Cherry Almond Nanaimo Bars

Indulge in the decadent layers of Cherry Almond Nanaimo Bars, a no-bake dessert that combines a rich chocolatey base, a luscious cherry almond filling, and a silky chocolate topping. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this recipe puts a fruity twist on the classic Canadian treat with the addition of cherry preserves and a hint of almond extract. The base is a delightful medley of graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and crunchy almonds, while the creamy filling adds a pop of tangy sweetness. Topped with a glossy layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate, these bars are as stunning as they are delicious. Ready in just 35 minutes of active prep and packed with flavor, these Cherry Almond Nanaimo Bars are sure to become your go-to dessert for making a lasting impression.

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 piece Large egg
• 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
• 0.5 cup Chopped almonds
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (for filling)
• 2 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup Cherry preserves
• 0.5 teaspoon Almond extract
• 1 tablespoon Heavy cream
• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir in 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder until smooth.

Step 3

Quickly whisk in the large egg, and cook while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4

Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds until well combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 5

For the filling, use an electric mixer to cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, cherry preserves, almond extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6

Spread the cherry almond filling evenly over the chilled base. Place the pan back in the refrigerator to set for about 20 minutes.

Step 7

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.

Step 8

Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled filling, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to smooth out the chocolate topping.

Step 9

Chill the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully set. Once set, cut into 16 squares and serve.

Step 10

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1191.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5439.5

Total Fat 316.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 160.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 645.3mg	0%
Sodium 1287.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 672.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.3g	0%
Total Sugars 479.2g
Protein 68.7g	0%

Vitamin D 113.3IU	0%
Calcium 480.8mg	0%
Iron 25.9mg	0%
Potassium 2191.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.0%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 46.3%