Irresistible Nanaimo Bars Recipe: Sweet Treat Made Simple

Sweet layers of creamy nanaimo bars have been my ultimate Canadian dessert obsession since childhood.

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each delectable bite.

Crumbly graham cracker base meets rich custard filling and decadent chocolate topping in this iconic treat.

Originating from vancouver island, these no-bake bars showcase pure culinary magic.

Canadians have perfected this dessert into a delightful three-layer masterpiece that melts in your mouth.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making these bars a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor every single sweet, luxurious crumb.

Why Everyone’s Hooked on Nanaimo Bars

• Craft Layered Delight: Nanaimo Bars offer a stunning three-layer dessert that impresses with its intricate texture and rich flavors, making every bite a culinary adventure.
• Master No-Bake Magic: This Canadian classic requires zero oven time, perfect for home bakers who want a stress-free dessert that looks professionally crafted without complex cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like nuts or adjust chocolate intensity to match personal preferences, making these bars adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Share Sweet Memories: These bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations, providing a crowd-pleasing treat that sparks conversation and nostalgic connections.

What You Need for No-Bake Nanaimo Bar Bliss

• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a cohesive texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor to the base layer.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the layer.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a sturdy and crunchy foundation for the bar.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a subtle tropical note.
• Almonds: Provides a nutty crunch and extra flavor.

• Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve a silky texture.
• Custard Powder: Gives a distinct flavor and helps thicken the layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream filling.

• Semisweet Chocolate: Provides a rich, smooth topping with balanced sweetness.
• Butter: Helps create a glossy and spreadable chocolate layer.

Easy Layered Method for Classic Nanaimo Bars

Step 1: Prepare Bottom Layer Mixture

Create a rich chocolatey base by melting butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a double boiler. Slowly whisk in beaten egg until the mixture becomes slightly thickened.

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped almonds

Press the mixture firmly into a greased 8×8-inch pan, ensuring an even, compact layer.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Middle Layer

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Custard powder

Blend until smooth and consistent.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the bottom chocolate layer.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes until completely set.

Step 3: Pour Silky Chocolate Topping

Melt semisweet chocolate and butter using either a microwave or double boiler method.

Pour the glossy chocolate mixture over the chilled middle layer, creating a smooth, even coating. Allow the chocolate to set completely before slicing into delightful square pieces.

Tips to Nail the Texture and Taste of Nanaimo Bars

• Ensure the egg is tempered slowly when adding to the melted butter mixture to prevent scrambling and maintain a smooth chocolate base.
• Press the bottom layer firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact foundation that holds together when cutting.
• Use room temperature butter for the middle layer to achieve a creamy, lump-free custard filling that spreads smoothly.
• Cool the middle layer completely before adding the chocolate topping to prevent melting and create clean, distinct layers.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts to maintain the same texture and flavor profile.

New Flavor Ideas for a Nanaimo Bar Twist

• Peanut Butter Paradise: Replace the middle layer with a creamy peanut butter filling, using smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract for a nutty flavor.
• Matcha Marble Magic: Incorporate matcha powder into the chocolate ganache top layer, creating a green-tinged swirl that adds an earthy, Japanese-inspired touch.
• Berry Bliss Bars: Mix dried cranberries or raspberries into the bottom layer for a fruity punch, and sprinkle freeze-dried berry powder into the middle layer for extra tang.
• Espresso Chocolate Crunch: Add instant espresso powder to the bottom layer and top layer, creating a rich coffee undertone that complements the chocolate perfectly.

What to Enjoy with a Batch of Nanaimo Bars

• Pair with Rich Espresso: A bold, dark espresso complements the sweet, creamy layers of Nanaimo bars, cutting through the richness with its intense coffee notes and creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Enhance with Toasted Almond Liqueur: Serve a small shot of almond-flavored liqueur like Disaronno alongside the bars, echoing the nutty almond element in the bottom layer and adding a sophisticated adult twist.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a small portion of premium vanilla bean ice cream next to the Nanaimo bars, providing a cool, creamy contrast that highlights the dessert's layered textures and chocolate intensity.

Keep Your Nanaimo Bars Tasting Bakery-Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars or entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Place bars in sealed container at cool room temperature for short-term storage, maximum 1-2 days. Avoid warm environments to prevent chocolate melting.
• Reheating: Best enjoyed chilled. If slightly hardened, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften chocolate layer.

Nanaimo Bar FAQs to Know Before You Bake

• What are Nanaimo Bars?

Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian no-bake dessert originating from Nanaimo, British Columbia, consisting of three distinct layers: a chocolate graham cracker base, a creamy custard middle layer, and a smooth chocolate topping.

• Why do Nanaimo Bars not require baking?

These bars are a no-bake dessert, with each layer set by chilling or cooling instead of using an oven, making them perfect for easy summer treats or when you want a quick dessert without heating up the kitchen.

• Are Nanaimo Bars difficult to make?

Nanaimo Bars are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward layering techniques, with no complex baking skills needed – just patience for chilling between layers.

Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent Canadian Nanaimo bars offer a layered dessert paradise of creamy custard, chocolate, and graham cracker crust. Sweet treats from British Columbia promise delectable moments you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds

Primary Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, beaten

Finishing Layer Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 ounces (113 grams) semisweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding powder)
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational layer by melting butter, sugar, and cocoa powder using a double boiler or heat-safe vessel positioned over simmering water. Whisk in the beaten egg until the mixture develops a slightly thickened consistency.
2. Remove from heat and incorporate graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and almonds, blending thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture.
3. Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact base layer.
4. For the middle layer, cream butter with custard powder and cream until achieving a smooth texture.
5. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy with a fluffy appearance.
6. Carefully spread the creamy mixture over the chilled bottom layer, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the middle layer to set and firm up completely.
8. Create the chocolate topping by gently melting semisweet chocolate and butter together, using either a microwave or double boiler method.
9. Once the middle layer has chilled, pour the melted chocolate over the surface, spreading uniformly with a spatula.
10. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or briefly chill in the refrigerator before cutting into precise square portions.

Notes

• Perfectly press the bottom layer with a flat-bottomed measuring cup or spatula to create an even, compact base that holds together when cut.
• Use room temperature ingredients for the middle layer to ensure a smooth, lump-free creamy filling that spreads easily and sets beautifully.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean, sharp edges and prevent the layers from mixing or becoming messy during slicing.
• Customize the recipe by swapping almonds with pecans or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet twist that enhances the chocolate’s richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg