Quick Dream Dessert: Nanaimo Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent layers of creamy, no-bake nanaimo bars originate from the charming coastal city in British Columbia.

These sweet Canadian treats combine a crumbly chocolate base with a rich custard middle and smooth chocolate topping.

Each bite promises a delightful texture symphony that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Generations of home bakers have treasured this classic dessert for its irresistible combination of flavors.

The recipe passes through families like a sweet culinary tradition, connecting memories and celebrations.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will find these bars impossible to resist.

Dive into this delectable Canadian confection and experience a slice of sweet nostalgia.

Tools For Making Nanaimo Bars Smooth

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for melting butter and creating the base layer.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for forming the bar's layers and ensuring even thickness.
• Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove bars from the dish and prevents sticking.
• Medium Bowl: Used for mixing custard filling and preparing different layers.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Beater: Crucial for creating smooth, fluffy custard filling.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Needed for melting chocolate and butter evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting clean, precise bars after chilling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps scrape and spread layers evenly.

Steps To Assemble Nanaimo Bars Right

• Bottom Layer Foundation

Craft a rich chocolate base by gently melting butter with cocoa and sugar. Blend in beaten egg, creating a velvety mixture that transforms with a hint of vanilla. Fold in graham cracker crumbs and coconut for a delightful crunch. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking dish, creating a sturdy foundation that will cradle the creamy layers to come.

• Dreamy Custard Center

Whip up a cloud-like filling that whispers of sweet comfort. Blend butter and powdered sugar until they dance together smoothly, introducing custard powder for that signature creamy touch. Spread this luscious layer across the chilled chocolate base, letting it settle into a perfect blanket of deliciousness.

• Chocolate Crown

Unleash a glossy chocolate topping that cascades over the custard layer. Melt chocolate until it shines with silky perfection, then pour and spread with gentle strokes. Allow the bars to rest in the refrigerator, letting the layers meld into a harmonious treat.

• Celebration Moment

Lift the entire creation from its resting place using parchment edges. Let the bars soften slightly, then slice into elegant squares that reveal the magical layers within. Serve and watch as friends and family marvel at your culinary masterpiece.

Flavor Mix-Ins For Nanaimo Bars

• No-Bake Convenience: These bars are a dream for summer desserts since they require no oven time. Keep them chilled to maintain their distinctive layered structure and prevent melting.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Swap chopped nuts with additional graham cracker crumbs or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-allergy friendly version. This modification maintains the crunch without compromising flavor.
• Gluten-Conscious Option: Replace traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or ground gluten-free cookies. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different chocolate toppings like white chocolate, dark chocolate, or add a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist. Try adding orange zest to the chocolate layer for a citrusy complexity that elevates the classic recipe.

Serving Nanaimo Bars With Layers Showing

• Flavor Fusion Pairings: Complement the rich Nanaimo bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
• Coffee Companion Delight: Serve these decadent bars alongside a steaming cup of espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate and nutty flavors.
• Seasonal Presentation Twist: Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder, sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or a few fresh berries to add a vibrant and elegant touch to the classic dessert.
• Party Platter Perfection: Cut into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a decorative platter for easy sharing at potlucks, birthdays, or holiday gatherings, making them an irresistible crowd-pleasing treat.

How To Store Nanaimo Bars Without Cracks

• Fridge Longevity Strategy: Store Nanaimo bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Refrigeration keeps them fresh for 5-7 days, maintaining their creamy texture and preventing moisture buildup.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Temperature Control: Keep bars chilled until 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate to soften slightly, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience while preserving the distinct layer textures.
• Portioning Wisdom: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for easier serving and sharing. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to achieve clean, precise edges without crumbling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 11

Nanaimo Bars Ingredient Breakdown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds crunchy texture and provides sturdy foundation for the bar's bottom layer.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate depth and creates warm, indulgent flavor profile.
• Shredded Coconut: Introduces delightful tropical hint and enhances overall textural complexity.
• Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredient offering delicious crunch and nutty undertone.
• Butter: Creates smooth binding element and contributes luxurious richness.
• Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps ingredients bind together seamlessly.
• Egg: Acts as natural thickening agent and provides structural integrity.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates flavor complexity with subtle aromatic essence.

• Powdered Sugar, Custard Powder, Butter, Heavy Cream: Combine to create silky, smooth filling with traditional Canadian dessert character.

• Chocolate Chips, Butter: Melted together to form glossy, decadent chocolate coating that seals entire dessert.

Dreamy Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Nanaimo bars showcase Canadian culinary heritage with layers of chocolatey, nutty goodness. Rich chocolate ganache, creamy custard filling, and graham cracker base create a delightful dessert we can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg (beaten)
• ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tbsps custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding mix)
• 2 tbsps heavy cream
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (33 g) cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps (28 g / 1 oz) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Foundation Layer: Melt butter, cocoa, and sugar in a saucepan, creating a smooth base. Whisk in beaten egg until the mixture thickens luxuriously.
2. Base Construction: Integrate vanilla, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped nuts into the mixture. Press firmly into a parchment-lined baking dish, forming a compact foundational layer.
3. Creamy Filling Preparation: Blend butter, powdered sugar, and custard powder until light and airy. Incorporate cream gradually to develop a silky, spreadable consistency.
4. Layer Assembly: Distribute the custard filling evenly across the chilled base. Refrigerate to allow the layer to set completely.
5. Chocolate Topping: Combine chocolate chips and butter, melting into a glossy mixture. Pour over the custard layer, ensuring uniform coverage by gently tilting the dish.
6. Final Chilling: Refrigerate the entire dessert until the chocolate topping solidifies and layers meld together seamlessly.
7. Serving Preparation: Extract the dessert from the pan using parchment edges. Let rest briefly at room temperature, then slice into precise, elegant squares.

Notes

• Butter Melting Technique: Melt butter slowly over low heat to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even consistency.
• Egg Incorporation Tip: Temper the egg by gradually adding hot mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
• Texture Balance: Press the bottom layer firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable foundation for subsequent layers.
• Chilling Strategy: Allow each layer to set completely in the refrigerator before adding the next, ensuring clean, distinct layer separation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg