Nanaimo Bars
These Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian no bake dessert. They are incredibly decadent, sweet, and rich, bursting with chocolate and custard. So give these bars a try and prepare to feel just a little patriotic – no matter where you’re from!
Prep Time25 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Chilling time3 hours hrs
Total Time3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Canadian
Keyword: nanaimo bar recipe, nanaimo bars
Servings: 16
Calories: 399kcal
Bottom Layer
- ½ cup butter salted, if using unsalted add a pinch of salt
- ¼ cup sugar granulated
- 5 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 ¾ cups graham wafer crumbs
- ½ cup almonds finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut shredded, sweetened or unsweetened
Third Layer
- 4 ounce semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon butter salted, if using unsalted add a pinch of salt
Bottom Layer
Spray a 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray then line it with parchment paper, but with the parchment paper hanging off the sides to make it easy to lift out the bars.
Melt the first 3 ingredients in the top of a double boiler, a heavy bottom saucepan or Dutch Oven over low heat. Add the egg and stir to cook and thicken before removing from the heat. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and almonds. Press firmly into the prepared pan and place in the fridge.
Second Layer
Cream the butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light and airy. Spread this over the bottom layer in the pan. Refrigerate again.
Third Layer
Melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat and then allow to cool. Once cooled but still liquid, pour the mixture over the second and third layer in your pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Place in the fridge and allow to cool for at least 3 hours.
Cut into squares and serve.
- You can store these delicious little bars in the fridge for 3 - 4 days and they'll keep just fine. I even find that as those layers get to know each other better they get even better!
- These bars freeze quite well! You can store these in an airtight container and they'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months! Just take out the freezer and allow to thaw in the fridge when you're ready to eat.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1.5mg