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Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars are a popular Canadian no bake dessert consisting of a chocolate coconut and pecan crust with a vanilla custard cream all topped with chocolate ganache. They are named after the west coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. The perfect no bake summer dessert! They can be served chilled or at room temperature. Since they can be made ahead and stored in the fridge (or frozen) they are a perfect dessert for your summer get togethers.

Prep Time
15 mins
Chilling Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 24 Bars
Calories: 221 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Canadian

Ingredients

Crust
  • ½ cup butter (unsalted)
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 egg (whisked)
  • 1 ½ cup Graham cracker crumbs
  • ¾ cup coconut (shredded, unsweetened)
  • ¼ cup pecans (finely chopped)
Filling
  • ½ cup butter (unsalted, room temperature)
  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons custard powder (or vanilla pudding mix)
Chocolate Topping
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate (chips, bars or melting wafers)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper so that the parchment paper overhangs the edges. Cut two long rectangular pieces of parchment paper and overlap them. The overhang will be used to pull the bars out of the tray for easier slicing. For thicker bars use an 8x8 inch dish, for thinner bars use a 9x9 inch dish.
  2. Prepare the crust. Set up a double boiler on your oven, on medium high heat bring a pot with 2 cups of water to a boil. Carefully place a heat proof metal bowl on top. Add ½ cup of butter to the bowl and allow to melt. Note: be sure that the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. The steam from the boiling water will heat the bowl enough to melt the contents.
  3. When fully melted stir in the cocoa powder and sugar. Whisk until melted.
  4. Quickly pour in the whisked egg and whisk until thickened.
  5. Remove bowl from heat. Fold in the graham cracker crumbs, pecans and coconut until evenly combined.
  6. Pour the crust mixture into the lined baking dish and spread it out evenly. Use a cup to firmly press the crust down. Place in the fridge.
  7. Prepare the filling by adding all of the filling ingredients to a medium sized bowl and whisking by hand or with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  8. Remove the baking dish from the fridge and pour the filling on top. Evenly spread the filling and use a spatula or spoon to smooth out the top. Try to make the top as smooth as possible so the chocolate layer will pour evenly on top.
  9. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The filling must be chilled or it will melt when the chocolate layer is poured on top!
  10. Prepare the chocolate topping. Using the double boiler again and a clean metal bowl, add the chocolate and butter. Stir continuously until fully melted.
  11. Remove the baking dish from the fridge and quickly pour the chocolate on top. Use a spatula or spoon to evenly spread the chocolate. You can use the back of a spoon or other utensil to create a design on the chocolate if desired (ex. Swirls).
  12. Place the baking dish back in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  13. When ready to slice the bars, use the parchment paper to pull the whole bar out of the baking dish. Place a large sharp knife in a tall cup and pour in hot water. Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes to warm up the knife, or run warm water over the knife in a sink for 2-3 minutes.
  14. Carefully slice the bars and clean the knife after each slice so the chocolate does not smudge onto the middle cream layer.
  15. Serve and enjoy!
  16. Store bars in an air tight container in the fridge. If stacking the bars in a container place a piece of parchment paper between the layers so they do not stick.

Nutrition Information

Calories 221kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 32mg (11%) Sodium 115mg (5%) Potassium 106mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 18g (36%) Vitamin A 271IU (5%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24Bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 221

% Daily Value*

Calories 221kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 115mg 5%
Potassium 106mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 18g 36%
Vitamin A 271IU 5%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.