Nanaimo Bars
Print RecipeThese classic Canadian Nanaimo bars are a rich, no-bake treat with three irresistible layers: a chocolate-coconut graham base, creamy custard filling, and glossy chocolate topping. Our longtime Nova Scotian friend brought us vanilla custard powder so we could recreate this beloved dessert — and we are hooked! Best served chilled or at room temperature
Servings: 20 bars
equipment (affiliate links
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- ½ c. (113 g) salted butter
- ¼ c. (50 g) granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ c. (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 c. (80 g) shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ c. (55 g) walnuts or almonds (optional) finely chopped
Middle Layer (Custard Filling)
- ½ c. (113 g) salted butter softened
- 8 tsp (30 g) heavy cream or milk (2 tbsp + 2 tsp)
- 2 tbsp (15 g) vanilla custard powder Bird's brand recommended
- 2 c. (240 g) powdered sugar
Top Layer
- 4 oz. (113 g) semisweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
- 2 tbsp (28 g) salted butter
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang.
- For the base: Melt butter, sugar, and cocoa over low heat. Whisk in beaten egg; cook 1–2 min until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into pan. Chill 15–20 min.
- For the middle: Beat softened butter, cream, and custard powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until fluffy. Spread over base. Chill 15–30 min.
- For the top: Melt chocolate and butter gently (microwave in bursts or double boiler). Pour over custard; tilt pan to spread evenly or use an offset spatula. Chill 10–15 min, then lightly score squares. Refrigerate 1–2 hours until set.
- Lift out, cut with a hot knife (wipe between cuts), and serve slightly chilled or at room temp for maximum creaminess.
Video
Notes
- Store in the fridge up to a week (they freeze beautifully too — thaw 15 min before eating).
- The salted butter is my secret weapon — it enhances every sweet layer without overpowering.
- If the chocolate thickens too fast, a splash of cream or extra butter revives it perfectly.
Serving: 1bar | Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 379IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
