Nanaimo Bites

While exploring gluten-free recipes, I came across Bob’s Red Mill Everyday Gluten-Free Cookbook. The listing of gluten-free grains sounded mysterious and exciting. I especially liked the idea of cooking with amaranth because years ago I enjoyed a cereal with that grain in flaked form. The book mentioned popping amaranth like popcorn, and I was hooked.

There were many tasty sounding recipes, but the one that caught my eye was a take on the Canadian Nanaimo bar. It had chocolate; it had almond butter; it had popped amaranth. But what it didn’t have was the need to turn on an oven. Therefore, technically, the recipe was not baked. I mulled over whether or not it fell within the realm of this blog. Then I decided I was trying a gluten-free treat so I deserved to stretch the rules.

So, this has no high altitude changes because it’s not a baked treat. It is also based on a recipe that is vegan so there are no necessary substitutions. I made a couple of minor tweaks based on my tastes leaving the recipe with few changes. But it was fun and it is decadent. And my gluten-free friends can eat it.

Nanaimo Bites adapted from Bob’s Red Mill Everyday Gluten-Free Cookbook
Bottom Layer
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups popped amaranth (see instructions below)
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Middle Layer
1 cup almond butter
1/4 cup almond milk
1 TBS coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Top Layer
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tsp coconut oil
Pop amaranth by heating a large dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 TBS amaranth and vigorously shake pan for 12-18 seconds or until seeds have popped (they should begin to pop within 1 to 2 seconds after being added to pan); watch closely, as the amaranth will burn quickly once it has finished popping. Immediately transfer popped seeds to a medium bowl to cool. Continue popping until desired amount is reached.
Prepare an 8×8” baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Bottom Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt coconut oil over low heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and maple syrup until blended and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla. Stir in popped amaranth and chopped nuts until well coated. Press firmly into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm.
Middle Layer: In a saucepan over low heat, melt together almond butter, almond milk, coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and spreadable. Spread over chilled bottom layer. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm.
Top Layer: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil, stirring until melted and smooth. Spread over chilled middle layer. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes, or until chocolate is set.
Using parchment paper overhang, lift from pan and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Until next time, happy baking?