The Dreamy No-Bake Nanaimo Bars Recipe: A Taste of Canada

Chocolate, graham cracker, and custard layers come together in this classic Nanaimo bars recipe that captures the heart of Canadian dessert tradition.

Sweet memories of childhood drift through every creamy bite of these no-bake treats.

The delightful bars originated in Nanaimo, British Columbia, becoming a beloved Canadian delicacy.

Each layer promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that melt seamlessly on your tongue.

Crisp chocolate, silky custard, and nutty graham cracker base create a harmonious dessert experience.

Rich and decadent, these bars require no baking and minimal effort.

You’ll find these irresistible squares are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert for any gathering or sweet craving.

Nanaimo Bars Sweet Reasons to Love Them

• Craft No-Bake Delight: Indulge in a dessert that requires zero oven time, making it perfect for hot days or when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen.
• Wow Layered Texture: Experience a mouthwatering combination of crunchy graham cracker base, creamy custard middle, and smooth chocolate topping that creates an irresistible treat.
• Impress Without Stress: Master this Canadian classic with simple steps and basic ingredients, guaranteeing a show-stopping dessert that looks professionally made without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Satisfy sweet tooths of all ages with a universally loved bar that combines chocolate, nuts, and creamy filling in one delectable bite.

What Goes Into Classic Nanaimo Bars

• Graham Crackers: A classic cookie that provides a crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Coconut: Adds tropical texture and subtle sweetness to the base layer.
• Walnuts: Delivers a rich, nutty crunch to complement the other base ingredients.
• Butter: Creates a rich, binding element for the base mixture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the base.
• Cocoa Powder: Introduces deep chocolate flavor to the base layer.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help set the base mixture.

• Butter: Provides creamy texture and richness to the filling.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the middle layer.
• Custard Powder: Creates a smooth, traditional Nanaimo bar filling.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the filling.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and highlights the sweet flavors.

• Chocolate: Creates a smooth, glossy final layer for the dessert.
• Butter: Helps melt and smooth the chocolate topping.

How to Make Traditional Nanaimo Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab an 8×8 inch pan and give it a light spray with cooking spray or carefully line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Craft Crumbly Base Mixture

Toss graham crackers, coconut, and walnuts into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.

In a separate pan, gently melt butter with sugar and cocoa.

Crack in an egg and cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 3: Create Base Layer

Combine the processed crumbs with the warm chocolate mixture.

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.

Pop the pan into the freezer for 10 minutes to set quickly.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Custard powder
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whip until the filling becomes silky and smooth.

Spread evenly over the chilled base layer.

Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until glossy and completely combined.

Pour and spread the chocolate evenly over the custard layer.

Chill for 30 minutes until set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Run a knife under hot water before cutting to create clean slices.

Cut into 16 perfect squares.

Store in the refrigerator and enjoy these delectable treats chilled.

Pro Tips for Perfect Nanaimo Bars

• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of Nanaimo bars.
• Process graham crackers, coconut, and walnuts until super fine to ensure a compact, smooth bottom layer.
• Melt chocolate and butter slowly over low heat to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, smooth finish.
• Allow each layer to set completely in the refrigerator for clean, distinct layers and ideal texture.
• Dip your knife in hot water before cutting to create clean, neat squares without cracking the chocolate layer.

Creative Nanaimo Bar Variations

• Gluten-Free Nanaimo Bars: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for the entire recipe.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap walnuts with sunflower seeds or additional coconut. Ensure all ingredients are nut-free for those with allergies.
• Vegan Chocolate Bars: Use coconut oil instead of butter. Substitute egg with flax egg or aquafaba. Choose dairy-free chocolate for topping.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark chocolate with minimal added sugar for the topping layer.

Ideas for Serving Nanaimo Bars

• Sweet Serving Companions: Pair these rich Nanaimo bars with a steaming cup of coffee or tea to balance their decadent sweetness.
• Festive Presentation Trick: Arrange bars on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cocoa powder for elegant visual appeal.
• Party Portion Perfection: Cut into smaller bite-sized triangles for easy sharing at potlucks, dessert tables, or holiday gatherings. These mini treats let guests sample without feeling overwhelmed.
• Chilled Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture and complement the chocolate layers.

How to Store Nanaimo Bars Easily

• Store Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cold temperatures help maintain their perfect texture and prevent the layers from becoming soft.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air touches the surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to keep the layers firm and prevent condensation.
• Always cut cold for clean, sharp edges. Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut to create perfectly smooth squares.

FAQs

• What are Nanaimo Bars?

A classic Canadian dessert from British Columbia, consisting of three delicious layers: a chocolate graham cracker base, a creamy custard filling, and a chocolate topping.

• Are Nanaimo Bars difficult to make?

No, they’re surprisingly simple. The recipe requires no baking and involves layering ingredients in stages with chilling time between each layer.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

Yes, you can swap walnuts for pecans, use different types of graham crackers, and replace custard powder with vanilla pudding mix if needed.

• How long do Nanaimo Bars stay fresh?

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

Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent Canadian Nanaimo bars blend sweet chocolate, creamy custard, and nutty coconut into a no-bake dessert that whispers comfort. Layers of pure delight invite you to savor each rich, delectable bite of this classic British Columbian treat.

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Ingredients

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Base Layer:

• 180 grams (1 1/2 cups) graham crackers
• 98 grams (1 cup) sweetened shredded coconut
• 65 grams (1/2 cup) walnuts
• 113 grams (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 67 grams (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
• 26 grams (5 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg

Middle Layer:

• 84 grams (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 173 grams (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
• 36 grams (3 tablespoons) custard powder
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Top Layer:

• 170 grams (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 42 grams (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating an 8×8 inch pan with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create the foundational layer by pulverizing graham crackers, coconut, and walnuts into fine crumbs using a food processor. Simultaneously, combine butter, sugar, and cocoa in a saucepan, heating until melted, then incorporate egg and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
3. Blend the graham cracker crumbs with the warm chocolate mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation. Firmly press the combined mixture into the prepared pan, then place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set and solidify.
4. Craft the creamy middle layer by whipping butter, sugar, custard powder, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Carefully spread this mixture evenly over the chilled base, then refrigerate for 1 hour to allow complete setting.
5. Prepare the decadent chocolate topping by gently melting chocolate and butter together until smooth and glossy. Pour and spread the chocolate mixture uniformly over the custard layer, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Chill the dessert for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. When ready to serve, use a knife warmed under hot water to slice into 16 precise squares. Store in the refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Customize Crumb Base Experiment with alternative cookies like Oreos or gluten-free graham crackers to suit different dietary needs and add unique flavor profiles.
• Perfect Custard Layer Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling and use high-quality custard powder for rich, authentic taste.
• Chocolate Topping Technique Temper chocolate carefully to prevent streaking and create a glossy, professional-looking finish that adds elegance to the dessert.
• Storage and Serving Slice bars when completely chilled for clean edges, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg