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Close-up of Nanaimo Bars cut into squares, revealing a layer of creamy filling beneath a smooth chocolate topping on a parchment-lined surface.
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Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars are an irresistible Canadian no-bake dessert made with three layers for the perfect crunchy, chocolatey bite.
Prep Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Canadian
Keyword: nanaimo bars
Yield: 9 servings
Calories: 588kcal
Author: Author: Maddy & JD - Them Bites

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
  • 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
  • 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