Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo Bars are an irresistible Canadian no-bake dessert made with three layers for the perfect crunchy, chocolatey bite.
Ingredients
Bottom Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, diced into pieces
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sprinkle of salt
- 1 tbsp egg, beaten
- 1¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup almonds, finely chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Middle Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 – 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp custard powder (or ¼ cup powdered milk and 1 tsp vanilla)
- 1¾ cup powdered sugar
Top Layer:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
Instructions
Bottom Layer:
- Butter an 8 x 8 baking dish and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Set up a double boiler over simmering water. Add butter and melt.
- Remove from heat, add sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk until combined. Slowly whisk in the beaten egg.
- Return to heat and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat, add graham crumbs, coconut, and almonds. Stir. Press mixture into the dish. Freeze while preparing the middle layer.
Middle Layer:
- For custard powder option: Cream butter, custard powder, powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp heavy cream until fluffy, adding more cream if needed.
- For powdered milk option: Mix powdered milk with 3 tbsp heavy cream, then add butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread evenly over the bottom layer and return to the freezer while preparing the top layer.
Top Layer:
- Melt chocolate in a double boiler until smooth.
- Spread evenly over the middle layer and chill until set.
- Remove from dish and cut into even squares.
Storage Instructions
Store Nanaimo Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about a week, maintaining their structure and taste.
What Are Nanaimo Bars Called in the USA?
They are generally known as Nanaimo Bars in the United States, retaining the same name as in Canada.
What Does a Nanaimo Bar Taste Like?
Nanaimo Bars are sweet and rich. The bottom layer provides a chocolate-graham-coconut crunch, the middle layer offers a creamy, custard-like sweetness, and the top layer adds a smooth chocolate finish.
What Flavour Is Nanaimo?
Nanaimo Bars combine chocolate, coconut, and custard elements into a distinct, layered treat with a sweet and chocolate-oriented character.
Do Nanaimo Bars Have to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, they are best kept chilled. Storing them in the refrigerator helps maintain their shape and texture, ensuring each bite remains enjoyable.
Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo Bars are an irresistible Canadian no-bake dessert made with three layers for the perfect crunchy, chocolatey bite.
Yield: 9 servings
Calories: 588kcal
Materials
Bottom Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter diced into pieces
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- sprinkle of salt
- 1 egg beaten
- 1¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup almonds finely chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Middle Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 – 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp custard powder or ¼ cup powdered milk and 1 tsp vanilla
- 1¾ cup powdered sugar
Top layer
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
Instructions
- Butter an 8 x 8 baking dish and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
For the Bottom Layer
- Set up a double boiler, a large heat proof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Add butter and melt.
- Remove from the heat and add in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk until combined. Slowly pour in the egg while whisking continuously. Return to heat and cook until mixture has thickened.
- Remove from the heat and add in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and almonds. Stir to combine. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place in the freezer while preparing the middle layer.
For the Middle Layer
- If using the custard powder, add powdered sugar, butter, custard powder and 2 tbsp of heavy cream to a bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip until fluffy, adding an extra tbsp of heavy cream if needed.
- If using powdered milk option, add ¼ cup powdered milk and 3 tbsp of heavy cream to the bowl and combine with an electric mixer. Add in butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread mixture in an even layer over the bottom layer. Chill in freezer while preparing the last layer.
For the Top Layer
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate in a double broiler, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.
- Spread mixture in an even layer over the middle layer. Chill until chocolate has set.
- Remove from the dish and cut into even squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 588kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 719IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 3mg
