Nutella Nanaimo Bars

Source - http://sweettwistoffate.blogspot.com/2012/02/nutella-nanaimo-bars.html

(Adapted from Anna Olson- Back to Baking)

INGREDIENTS:

Base

2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 egg

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Filling

3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup icing sugar, sifted

1/2 cup Nutella

1 tbsp heavy cream

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Topping

5 oz dark chocolate (72%)

2 tbsp unsalted butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 8 inch square pan with parchment and spray with non-stick spray. 

2) Make the base : In a large bowl combine cookie crumbs, sugar, cocoa and coconut and mix together. 

3) Stir in the melted butter, egg and vanilla, mix all together until damp. 

4)  Press the crumbs flat into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.    Let cool while preparing the filling. 

5) Make the filling :  In a medium bowl , add butter and icing sugar and beat together to form a thick paste.  Add the Nutella, cream and vanilla and beat until smooth.    

6) Using an offset spatula spread the filling on to the crust.  Cover with plastic wrap, directly on the filling pressing flat and let chill until firm.  

7) When firm make the topping.   Melt chocolate and butter over a double boiler.   When completely melted let cool slightly and spread over the filling layer.    Chill again to completely set.   Slice in to bars and store in the refrigerator.