Naimo Bars
Naimo Bars are rich, layered chocolate and nut treats with a creamy frosting, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends or family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 13-inch pan and set aside.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, confectioners sugar, cocoa, beaten eggs, and vanilla.
- Cook in the top of a double boiler until thickened like custard.
- Add graham cracker crumbs and chopped nuts to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let it cool.
- Do not cook the graham cracker mixture further.
- Prepare the frosting by mixing confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup butter or margarine, milk, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled layer and let stand for 20 minutes.
- Melt the baking chocolate with 2 tablespoons margarine until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the frosting layer.
- Chill until the bars are firm, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you're short on time, pre-made graham cracker crumbs can save you some effort. You can also substitute the chopped nuts with crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist. Ensure your double boiler is set to a gentle simmer to avoid cooking the mixture too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
These Naimo Bars are perfect for gatherings and pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a delightful addition to dessert platters, especially when accompanied by other sweet treats like Helen Powell's Washington Cheese Cake or Pudding Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Naimo Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Naimo Bars contains roughly 921 calories, with 12g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can easily substitute with your favorites such as walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. Just ensure they are finely chopped to blend well with the mixture.
What can I use instead of butter or margarine?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs as a substitute for regular ones. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well in this recipe, allowing everyone to enjoy these delicious bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).