Photo of Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars

A classic Canadian no-bake dessert bar with three layers: a graham cracker and coconut crust, a custard-flavored butter icing, and a rich chocolate topping.

Prep Time

30 minutes (plus chilling time)

Cook Time

5 minutes

Total Time

2 hours

Difficulty

Medium

Skills Required

None

Ingredients & Nutrition

350 kcal

Calories

3g

Protein

22g

Fat

38g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

28g

Sugar

180mg

Sodium

  • 1/2 cup (for base) Butter
  • 1/4 cup (for base) Granulated Sugar
  • 5 tbsp (for base) Cocoa Powder
  • 1, beaten (for base) Egg
  • 1 1/2 cups (for base) Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 1 cup (for base) Shredded Coconut
  • 1/2 cup (for base) Chopped Walnuts
  • 1/2 cup, softened (for filling) Butter
  • 3 tbsp (for filling) Heavy Cream
  • 2 tbsp (for filling) Custard Powder
  • 2 cups (for filling) Powdered Sugar
  • 4 oz (for topping) Semi-Sweet Chocolate
  • 2 tbsp (for topping) Butter

Equipment Needed

Let AI Suggest Variations

  • Add a teaspoon of mint extract to the filling for a mint-chocolate version.
  • Use different nuts like pecans or almonds in the base.
  • Drizzle white chocolate over the top for decoration.
  • Use vanilla pudding powder if you can't find custard powder.

Instructions:

1. For the base: Melt butter, sugar, and cocoa in a double boiler. Whisk in the egg and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in graham crumbs, coconut, and walnuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8x8 inch pan. Chill for 10 minutes.

2. For the filling: Cream together butter, cream, and custard powder. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over the chilled base.

3. For the topping: Melt chocolate and butter together over low heat. Let cool slightly, then pour over the filling layer, spreading evenly.

4. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, at least 1-2 hours.

5. Cut into squares to serve. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.