Nanaimo Bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert that delivers a perfect trifecta of textures and flavors. The bottom layer is a rich, chocolatey crumb crust made with graham crackers, coconut, and almonds. The middle layer offers a smooth, dreamy custard and butter cream that provides a cool contrast to the dense base. Finally, a thin layer of glossy chocolate ganache caps the bar, adding a deep cocoa finish. These bars are incredibly easy to assemble without turning on the oven, making them a fantastic choice for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need a quick treat. They hold their shape well and are best served chilled, offering a sophisticated yet comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Nanaimo Bars
Description
Nanaimo Bars are a beloved Canadian no-bake dessert that delivers a perfect trifecta of textures and flavors. The bottom layer is a rich, chocolatey crumb crust made with graham crackers, coconut, and almonds. The middle layer offers a smooth, dreamy custard and butter cream that provides a cool contrast to the dense base. Finally, a thin layer of glossy chocolate ganache caps the bar, adding a deep cocoa finish. These bars are incredibly easy to assemble without turning on the oven, making them a fantastic choice for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need a quick treat. They hold their shape well and are best served chilled, offering a sophisticated yet comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.Ingredients
Directions
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Melt butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a double boiler over barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
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Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg to cook slightly and thicken the mixture.
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Fold in the graham wafer crumbs, coconut, and chopped almonds until evenly combined.
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Press the mixture firmly and evenly into an ungreased 8-inch square pan to form the bottom layer.
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Chill the base in the refrigerator until firm.
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For the middle layer, cream together softened butter and custard powder in a bowl.
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Gradually beat in icing sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
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Spread the custard cream evenly over the chilled base layer.
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Chill again until the middle layer is set.
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For the topping, melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
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Allow the chocolate ganache to cool slightly to room temperature.
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Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the custard layer using a spatula.
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Chill the bars in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set.
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Cut into squares before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 854.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 65.8g102%
- Saturated Fat 35.2g177%
- Cholesterol 114.9mg39%
- Sodium 1591.1mg67%
- Total Carbohydrate 42.7g15%
- Dietary Fiber 13.8g56%
- Sugars 21.6g
- Protein 38.6g78%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Keep Nanaimo bars covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Substitutions: If you cannot find custard powder, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in the middle layer, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Tip: Ensure the pan is ungreased to help the bars hold their shape when cutting. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for clean edges.
Variation: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour in place of the graham crackers.
