Nanaimo Cake

 from JVR Instagram

Nanaimo Bar Cake!!

Base:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 cup sugar (white or brown)
1 large egg or 2 Tbsp golden syrup or honey
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds
Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp fine salt
1 cup warm water or coffee
1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 Tbsp white or cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
Frosting:
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup custard powder (such as Bird’s)
4 cups icing sugar, plus extra if needed
1/4-1/3 cup cream, milk or coconut milk
Ganache:
1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (6 oz/175 g)
1 cup whipping cream or coconut milk

Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line two 8x4-inch loaf pans with parchment.

In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, cocoa, sugar and egg. Stir in the graham crumbs, coconut and nuts. Divide the mixture between the pans and press evenly into the bottom. (I find this easier with dampened hands.)

In the same bowl (no need to wash it) whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In another bowl or measuring cup, stir together the water, oil, vinegar and vanilla, add to the dry ingredients and whisk just until well blended. Divide between the pans, pouring over the Nanaimo bar base, and bake for 50-60 minutes, until puffed, cracked and springy to the touch. Let cool completely while you make the frosting.

In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth, then add the custard powder, sugar and 1/4 cup of the cream and beat until you have a fluffy frosting, adding a bit more cream (or even a tablespoon of water) if needed. Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread with the frosting and put into the fridge until it firms up a bit. To make the ganache, put the chocolate into a bowl, warm the cream on the stovetop or in the microwave and pour it over the chocolate, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Whisk until well blended and smooth. Let cool for 20 minutes, then spread over each cake.