Description
Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian no-bake dessert with three distinct layers: a rich chocolatey base, a creamy custard middle, and a smooth chocolate top. They are indulgent, easy to make, and perfect for special occasions or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Bottom Layer:
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (34 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
- Middle Layer:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- 3 tablespoons custard powder (like Bird’s Custard or vanilla instant pudding)
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Top Layer:
- 8 ounces (225 g) semi-sweet chocolate
- 3 tablespoons (39 g) butter, salted or unsalted
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- For the bottom layer, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Stir in crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the middle layer.
- For the middle layer, beat together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Gradually add custard powder and cream, mixing until smooth. Spread evenly over the chilled bottom layer.
- For the top layer, melt chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour over the middle layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the top layer is set.
- Lift bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
Notes
- Use a warm knife to cut chocolate cleanly without cracking the top layer.
- Substitute nuts with your favorite choice or omit if preferred.
- Store Nanaimo Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and softer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg