Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars

Submitted by ellie3763

"from "food and whine" - http://www.fortysomething.ca/2010/01/peanut_butter_nanaimo_bars.php"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 1 8x8 pan
• Serves: 16

ingredients

• For the Base

• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1⁄4 cup cocoa
• 1 1⁄2 cups graham wafer crumbs
• 1⁄4 cup coconut
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted peanuts, finely chopped

• For the Middle Layer

• 1⁄2 cup smooth peanut butter or 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

• For the Top Layer

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate

directions

1. In a saucepan mix together butter, sugar and the beaten egg. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened.
2. In a large bowl mix together the graham wafer crumbs, coconut and finely chopped peanuts. Add the butter egg mixture and mix well. Press evenly into an foil or parchment lined 8-inch square pan and chill for 15 minutes.
3. Beat together peanut butter, butter, icing sugar, and milk until smooth. (I like to do a taste test and sometimes add a bit more peanut butter). Spread over the base. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.
4. Melt chocolate and butter together in a double-boiler over hot water or in the microwave. Spread over middle layer. Chill until firm and then cut into squares.