California Fig Nanaimo Bars

Servings: 16

Prep Time
Cook Time
Total Time
Yield
16 bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup California Dried Figs, divided
  • 1 cup + 2 Tbsp butter, softened and divided
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 2 Tbsp vanilla custard powder
  • 2 1/2 tbsp 35% whipping cream
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Directions

  1. Grease 8-inch square pan; line with parchment paper. Finely chop half of the figs; slice remaining figs.

  2. In heatproof bowl set over larger pan of simmering water (being careful the bowl does not touch the water), melt 1/2 cup butter, cocoa and sugar, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth. Whisk in egg, whisking for 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in graham crumbs, walnuts and chopped figs. Press firmly into bottom of prepared pan.

  3. Using electric mixer, cream 1/2 cup butter, icing sugar and custard powder. Beat in cream for 2 or 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over prepared base.

  4. In microwavable bowl, combine chocolate and remaining butter; microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted. Let cool for about 15 minutes or until room temperature, then spread evenly over filling.

  5. Arrange sliced figs decoratively on top. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until firm before cutting into squares.

  • Tip: Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired.