parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm, about 30 to 45 minutes. Repeat with the second batch of dough.
5. Adjust the rack to the upper and lower positions and preheat oven to 180′C.
6. Gather the scraps together into a ball, chill until firm, and reroll. Dust the surface with more sweet rice flour and roll out the dough to get a couple more wafers.
7. Prick the wafers with toothpick or fork, not all the way through, in two or more rows.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, until browned and slightly firm to the touch, rotating sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.
9. When cooled completely, place enough wafers in food processor to make 1 ¼ cups of crumbs.

Nanaimo Bars
Ingredients:
For Nanaimo Bars — Bottom Layer
115g unsalted butter
50g granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 large egg, beaten
1 1/4 cups gluten free graham wafer crumbs (See previous recipe)
55g almonds, finely chopped
130g shredded coconut

For Nanaimo Bars — Middle Layer
115g unsalted butter
40ml heavy cream
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
254g icing sugar

For Nanaimo Bars — Top Layer
115g semi-sweet chocolate
28g unsalted butter

Directions:
1. For bottom Layer: Melt unsalted butter, sugar and cocoa in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, nuts and coconut. Press firmly into an ungreased 8 by 8 inch pan.
2. For Middle Layer: Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light in colour. Spread over bottom layer.
3. For Top Layer: Melt chocolate and unsalted butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool, pour over middle layer and chill.

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87 Comments »

  1. Lauren said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 1:36 am

    Well, smoothly is good! I’m also glad you’re not leaving. I always love coming to see what you’ve done! The photos are breath-taking as always =D. I’m so glad you completed my challenge!

  2. Audax Artifex said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 2:04 am

    WOWOWOW that Nanaimo ‘pie’ is perfection as is the photograph itself. Love the contrast between the layers and glad to hear that this month’s challenge was easy and quick. Yes the DBers can be challenging and I hope your time mgnt needs work out for you. Cheers from Audax in Sydney Australia.

  3. Laura said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 2:13 am

    I feel the same as you. I also don’t have a camera any more…..long story, so I am not quite sure how I will take a picture if I manage to make the bars today.

    The reasons why I keep making the challenges are the same as yours, I need to try something different I wouldn’t normally make. And I love the challenge to make the recipe my own.

    I will be starting a new job in two months so I am not sure I will be able to keep up with the monthly challenges, but it is only once a month, right, and it is all about time management.

    Beautifully done as usual.

  4. Rosa said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 2:21 am

    A superb pie! I’m ready you are not giving it up! Like you, I also have time management issues…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  5. Angie@Angie's Recipes said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 2:44 am

    What a super chocolate pie! I bookmark it.

  6. Manggy said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 2:52 am

    It will be a great loss to the group – you’re easily one of the best and most creative bakers there. I hope you had a productive time-off :)

  7. sara said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 3:17 am

    So cute! Yum. :)

  8. Asha@FSK said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 4:07 am

    Stunning as always Y! Now you can’t go away from DB and leave with out such gorgeousness to drool over, can you?! Noo, you wouldn’t do that ;-) )

  9. sugar plum fairy said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 4:23 am

    YOur pics are so beautiful and inspiring and stunning….but i can say that about ur whole blog ,cant i?
    Well no funny story but yet always well written and a read i love…..

  10. Juliana said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 5:56 am

    Yummie, what a nice looking pie, absolutely gorgeous…could have a bite of it just now :-) As always, great pictures!

  11. grace said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 6:14 am

    i hope you don’t give up, y, because your creations are always inspired. this one’s no exception–the layers are perfect!

  12. Jenny said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 6:31 am

    Don’t give up! That’s what makes these challenges – because I’m sure the challenge for all of us is about time, not necessarily skill. These are beautiful Nanaimo Bars – and I’m sure it was satisfying to get them done early in the month (I happened to do the same thing). Great job!!

  13. Mary said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 7:00 am

    That looks delicious. Look at that thick layer of chocolate on top. :) Your photography is beautiful as always, very crisp.

  14. clumbsycookie said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 7:43 am

    They’re lovely round like that :) I hear you, I do hear you… but don’t leave us. I always enjoy “baking” with you every month and you’re always the first DB post to appear in my reader!

  15. Steph said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 8:20 am

    I’m so glad you’re still enjoying the challenges and not giving up, you’re my favourite Daring Baker! Please stick around so you can keep wowing and inspiring :)

  16. Julia @ Mélanger said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 8:53 am

    How cute, like a little tart. I would love to be sitting down to this, with knife and fork at the ready, for a taste. I love your little spin on all the challenges. Beautiful, as always.

    Oh, and no pressure to stay in the DB group, by the looks of it above! :)

  17. Sugar Chef said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 11:32 am

    Know what you mean about managing time. I have missed a few DB challenges due to work responsibilities, but like you I enjoy learning something new each time I do a challenge. Your Nanaimo pie looks great!!

  18. Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 11:40 am

    Very chic and I love the gleaming top layer of chocolate (which was such a bugger for me to cut :( )!

  19. deeba said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 12:11 pm

    Gorgeous…I made round ones too,but yours are FAR better & prettier than mine. I was in the love/hate relationship with DB at one point in time,but have now figured that I have so much to learn & it’s fun, so this is one thing I’m sticking to.
    Love your blog Y… you are FAB!!

  20. Cakelaw said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 12:41 pm

    I’m with you – I have contemplated giving up DBs a number of times, but here I am, still doing it. I think if I let go, I might miss out.

  21. anna said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 2:56 pm

    Oh so elegant! I wish I’d had time to do this challenge but it never even tried to be a possibility for me this month. I’m excited and nervous about next month, though – school is practically over and I’ll have TIME again!!

  22. Erika from The Pastry Chef At Home said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 3:21 pm

    Your styling of a Nanaimo bar is so pretty. Plenty of other interpretations i’ve seen are *ahem* “Brutti ma buoni” if you know what I mean. This concept of ’sensible’ you speak of is meant for things like old lady shoes and wheat bran. It should never be used within earshot of chocolate. Live it up in the kitchen while you can!

  23. Arwen from Hoglet K said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 3:37 pm

    They look so shiny and chocolatey! You always need time to do fun things, and you shouldn’t feel bad about a little bit of time spent doing what you want.

  24. Winnie said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 4:05 pm

    Very pretty shape! Did you enjoy the taste? I definitely found these to be super sweet; my kids loved ‘em though.

  25. sheba said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 5:07 pm

    Its too beautiful..shiny and perfect….How can u even think of leaving you are so absolutely great at!

  26. theheat01 said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 5:38 pm

    I LOVE how you present your nanaimo “pie” This was my first challenge and I hope to get more creative as time goes on :)

    I’ve been having the same issue balancing cooking, work, and school; but I’ve truly decided that I feel better if I cook than if I don’t at the end of the day and baking should be included inthere every once in awhile :)

  27. cakebrain said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 6:25 pm

    What a unique shape for a Nanaimo Bar! I think I like it better! In Vancouver, these things are considered local food. Nanaimo is a hop and a skip away from Vancouver; on the island.

  28. chef_d said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 6:37 pm

    wow your nanaimo bar/pie looks gorgeous :)

  29. chef_d said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 6:39 pm

    wow! what an elegant presentation!

  30. Trissa said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 7:07 pm

    Stunning – simply stunning! I am glad you chose to stick with the Daring Bakers – and I can attest to how generous you are with sharing information and techniques! The baking world is a better place with you around!

  31. cedar chests said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 7:07 pm

    Nice post! I like the smoothness of the bars! And the presentation was so clean and beautiful!

  32. Sophie said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 7:38 pm

    waw,…you have made another master piece!!!

    Excellent baking & look at all of those yummie layers!! Rich, decadent & ooh so appetising looking!!

    MMMM,…Y!

  33. Liz said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 8:56 pm

    Love the pie shape and the photos. Looks fantastic! (And I am sure tastes it, too).

  34. shaz said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 9:09 pm

    “Please don’t go, oh,oh,oh”. Glad you’re still hanging around the DB traps, would really not be the same each month without coming here to check out how you took the challenge and transformed it into something absolutely sensational. I know I’ve said this before Y – you’re the reason I decided to join the Daring Bakers – but i know what it’s like with life and busyness, so I’ll enjoy it while I can. Love the presentation of this month’s challenge – perfect circle!

  35. s-j said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 9:51 pm

    Looks amazing! I really love the roundness – I know that sounds odd but there is something really appealing about the bars in the round.

  36. Monika said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 9:52 pm

    I love your little Nanaimo cakes. They’re so elegant. I felt the same about this challenge. It wasn’t the kind of recipe I would normally make, but it turned out sooo much better than I expected. That’s why I love the DB – they make me try things I would never dream of and I learn something new with every challenge. Hope to see you in the next month’s challenge :)

    Best wishes,
    Monika

  37. Hilda said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 10:39 pm

    It’s so elegant! Must be the most elegant nanaimo bar I’ve ever seen I’m sure, and the perfect little slice. *thinks to herself I wonder if it keeps in shipping* Sorry I haven’t been visiting regularly and seeing your lovely creations, cheesecake with salted butter caramel sauce yum! and carrot cake! yummmm! (we speak the same language, although I think we both know this already…) ;)

  38. Christy said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 11:10 pm

    I love that first photo of the small pie in contrast to the big cutlery. ‘I’m a giant!’ I love the concept of toying with proportions!

    Your chocolate looks seriously sexy! I haven’t had much luck with chocolate of any kind lately, so I’m envious! I think I’m suffering the wrath of the couverture gods after ‘cheating’ on one occasion by using compound.

    I really love the light in these photos!

  39. Caitlin said,

    January 27, 2010 @ 11:46 pm

    I’m with you on the debating whether this DB thing is worth it. Take, for instance, my lack of DB post this month…. I made them, but they stuck in the pan. So I gave up. Yours, however, look so sleek and pretty that I’m jealous. And glad I kept my pan of stuck-to-the-bottom nanaimo bars, because at least now I can taste them :)

  40. Lindsay said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 12:38 am

    Oooh, so pretty to do it like a pie!!! Your photography is gorgeous!

  41. Pei-Lin said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 12:38 am

    Hey, there! I’ve heard so much of nanaimo bars since my days in the States. But, just am never motivated to make some. Because yours looks so picture-perfect, I might just try my hands on this after Chinese New Year. Right now, all of us are waiting for our turn to get overfed! LOL!

  42. Claire said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 3:42 am

    I always love coming to your blog and seeing what you’ve done with the challenge – don’t give it up! :)

  43. DK said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 4:03 am

    ….and here I thought that I saw beautiful Nanimo bars already. OMG! Just look at this one! Its Perfection :) The photography rocks :) Great challenge.

    I agree with you, there have been so many times I have felt that I probably should come out of the group since work and this are quite a stretch..but something keeps me hooked and doesnt let go of me. Love these challenges..:)

  44. Hannah said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 4:50 am

    Have never tried nanaimo bars, they sound gorgeous. I saw a few other responses to this months’ challenge but yours look so much… sleeker! HOW do you create such photogenic food?! :D
    Keep at it!
    xxx

  45. Ariel said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 5:55 am

    I just joined the Daring Bakers, and I am happy I did; it gave me a new dessert to try. I like that you made your “bars” round; it is a good way to make it your own.

  46. Zita said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 7:33 am

    Simplicity rules again, brilliant idea Y !:)

  47. Sue said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 10:46 am

    Love the pie shaped bars! So original! Your photographs are beautiful, and I’m glad that you haven’t relinquished your membership! :)

  48. rachel said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 1:27 pm

    This is what is perfection in my books… You cannot quit the Db. We would miss out on these gorgeous sights!

  49. Memoria said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 1:50 pm

    Well, I hope you don’t go!! I love looking at your DB creations. I wish I would have thought to use a round pan. Beautiful!

  50. wizzythestick said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 2:40 pm

    I never had these before so I am very curious as to how they taste.

  51. wizzythestick said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 2:43 pm

    yikes, I left the wrong link in my first post. Sorry about that.

  52. Natalie said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 2:50 pm

    It’s perfect! Wonderful idea to make it round.. it adds a touch of sophistication to it :)

  53. Darina said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 4:47 pm

    I’m from Vancouver, not too far from Nanaimo, and these things are everywhere. BUT I haven’t seen one quite this before. This is one sexy looking Nanaimo bar. Perfection.

  54. Aparna said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 4:55 pm

    Perfect. Love the first picture. The second pic reminds me of a pie-chart. :)
    Your DB relationship and managinng your day sounds suspiciously like mine! LOL Hope your “sensible decision” is anot about leaving the DBs.

  55. Sweets at Vicky's said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 7:44 pm

    Ah, better than nanaimo bars, nanaimo cake! I love cake. You could bake anyhting round and i’d love it 20% more. :) Glad you’re sticking around. I loveeee your blog.

  56. Stephanie said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 7:48 pm

    Your photo is gorgeous, as ever… which is truly doing a great service to the Nanaimo bar! I don’t mean to be un-Canadian in saying this, but in answer to “what do they taste like”, well, just imagine 3 different textures of sweet, sweeter and sweet! And yet, while they can certainly be cloying, you have made yours look so tempting that I almost want one… Brilliantly done!

  57. mademoiselle délicieuse said,

    January 28, 2010 @ 9:01 pm

    Your product looks gorgeous as usual =) At first glance, I thought ‘wagon wheel’ quickly followed by ‘ice-cream sandwich’!

  58. kristen said,

    January 29, 2010 @ 5:03 am

    beautiful little nanaimo pie. but then it seems that everything you make turns out super cute. well done once again!

  59. Cheri said,

    January 29, 2010 @ 8:26 am

    I love the simplicity of your photos. And, they are just too cute as little round cakes. I for one am glad that you will be sticking it out a little bit longer. I always enjoy seeing your creations. :)

  60. shez said,

    January 29, 2010 @ 10:43 am

    woohooooo :) hooray for holidays and the time to do the fun stuff without the associated “if I do this then I can’t do xyz”… especially when xyz = sleep. am glad you’re sticking with the challenges, and it’s so encouraging to hear that even you (miss makes-delicious-foods-for-a-living) are learning new things every time.

  61. Jill @ Jillicious Discoveries said,

    January 29, 2010 @ 2:11 pm

    I’m glad you are staying with the Daring Bakers’. I always look forward to your posts–I love the circle shape of your Nanaimo bars. :)

  62. Michelle said,

    January 29, 2010 @ 2:42 pm

    I’m glad you’re not ready to hang up your apron! Stay with us!!

    Love your Nanaimo rounds!

  63. Emily said,

    January 29, 2010 @ 4:09 pm

    Wow, your Nanaimo are so gorgeous and perfect. Love your photography as well!

    You must stick with us DBers, love seeing your work!

  64. Lisa said,

    January 29, 2010 @ 9:14 pm

    I’m so with you on the DB pull. I’ve been having those feelings when it comes to Daring Cooks..but I kind of like them in a weird way. It’s sort of like the challenge of it feeds the pull and provides the fuel. That said, your Nanaimo’s, as expected, are gorgeous. Love the circular disk shape..kind of like a Nanaimo flying saucer :)

  65. lisa @ dandysugar said,

    January 30, 2010 @ 2:09 am

    Perfection! Very lovely and so pretty–love the round shape.

  66. Natalie said,

    January 30, 2010 @ 3:11 am

    Simply fabulous job! I love your round version.

    Natalie @ Gluten a Go Go

  67. Big Boys Oven said,

    January 30, 2010 @ 9:36 am

    wow very petite and also very gourmet too! marvellous! “I can’t take my eyes of you!”

  68. Hannah said,

    January 31, 2010 @ 2:59 am

    I hear ya… Some months, the DB challenge feels much more like an obligation than a fun, optional activity. Hopefully February will bring something worthwhile, right?

    And I do love your round nanaimo, it’s like a giant cookie cake!

  69. Jenny Tan said,

    January 31, 2010 @ 7:08 am

    I love your presentation! I made one in a ring mold (cos’ I didn’t think anyone in the family would like it, and didn’t wanna waste all of the ingredients – but I was wrong), but look nothing like yours! So perfect! I can totally understand how you feel, but am glad you’re not leaving DB yet. And if you chose to in the future, I’ll still be stopping by…challenge or no challenge, your stuff always looks great!

  70. Arfi said,

    January 31, 2010 @ 10:38 am

    Oh, since it is gluten-free, I so want to try it out! Love the photos!

  71. Aran said,

    January 31, 2010 @ 10:58 am

    Y, I’m on a db hiatus at the moment… I couldn’t do it with everything else. I felt bad about it for a while but like you say, I had to manage my time smartly. But I love seeing what you come up with every month!

  72. Lisa said,

    January 31, 2010 @ 9:55 pm

    Beautiful – as always your food looks amazing and beautifully photographed. I hope you are able to stick around in Daring Bakers, this was my first months challenge and looking over your beautiful blog was one of the reasons I decided to join and see if I could improve my skills. Lovely, lovely take on the Nanaimo bars.

  73. erin said,

    February 1, 2010 @ 10:14 am

    It’s so cute! The cut version looks like a little Pac-Man! I know what you mean about time. I probably shouldn’t be looking at your site right now, but I can’t resist! Such great stuff. :-)

  74. zenchef said,

    February 1, 2010 @ 10:43 am

    This looks ridiculously awesome. The best Nanaimo bar i ever seen. Probably the best i will ever see. I bow to you O’ Wizard of the pastry kitchen. :)

  75. Joy said,

    February 1, 2010 @ 11:22 am

    Absolutely gorgeous!! So danity, petite and perfect. I was adamant I would put much more effort in this month but (again) just ran out of time. Would love to do these challenges a couple of times before photographing and posting but it just never seems to happen!! :)

    Yours are stunning!! :)

  76. Anita said,

    February 1, 2010 @ 4:37 pm

    You’ve made a slice look like a beautiful dessert at a fancy restaurant. That’s one of the things I love about your cooking and styling. Don’t stop with the Daring Bakers, it’s great seeing your creations.

  77. Sarka said,

    February 2, 2010 @ 1:35 am

    These are the most beautiful Nanaimo bars I’ve seen! I like it in this shape. You did a wonderful job here! :)

  78. Ana Powell said,

    February 2, 2010 @ 9:56 pm

    Awesome work.
    Absolutely delicious and beautiful pictures.
    A master piece, I love your work x

  79. Dana said,

    February 3, 2010 @ 5:55 am

    Great take on a homey classic as usual Y! I gave up on the DB because I just didn’t have time to do the challenges as well as I wanted to do them. I keep saying I’ll go back and sign up again but the months keep slipping by.

    Not sorry to miss this challenge though. Despite the fact that I’m Canadian and have even been to Nanaimo, this is one of my least favourite sweets of all times.

  80. Emma @CakeMistress said,

    February 3, 2010 @ 1:21 pm

    Marvelling at the gorgeous pie shape you’ve created for your Nanaimo bars! So talented :)

  81. Jamie said,

    February 4, 2010 @ 3:02 am

    You just make everything stunning, elegant, gorgeous! Wow!

  82. betty said,

    February 5, 2010 @ 10:45 am

    good work on the db challenge! i really had NO time to do it last mth was so flat out eeek ;/

  83. Josie said,

    February 8, 2010 @ 9:48 am

    these look lovely! the photos are gorgeous!

  84. sam said,

    February 13, 2010 @ 1:01 pm

    If my husband (who does all the baking at Cooks Larder Avalon) doesn’t make me these soon… there will be trouble. He is in charge of all sweet things and these are definitely top of the list. Sam

  85. Travis said,

    February 16, 2010 @ 4:02 am

    Yum! These look amazing.

  86. Ash said,

    February 16, 2010 @ 2:22 pm

    I love how you did these!! I swear this is one of my all time favorite desserts!

  87. Elif said,

    June 26, 2010 @ 2:12 am

    I love everything you cook… and all your photos as they are gorgoeus!! I dont know how come I did not come across with your blog earlier. Adorable!!every piece of it.

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