Prayer Bars...not just for Sundays

These prayer bars are very similar to a special Canadian cookie bar called the Nanaimo Bar.  Chocolate, custard, and coconut.  Delicious!

This recipe for prayer bars comes from my favorite 1976 Edina Morningside Church Cookbook.  I hope you give it a try.

Prayer Bars

First layer:
1/2 cup butter
4 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut

Melt butter and cocoa over hot water.  Add powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla.  Set aside.  Mix crumbs, nuts, and coconut.  Add to first mixture and press into a 9x13 inch pan.  Chill.

Second layer:
1/2 cup butter
3 Tbsp cream
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp dry vanilla pudding mix (not instant)
2 cups powdered sugar

Melt butter.  Add cream, vanilla, and pudding mix.  Cook 1 minute, stirring.  Remove from heat.  Add powdered sugar and spread over first mixture.  Chill.

Third layer:
Melt a 9 3/4 oz Hershey bar and spread on top.

Cut into squares and keep in refrigerator or freeze.