Nanaimo bars

• softened butter125g g
• caster sugar↗50g g
• cocoa powder↗5 tbsp tbsp
• egg↗1 1

  beaten

• digestive biscuits200g g

  blitzed to crumbs

• desiccated coconut↗100g g
• chopped almonds50g g

  (optional)

• butter↗100g g

  softened

• double cream↗4 tbsp tbsp
• custard powder↗3 tbsp tbsp
• icing sugar↗250g g
• dark chocolate↗150g g
• butter↗50g g

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the biscuit crumbs, coconut and almonds if using, then press into the base of a lined 20cm square tin. Chill for 10 mins.

2. 2

   For the middle layer, make the custard icing; whisk together the butter, cream and custard powder until light and fluffy, then gradually add the icing sugar until fully incorporated. Spread over the bottom layer and chill in the fridge for at least 10 mins until the custard is no longer soft.

3. 3

   Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, then spread over the chilled bars and put back in the fridge. Leave until the chocolate has fully set (about 2 hrs). Take the mixture out of the tin and slice into squares to serve.