Heavenly Triple-Layered Nanaimo Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet tooth enthusiasts adore these classic Canadian triple-layered nanaimo bars that blend creamy textures and rich flavors.

Nostalgic memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through each delightful bite.

Crisp graham cracker base provides a sturdy foundation for the luscious custard middle layer.

Chocolate ganache crowns this dreamy dessert with silky perfection.

Mixing tradition and indulgence, these bars represent comfort in every square.

No baking required means you can whip up this treat quickly and easily.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with these irresistible nanaimo bars.

Why Nanaimo Bars Are a Triple-Layered Dream

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These Nanaimo bars are a guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, and family gatherings, offering a delightful treat that everyone will adore.
• Tackle Layered Complexity: While the recipe involves multiple steps, each layer is straightforward to prepare, making it achievable for bakers with moderate cooking skills.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different nuts, chocolate types, or add a personal twist by incorporating alternative flavor extracts in the middle layer for a unique dessert experience.
• No-Bake Sweet Sensation: Skip the oven and enjoy a delicious dessert that comes together without traditional baking, perfect for warm days or when you want a quick sweet treat.

The Ingredients Behind These Sweet Canadian Layers

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps bind the bottom layer together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a cohesive texture in the base.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor to the bottom layer.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and add richness to the base.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a crunchy and sturdy foundation for the bar.
• Almonds: Adds a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the base.
• Shredded Coconut: Introduces a tropical texture and subtle sweetness.

• Butter: Provides a smooth and creamy base for the filling.
• Custard Powder: Gives a distinctive flavor and helps thicken the middle layer.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the middle layer.

• Chocolate: Creates a smooth, rich topping for the Nanaimo bars.
• Butter: Helps melt and smooth the chocolate for easy spreading.

How to Make Each Decadent Layer Shine

Step 1: Create Chocolate Cookie Base

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Egg
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Almonds
• Shredded coconut

Combine butter, sugar, and cocoa in a double boiler until silky smooth.

Slowly pour in the beaten egg, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling. Remove from heat and fold in the graham cracker crumbs, chopped almonds, and coconut.

Press this decadent mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch pan, creating an even, compact layer.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Custard Filling

Craft a luscious, velvety middle layer that melts in your mouth.

Blend softened butter with custard powder and heavy cream until light and airy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

Gently spread this dreamy filling over the chocolate base. Pop the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let it set perfectly.

Step 3: Crown With Chocolate Glaze

Transform your bars with a glossy chocolate topping that adds the ultimate finishing touch. Melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until completely smooth and shiny.

Pour the chocolate over the chilled custard layer, ensuring an even coating. Return to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.

Once firm, slice into delectable squares and prepare to be amazed by this classic Canadian treat.

Tips for Clean Cuts and Perfect Texture

• Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smoother bottom layer texture and better binding.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help achieve a more uniform mixture and prevent curdling when combining eggs.
• Chill each layer completely before adding the next to maintain distinct, clean layers and prevent mixing.
• Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for the top layer to enhance the overall richness and depth of flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almonds.

Layered Dessert Combos to Try Beyond the Classic

• Nutty Crunch Edition: Replace almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and rich, earthy flavor. Sprinkle extra nuts on top for a crunchy garnish.
• Espresso Chocolate Blast: Mix instant espresso powder into the chocolate top layer for a bold coffee undertone. Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate to enhance the intense coffee notes.
• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap shredded coconut with toasted macadamia nuts and add a layer of passion fruit puree between the middle and top layers. Drizzle white chocolate over the finished bars for extra sweetness.
• Berry Fusion Version: Incorporate raspberry powder into the middle layer and top the bars with fresh raspberry compote. Use white chocolate for the top layer to create a vibrant color contrast.

What Pairs with a Rich Square of Nanaimo Bliss

• Chocolate Companion: Pair these rich Nanaimo bars with a bold, dark roast coffee that cuts through the sweetness and complements the chocolate's deep flavor profile.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a late harvest Riesling or a sweet dessert wine with hints of apricot and honey to balance the bar's creamy custard layer and nutty base.
• Whiskey Whispers: Enjoy a smooth Canadian whisky like Crown Royal, which echoes the Canadian origin of Nanaimo bars and provides a warming contrast to the cool, layered dessert.
• Tea Time Treat: Brew a robust Earl Grey tea with its bergamot notes to enhance the chocolate and provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the bar's rich textures.

How to Store Nanaimo Bars Without Losing the Layers

• Refrigeration: Store Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars or entire pan tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Do not leave out for more than 2 hours.
• Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled. If desired, microwave individual bars for 5-10 seconds to slightly soften the chocolate layer. Avoid overheating to prevent melting.

Common Questions About This Iconic Canadian Treat

• What are Nanaimo Bars?

A traditional Canadian dessert originating from Nanaimo, British Columbia, featuring three distinct layers of chocolate, custard, and graham cracker base that create a rich, sweet treat.

• Are Nanaimo Bars difficult to make?

No, they’re relatively simple. Each layer requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making them accessible for home bakers with moderate cooking skills.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can swap graham crackers with digestive biscuits, use different nuts instead of almonds, or replace custard powder with vanilla pudding mix for similar results.

• How long do Nanaimo Bars typically last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can remain fresh for up to 5-7 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.

Decadent Triple-Layered Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Nanaimo bars showcase Canadian culinary magic with three irresistible layers of sweet, creamy indulgence. Chocolate, custard, and crumbly base combine in this iconic dessert that will transport you straight to British Columbia’s delightful kitchen traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Base Layer:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped

Binders and Fats:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 egg, beaten

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons cocoa powder

Filling Layer:

• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Chocolate Topping Layer:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational layer by melting butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a double boiler until silky and uniform. Carefully incorporate the beaten egg, whisking continuously to prevent lumping.
2. Remove from heat and fold in graham cracker crumbs, almonds, and shredded coconut until thoroughly integrated. Compress the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch pan, creating a compact base.
3. For the creamy middle tier, whip softened butter, custard powder, and heavy cream until achieving a luxurious, aerated texture. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, blending until completely smooth.
4. Distribute the creamy mixture uniformly across the initial layer, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow proper solidification.
5. Prepare the final chocolate stratum by gently melting chocolate and butter together, stirring until achieving a glossy, seamless consistency.
6. Pour the molten chocolate over the chilled middle layer, using a spatula to create an even, glistening surface. Return to refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until chocolate sets completely.
7. Once fully hardened, slice into precise, delectable squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure chocolate melts slowly to prevent seizing by using low, gentle heat and stirring consistently during double boiler process.
• Chill each layer thoroughly before adding the next to maintain distinct texture and prevent layers from blending together.
• Customize the bottom layer by substituting almonds with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for varied crunch and flavor profile.
• Use high-quality chocolate and pure vanilla extract to elevate the overall taste and richness of the Nanaimo bars.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg