The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (2024)

In honor of Canada Day (July 1), I want to share a truly classic Canadian treat for all of you. Because it’s one of my favorite Canadian desserts, I am sharing how to make Nanaimo bars.

This recipe is so Canadian (and was literally shared with me by Jenn from Saskatchewan) that many of my friends from around the world have never even heard of it! That, my friends, is truly a great sadness. Nanaimo Bars are a true Canadian delicacy and everyone should be able to experience their deliciousness!

Once you make these the first time, you will be making them all the time. They are just so easy (really they are a no bake dessert bar) and yummy. Let’s spread the word on these delicious dessert Nanaimo bars so the rest of the world can enjoy some Canadian heritage too!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

TheNanaimo Bar history

Before I share our ultimate Nanaimo bar recipe, I want to share a bit of history and trivia on Nanaimo bars.

Where did Nanaimo bars come from?

The Nanaimo bar originated in Canada and was named after the west coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, which is located on Vancouver Island.

What are Nanaimo bars made of?

Nanaimo Bars are ano-bake dessert bar delicacy which is one of Canada’s greatest recipes of all time. This dessert of chocolate squares is best known for its layered sweetness which includes cocoa and coconut, powdered sugar and custard, then topped with a thin layer of chocolate. The middle layer is a custard filling that adds some vibrant yellow coloring, making this dessert appealing to the eye as well.

How do you even pronounce Nanaimo bars?

It looks like it may sound strange, but it really doesn’t! It’s pronounced “nuh-NYE-mo” with emphasis on the second syllable.

Nanaimo bars are a true family favorite (or favourite, if you’re Canadian) in our home and are made quite often. This recipe is a perfect way to celebrate Canada Day and all your other favorite holidays!

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (1)

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe

Prep Time

40 minutes

Supplies to Get Started

  • 8×8 square baking pan
  • a spatula for spreading
  • a few sizes of mixing bowls
  • dry measuring cups
  • liquid measuring cup
  • measuring spoons

The Best Nanaimo Bars Ingredients

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (2)

Base

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 Tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla

Filling

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 Tablespooncustard powder
  • 1 Tablespoon milk

If custard powder isn’t available in your area, you can substitute like this: for each Tablespoon of custard powder in your recipe, make your own custard mix with 1 Tablespoon ofcornstarchplus 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of fine salt.

Topping

  • 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate baking squares (4oz)
  • 1 Tablespoon butter

How to Make Nanaimo Bars

When I plan on baking I like to start with a clean kitchen, empty dish rack and a sink full of hot sudsy water. For this recipe I reuse the bowls for the different layers, and because I do not want the color to mix I give them a quick wash in between and rinse them off. Therefore, having my soapy water ready makes it a quick job so I can get back to making the dessert.

Simple Nanaimo Bars Base Layer

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (3)

First, we start by making the bottom layer. Melt butter (I use the microwave) for easy mixing.

In a small bowl combine cocoa powder, white sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until dissolved and lump-free. Then set aside.

Mix graham cracker crumbs, coconut, egg, and vanilla in a medium-size bowl until well blended.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (5)

Combine cocoa mixture with coconut mixture then mix well.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (6)

Using a spatula, press Nanaimo bar base into an 8×8 square pan ensuring to spread well in an even layer. Then place the pan in the refrigerator allowing to chill.

Nanaimo Bars Filling

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (7)

Time to make the second layer! In a medium-sized bowl soften butter and then combine with powdered sugar, custard and milk. I find using a silicone spatula works the best to smash out any lumps.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (8)

Once lump free, spread custard mixture onto the chilled base and place dish back in the refrigerator.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Topping

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (9)

Last comes the top layer! In a small mixing bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate with butter. Microwave at 30-second intervals, being sure to stir in between until completely melted.

Stir the melted chocolate and butter mixture until smooth.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (10)

Spread on top of the chilled middle custard layer, then return to refrigerator.

Depending on your refrigerator temperature, let the bars chill for approximately 1 hour or until firm. It takes 45 minutes to set in our fridge, but it feels like forever because I want to eat it!

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (11)

Then slice, serve, and enjoy this delicious Canadian delicacy!

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (12)

The Best Nanaimo Bars Ever

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

These no-bake dessert bars are the perfect example of Canadian heritage originating in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Nanaimo bars consist of 3 layers including a vibrant yellow filling. Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious chocolatey treat!

Ingredients

Nanaimo Bars Base

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla

Nanaimo Bars Filling

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 Tablespoons custard powder
  • 1 Tablespoon milk

Nanaimo Bars Topping

  • 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate baking squares (4 oz)
  • 1 Tablespoon butter

Instructions

    1. For base: In a small bowl combine cocoa powder, white sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until dissolved and lump-free. Then set aside.
    2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, coconut, egg, and vanilla in a medium-size bowl until well blended.
    3. Combine cocoa mixture with coconut mixture, then mix well.
    4. Using a spatula, press Nanaimo bar base into an 8×8 pan. Spread evenly. Place the pan in the refrigerator allowing base to chill.
    5. For filling: In a medium-sized bowl, soften butter and combine with powdered sugar, custard and milk. Smash out any lumps with silicone spatula.
    6. Once filling mixture is lump-free, spread custard mixture onto the chilled base and place dish back in the refrigerator.
    7. For topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate with butter. Microwave at 30-second intervals, being sure to stir in between until completely melted and smooth.
    8. Spread on top of the chilled custard layer then return to refrigerator.
    9. Let the bars chill for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm.
    10. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 378Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 196mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gSugar: 36gProtein: 3g

Enjoy the Best & Easiest Nanaimo Bars!

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (13)

I was so excited to get some beautiful pictures of my Nanaimo bars but while I was on a phone call my family found them and started to devour them immediately! They are just that much of a hit in this old house that I can not even get a picture before they are dug into haha.

They are really quite easy to make, even though a lot of people think they are difficult. In reality they are simpler than a cake made from scratch!

Now the best & easiest Nanaimo Bars are right at your fingertips. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do.

Thanks so much for joining us for anotherEasy Recipe for Busy Moms! Be sure to check out ourRolled Sugar Cookie Recipefor another easy to make decadent dessert, and our muffin top recipe (the tastiest part of the muffins)!

We have lots of great ideas if you need easy desserts for a crowd too!

Bon Appétit!

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (14)
The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (15)
MEET AMANDA

Amanda is a mom of 4 living a mostly crunchy lifestyle outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband, 2 dogs, and a cat. As a former special education teacher who also has her personal training certification — Amanda really enjoys teaching others how to do things!

When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys DIY projects, exercising, photography, hiking, and long walks through Target.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe Ever | Canadian Dessert (2024)

FAQs

What are Nanaimo bars called in the USA? ›

Other names for Nanaimo Bars include but are not limited to New York Slice, New York Special, Mississauga Bars, Edmonton Esks, Georgia Street Slices, Georgia Strait Smog Squares, London Fog Bars and London Smog Bars — coincidentally the London Fog (a hot drink consisting of steamed milk, vanilla syrup and Earl Grey Tea ...

How long do Nanaimo bars last in the fridge? ›

Seeing them in my fridge when I'm craving something sweet has been a miracle, honestly. In the Refrigerator: Nanaimo bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Serve straight from the fridge. In the Freezer: You can also keep your Nanaimo bars in the freezer for 2-3 months in an airtight container.

Why are Nanaimo bars so good? ›

The trifecta of sugary deliciousness in the original Nanaimo bar is what gives it its unmistakable appearance and buttery-chocolate flavour explosion, but its eye-catching triple-layer design and no-bake assembly also make it an excellent springboard for tasty variations and original creations.

Are Nanaimo bars a Canadian thing? ›

The Nanaimo bar (/nəˈnaɪmoʊ/ nə-NY-moh) is a bar dessert that requires no baking and is named after the Canadian city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It consists of three layers: a wafer, nut (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), and coconut crumb base; custard icing in the middle; and a layer of chocolate ganache on top.

What is the old name for Nanaimo? ›

Letters for the settlement, previous to 1859, were usually addressed "Colville Town, Nanaimo, V. I." After that date the first name was gradually discontinued and has not been used since 1860.

Where is the original Nanaimo bar from? ›

This creamy, chocolatey treat's origin is elusive, shrouded in mystery, and claimed by many as their own. Of course, we know that Nanaimo Bars originated in Nanaimo, or they would be called New York Bars, or New Brunswick Bars.

What is a fun fact about Nanaimo bar? ›

It is named after Nanaimo, British Columbia, where it was popularized in the years following the Second World War. It subsequently rose to wider prominence after Expo 86. In 2006, the Nanaimo bar was declared Canada's favourite confection by a reader's poll in the National Post.

What does the word Nanaimo mean? ›

Nanaimo is the corruption of the name they gave the area, meaning "gathering place." During 1792 the Spanish explorer Alejandro Malaspina dispatched the gallettes SUTIL AND MEXICANA, under the command of Alcalá-Galiano and Cayetano Valdés, to explore the Strait of Georgia.

What are Nanaimo people called? ›

The Indigenous peoples of the area that is now known as Nanaimo are the Snuneymuxw. An anglicised spelling and pronunciation of that word gave the city its current name. The first Europeans known to reach Nanaimo Harbour were members of the 1791 Spanish voyage of Juan Carrasco, under the command of Francisco de Eliza.

What does a Nanaimo bar taste like? ›

What do Nanaimo Bars Taste Like? Nanaimo bars are a delicious combination of chocolate, vanilla, and coconut. The key ingredient is custard powder which has a vanilla flavor. You really can't make these without it.

What is the traditional name for Nanaimo? ›

History. The Indigenous peoples of the area that is now known as Nanaimo are the Snuneymuxw. An anglicised spelling and pronunciation of that word gave the city its current name.

What are bars called in America? ›

The term “pub” can be used to refer to any establishment that serves alcoholic beverages. The word is also used to refer to themed drinking . In American English, a place where you can buy and drink alcoholic drinks is usually called a bar.

What is a substitute for custard powder? ›

If a recipe lists custard powder and you don't have any, you can make some simple swaps to achieve the same effect. For each tablespoon of custard powder that's called for in your recipe, you can make your own custard mix with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch plus 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of fine salt.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 6266

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.