Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried a Nanaimo bar yet, you’re in for a real treat! This decadent layered dessert hails from Canada and is like a sweet little hug in every bite. I first stumbled upon a Nanaimo bar at a charming café during a trip to Vancouver, and I was instantly smitten. The combination of the crumbly base, creamy custard filling, and rich chocolate topping had me dreaming about them long after I returned home. Trust me, once you make this Nanaimo bar recipe, you’ll be hooked, and your friends will be begging for the secret!
Ingredients for Nanaimo Bar Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Nanaimo bars! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup packed graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (this is what gives it that creamy richness)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can’t go wrong with chocolate!)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (this helps the chocolate spread smoothly)
These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how simple they are to find, and how incredible the bars taste once they’re done!
How to Prepare the Nanaimo Bar Recipe
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Nanaimo bars! It’s a simple process, but don’t rush it; each layer has its place in creating that perfect bite. You’ll want to start by preparing the base layer, then move on to the custard filling, and finally, top it off with that luscious chocolate. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Preparing the Base Layer
To kick things off, grab a mixing bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and softened butter. Mix everything until it’s well combined and resembles a crumbly dough. Now, here’s the key part: press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch square pan. I like to use a spatula or my fingers to make sure it’s packed tightly, creating a solid base that won’t crumble when you cut into it later. Once that’s done, set it aside and let’s move to the custard filling!
Making the Custard Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, custard powder, and 1/4 cup of softened butter. You really want to whisk it until it’s smooth and creamy—this is what will give your bars that dreamy texture! Once it’s nice and fluffy, spread the custard mixture evenly over the base layer you just prepared. Take your time here to ensure every bite has that delightful custard flavor. Once it’s spread out, we’re ready for the chocolate topping!
Topping with Chocolate
For the chocolate layer, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in either a microwave or a double boiler—whichever you prefer! If using a microwave, melt in short bursts to avoid burning the chocolate. Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture over the custard layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly. It’s important to let these bars cool in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until they’re set. Patience is key here, but oh, the reward is so worth it when you finally take a bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delightful Nanaimo bars, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, so this is just a general guideline. Each square contains approximately 200 calories, with 12 grams of fat, 15 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving. So, while they’re a treat, it’s always nice to enjoy them in moderation. But honestly, who could resist just one more bite?
Why You’ll Love This Nanaimo Bar Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days!
- No baking required, so you can skip the oven fuss.
- Delightful layers of flavor: a crumbly base, creamy custard, and rich chocolate.
- Absolutely gorgeous presentation—perfect for impressing guests!
- Make-ahead friendly; just chill and serve when you’re ready.
- Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Kid-friendly and a hit with adults too—everyone loves these!
- Versatile for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Trust me, once you try these Nanaimo bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Tips for Success with Your Nanaimo Bar Recipe
To ensure your Nanaimo bars turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips that I’ve learned along the way! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this makes mixing the base and custard filling a breeze. I usually leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before starting. Also, don’t skimp on the chilling time; letting the bars set for at least 3 hours is crucial for that perfect texture. If you can resist, overnight chilling works wonders! Lastly, when cutting the bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Variations on the Nanaimo Bar Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Nanaimo bars! For a delightful twist, try swapping in dark chocolate for the topping—it’s rich and pairs beautifully with the custard. Want some crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the base layer for added texture. You could even experiment with different flavors of custard powder, like chocolate or butterscotch, to give your bars a unique flair. And for a tropical touch, consider adding some crushed pineapple to the coconut layer. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these scrumptious Nanaimo bars, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week—if they last that long! If you’re anything like me, they’ll disappear quickly! Now, reheating isn’t necessary since they’re best enjoyed chilled. Just take them out of the fridge when you’re ready to indulge. But if you do want to soften them a bit, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Nanaimo Bar Recipe: 7 Irresistible Layers of Decadence
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious layered dessert from Canada, combining a crumbly base, creamy custard filling, and chocolate topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, coconut, and butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, custard powder, and 1/4 cup softened butter.
- Spread the custard mixture over the base layer in the pan.
- Melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in a microwave or double boiler.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the custard layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours or until set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a firmer texture, increase the chilling time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: nanaimo bar recipe, dessert, Canadian dessert, no-bake dessert
