Description
Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian no-bake layered dessert featuring a rich, crumbly base topped with a smooth custard layer and finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. These bars combine textures and flavors beautifully, making them a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
Custard Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding mix)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Chocolate Layer:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth. Slowly whisk in the beaten egg and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts if using. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the custard layer.
- Make the custard layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, custard powder, powdered sugar, and milk together until smooth and creamy. Evenly spread this mixture over the chilled base layer. Return the pan to the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Prepare the chocolate layer: Melt the chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Let cool slightly, then pour over the custard layer. Tilt the pan to evenly coat or spread with a spatula. Chill again until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
- Slice and serve: Use a sharp, warm knife to slice the bars into 16 small squares, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a hot knife to slice cleanly through the chocolate layer without cracking.
- These bars store well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Custard powder gives these bars their signature flavor, but instant pudding mix works well as a substitute in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
