Napolean Cream Bars
Delicious layered dessert featuring rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and sweet graham cracker crust, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings and impressing guests at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1/2 cup butter, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla in the top of a double boiler.
- Cook over boiling water until the butter melts.
- Stir in the slightly beaten egg and continue to stir until mixture is thick, about 3 minutes.
- Blend in graham cracker crumbs and coconut.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don't have vanilla instant pie mix, a blend of vanilla pudding mix and a bit of cornstarch can work as a substitute. Be sure to fold the graham cracker crumbs gently to maintain a light texture. For added texture, try incorporating shredded coconut.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be served as a delightful dessert at gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee. They pair beautifully with Sour Cream Strawberry Pie for a refreshing contrast. For a more indulgent experience, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Napoleon Cream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain the best texture, allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer them cold, you can also enjoy them straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Napolean Cream Bars contains roughly 1534 calories, with 23g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (73% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
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 another type of cookie instead of graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can be used as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs. This will slightly alter the flavor but still yield a delicious crust.
Is it necessary to use paraffin wax in this recipe?
Paraffin wax is often used for coating the chocolate chips to create a smooth finish. However, you can omit it and simply melt the chocolate chips with a little butter to achieve a similar result without wax.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture or fold in additional chocolate chips. This will give your bars a more intense chocolate experience.
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).