Napoleon Creams: A Nostalgic Treat
The scent of cocoa and vanilla still transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every summer, my cousins and I would gather at her house, and she’d always have a batch of these waiting for us. We called them “Grandma’s Specials,” and they were the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey. They weren’t fancy, but they were made with love, and that’s what made them so special. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, but the heart of it remains the same.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: Variable, approximately 44 bars
- Yield: One 9×9 inch pan
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free)
Ingredients
-
For the Crust:
- ½ cup margarine or ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup cocoa
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup flaked sweetened coconut
-
For the Filling:
- ½ cup margarine or ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 ½ ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups powdered sugar
-
For the Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
- 2 tablespoons margarine or 2 tablespoons butter
Equipment Needed
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the crust. In a medium saucepan over low heat, or alternatively in the microwave, combine ½ cup of margarine or butter, ¼ cup of cocoa, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Stir the ingredients continuously until the margarine melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 1 egg, beaten, to the mixture.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens. This should take approximately 3 minutes. Be careful not to scramble the egg. If cooking in the microwave, heat for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thickened.
- Add 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 1 cup of flaked sweetened coconut to the thickened mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Grease a 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Ensure it is firmly packed.
- Now, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of margarine or butter, 2 tablespoons of milk, 3 ½ ounces of vanilla instant pudding mix, and 2 cups of powdered sugar.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes, depending on the power of your mixer.
- Spread the vanilla pudding filling evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Chill the pan in the refrigerator until the filling is firm. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
- Once the filling is firm, prepare the topping. In a heat-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semisweet chocolate morsels and 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter.
- Melt the chocolate and margarine together. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
- Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly. This prevents it from melting the pudding layer underneath.
- Spread the slightly cooled chocolate evenly over the pudding layer.
- Chill the entire pan again until the chocolate is completely set. This usually takes another hour.
- Once the chocolate is set, cut the dessert into small bars to serve. A warm knife can help achieve clean cuts.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- For a richer crust, use melted butter instead of margarine.
- If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can make your own by pulsing graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
- To prevent the chocolate topping from cracking when cutting, use a warm knife and wipe it clean between each slice.
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.
- If the chocolate is too thick to spread easily, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.
- To ensure the crust sets properly, you can pre-bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve the Napoleon Creams chilled, straight from the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed cold. These bars are a delightful treat on their own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
To store, place the cut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 128 kcal | N/A |
| Fat | 7.5g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 4.4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 107mg | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 14.9g | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Sugars | 11.9g | N/A |
| Protein | 0.9g | 1% |
Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. You can often find these at specialty grocery stores or online.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for the butter in both the crust and the filling. Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk or soy milk. Ensure the instant pudding mix and chocolate morsels are also dairy-free.
- Nut-Free: Omit the coconut from the crust and ensure all ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility to avoid cross-contamination.
- Peanut Butter Version: Add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the filling for a delicious peanut butter flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Use mint chocolate morsels for the topping and add a drop of peppermint extract to the filling.
- Espresso Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate topping for a mocha-inspired flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time and the thickness of the layers. An 8×8 inch pan will result in thicker bars, while a 9×13 inch pan will result in thinner bars.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time, as they need to chill for several hours anyway. This makes them great for parties or gatherings.
Q: What can I use if I can’t find instant vanilla pudding mix?
A: While instant vanilla pudding mix provides the best texture and convenience, you could try using a homemade vanilla custard or a similar thickening agent, but the results might vary.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to pack the crust firmly into the pan. You can also pre-bake it for a few minutes to help it set before adding the filling.
Q: Can I add nuts to the crust?
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crust for added flavor and texture. Reduce the amount of graham cracker crumbs accordingly.
Final Thoughts
These Napoleon Creams are more than just a dessert; they’re a trip down memory lane. They’re a reminder of simpler times, of family gatherings and shared laughter. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations to make it your own. And please, share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Pair these delightful bars with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for the perfect treat. Enjoy!