Nanaimo Bars

 Nanaimo Bars Recipe: A Classic No-Bake Canadian Dessert

Nanaimo Bars are a rich and decadent no-bake dessert that originated in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and have since become a beloved Canadian treat. These three-layer bars consist of a crunchy chocolate-coconut base, a creamy custard-flavored middle, and a smooth chocolate topping. The best part? They require no baking, making them a perfect dessert for when you want something impressive without turning on the oven.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the classic Nanaimo Bars recipe, offer tips for perfecting each layer, and provide variations for those looking to put their own spin on this classic dessert.

What Are Nanaimo Bars?

Nanaimo Bars are known for their distinct layers, each offering a unique texture and flavor:

1. Base layer: A no-bake crust made from graham cracker crumbs, cocoa, shredded coconut, and nuts, held together with melted butter.
2. Middle layer: A smooth, creamy layer of custard-flavored buttercream that gives the bars their signature sweetness.
3. Top layer: A glossy, chocolate ganache that adds a rich and decadent finish.

Classic Nanaimo Bars Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients:

For the base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding mix as a substitute)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

For the chocolate topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base layer:

   • Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
   • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
   • Remove from the heat and whisk in the beaten egg gradually to thicken the mixture. Stir constantly to prevent the egg from scrambling.
   • Add the vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir until fully combined.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is compact and level. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the next layer.

2. Make the filling:

   • In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the custard powder and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, and beat until smooth. If the filling seems too thick, add an extra tablespoon of milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
   • Spread the custard mixture evenly over the chilled base layer. Smooth the surface with a spatula, and return the pan to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.

3. Prepare the chocolate topping:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth and glossy.
   • Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly, then pour it over the custard layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
   • Place the pan back in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm.

4. Slice and serve:

   • Once the bars are fully set, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting. This helps prevent the chocolate from cracking when you slice it.
   • Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
   • Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Nanaimo Bars

• Chill between layers: It’s important to let each layer chill and firm up in the fridge before adding the next one. This ensures clean layers and prevents the custard from mixing with the chocolate.

• Prevent chocolate cracking: Let the chocolate topping cool slightly before pouring it over the custard, and allow the bars to sit at room temperature before slicing to avoid cracks in the top layer.

• Custard powder substitute: If you can’t find vanilla custard powder, you can use instant vanilla pudding mix, though the flavor will be slightly different. Custard powder gives the bars their classic flavor.

• Make ahead: Nanaimo Bars can be made up to two days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and slice them just before serving.

Variations on the Classic Nanaimo Bars

Though the classic version is always a crowd-pleaser, you can easily experiment with different flavors to customize your Nanaimo Bars:

1. Mint Nanaimo Bars:
   Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling and tint it green with a few drops of food coloring. You can also use a layer of mint-flavored chocolate for the top.

2. Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars:
   Substitute 1/4 cup of the butter in the filling with peanut butter for a nutty twist. You can also add a swirl of melted peanut butter to the chocolate topping.

3. Mocha Nanaimo Bars:
   Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso powder to the custard filling for a rich, coffee-flavored variation. You can also use dark chocolate for the topping to enhance the mocha flavor.

4. Gluten-Free Nanaimo Bars:
   Substitute gluten-free graham crackers in the base to make a gluten-free version of Nanaimo Bars. Double-check that your custard powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

5. Vegan Nanaimo Bars:
   Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut oil for the chocolate topping, and substitute the custard powder with a vegan-friendly pudding mix. Opt for vegan chocolate and graham crackers as well.

What to Serve with Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars are rich and indulgent, so they pair well with lighter beverages or small snacks:

• Coffee or tea: The richness of Nanaimo Bars pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness of the bars.
• Fresh fruit: Serve a platter of fresh berries or sliced fruits like strawberries and oranges for a refreshing contrast to the creamy, chocolatey dessert.
• Ice cream: If you're feeling extra indulgent, serve Nanaimo Bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

Final Thoughts

Nanaimo Bars are a delicious no-bake treat that showcase rich layers of flavor and texture. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different flavors, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. With their buttery base, creamy custard filling, and chocolate top, Nanaimo Bars are a true Canadian favorite that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.