Looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing? These Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint. Perfect as an after-dinner treat or a mid-day snack, these layered bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. Cut them into small pieces for a bite-sized experience that packs a big flavor punch.
Ingredients for Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars
Bottom Layer:
- 1 cup (6 oz./170 g) dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (1 stick/115 g) butter
- 1 1/4 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup (75 g) sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup (2 oz./60 g) finely chopped walnuts (or substitute pecans)
Peppermint Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick/60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure peppermint extract
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.7 g) ground Himalayan sea salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) natural green food coloring (or substitute with matcha or commercial food dye)
Top Layer:
- 3/4 cup (4.5 oz./130 g) dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (1.5 oz./43 g) mint chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) butter
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars
1. Prepare the Bottom Layer
- Lightly grease an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) baking dish and set aside.
- Using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips and butter together until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the graham cracker crumbs, sweetened coconut flakes, and chopped walnuts (or pecans).
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
2. Make the Peppermint Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, cornstarch, peppermint extract, Himalayan sea salt, milk, and natural green food coloring. Beat the mixture until smooth, adjusting the coloring until you achieve the desired minty hue.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled base layer. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow the peppermint layer to firm up.
3. Create the Top Layer
- In a double boiler (bain-marie), melt the dark chocolate chips, mint chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract together.
- Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy, being careful not to overheat.
- Spread the chocolate topping evenly over the peppermint layer. Allow the bars to cool for about 15 minutes, then cut into squares.
A Sweet Treat to Remember
These Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars deliver a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crumbly chocolate base, creamy peppermint center, and smooth chocolate topping come together to create a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars are a surefire way to impress. The refreshing burst of peppermint paired with rich chocolate layers makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whip up a batch today, and prepare to wow your friends, family, and taste buds!
