Nanaimo Bars: The Iconic No-Bake Canadian Treat

Rich, creamy, and delightfully textured—Nanaimo Bars are a triple-layered dessert bar named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. The base is chocolatey and crunchy, the middle layer is smooth and custard-flavored, and the top is a silky chocolate ganache. Best of all? No baking required!

🍫 Ingredients

Bottom Layer:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 large egg, beaten
1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Middle Layer:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding mix)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Top Layer:

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

🔥 Instructions

Create the Base:
In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter, sugar, and cocoa powder together. Stir in the beaten egg and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened—about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add the Crunch:
Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.

Make the Creamy Center:
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with custard powder and milk until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy and spreadable. Spread evenly over the base layer and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.

Finish with Chocolate:
Melt chocolate and butter together in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then pour over the custard layer and gently spread to cover. Refrigerate until fully set, at least 1 hour.

Slice and Serve:
Cut into squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges. Serve chilled.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Nanaimo Bars

🧈 Unsalted Butter — A quality butter gives richness to each layer.
🍫 Semi-Sweet Chocolate — Smooth and perfect for melting into that luscious top layer.
🥣 Graham Cracker Crumbs — Provides the classic crunchy base every Nanaimo Bar needs.
🥥 Shredded Sweetened Coconut — Adds sweet texture to the bottom layer.
🍮 Custard Powder — The key ingredient to achieve that classic yellow middle layer.

💡 Helpful Tip: When cutting your Nanaimo Bars, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts to keep the layers neat and defined. Store in the refrigerator and serve cold for the best texture!