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Dominoes – Non Bake Dainties

The memory is crystal clear: sneaking into Grandma’s pantry when I was barely tall enough to reach the bottom shelf. There, nestled amongst the flour sacks and jars of homemade pickles, sat a pan of these very Dominoes. The rich, cocoa-scented base, the creamy filling, and that unmistakable chocolate topping – a symphony of textures and flavors that screamed “childhood indulgence.” They were always such a special treat, and now, finally, I get to recreate that magic in my own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling time
Servings: Varies based on slice size
Yield: 1 9×9 or 9×13 pan of squares
Dietary Type: Not specified (contains dairy, eggs)

Ingredients

For the Base

½ cup margarine
¼ cup sugar
4 tablespoons sifted cocoa
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1 cup desiccated coconut

For the Filling

¼ cup margarine
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 cups icing sugar

For the Topping

1 bar of chocolate OR your favorite chocolate icing
1 teaspoon butter (if melting chocolate)

Equipment Needed

Double boiler (or heatproof bowl and saucepan)
9-inch square pan or 9×13 inch pan
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
Spatula

Instructions

Begin by preparing the base. Combine the margarine, sugar, sifted cocoa, beaten egg, and vanilla in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until all the ingredients are well combined and the margarine is melted. The mixture should be smooth and glossy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the heat and add the graham wafer crumbs and desiccated coconut. Stir well until all the crumbs and coconut are evenly incorporated into the wet ingredients.
Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your chosen pan. For thicker squares, use a 9-inch square pan. For thinner squares, a 9×13 inch pan will work. A flat-bottomed measuring cup or the back of a spoon can help you achieve a smooth and compacted base.
Now, let’s make the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the margarine, orange juice, custard powder, and icing sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. An electric mixer will make this process much easier, but you can also use a whisk and some elbow grease. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated and there are no lumps of icing sugar or custard powder remaining.
Spread the creamy filling evenly over the prepared base. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth and uniform layer.
Chill the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the topping. This allows the filling to set and firm up, which will make it easier to spread the chocolate later.
For the topping, you have two options: You can either melt a bar of chocolate with 1 teaspoon of butter, or use your favorite chocolate icing.
If you’re melting chocolate, break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl along with the butter. Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and glossy.
Spread the melted chocolate (or your favorite chocolate icing) evenly over the chilled filling.
Chill the pan again in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or preferably longer, to allow the chocolate topping to set completely.
Once the topping is firm, cut the Dominoes into squares or rectangles of your desired size. A warm, damp knife can help you make clean cuts without cracking the chocolate.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra burst of orange flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling.
If your filling is too thick, add a little more orange juice one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a tablespoon more of icing sugar.
To prevent the chocolate topping from cracking when cutting, warm a large knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice through the chocolate in one smooth motion. Repeat as needed.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought graham cracker crusts as a shortcut for the base.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Dominoes are best served chilled. They’re perfect as an afternoon treat, a party dessert, or a sweet addition to a potluck.

Storage: Store any leftover Dominoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the Dominoes for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (estimated)	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	40mg	13%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	25g	–
Protein	3g	6%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the graham wafer crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free margarine alternative for both the base and the filling.
Chocolate Variation: For a richer chocolate experience, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling along with the custard powder and icing sugar.
Nutty Dominoes: Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the base mixture for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular butter instead of margarine?

A: Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in both the base and the filling. However, margarine tends to create a slightly softer texture, so the butter might make the base a bit firmer.

Q: Do I have to use orange juice in the filling?

A: Orange juice adds a lovely citrus note to the filling, but you can substitute it with milk or cream for a milder flavor.

Q: Can I use a different flavor of extract instead of vanilla?

A: Absolutely! Almond extract or maple extract would both be delicious additions to the base.

Q: My filling is too runny. What can I do?

A: Add more icing sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure to beat the mixture well after each addition.

Q: How long do the Dominoes need to chill before cutting?

A: It’s best to chill them for at least an hour, but longer chilling times will allow the filling and topping to set even more firmly, making them easier to cut.

Final Thoughts

These Dominoes are more than just a recipe; they’re a trip down memory lane, a comforting reminder of simpler times and cherished family traditions. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories with your loved ones. Feel free to experiment with the variations and make it your own. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your experience! These Dominoes pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate sweet treat. Enjoy!

Dominoes – Non Bake Dainties Recipe