Description
Classic Nanaimo Bars are a Canadian no-bake dessert with a coconut-nut base, creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for dessert, holiday gatherings, or sweet treats anytime.
Ingredients
Base Layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 large egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Filling Layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons custard powder or instant vanilla pudding mix
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar
Topping Layer:
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Base Layer: Combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa, and beaten egg. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts. Press evenly into prepared pan.
3. Filling Layer: Beat softened butter, custard powder, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over base layer.
4. Topping Layer: Melt chocolate with butter until smooth. Pour over custard layer and spread evenly.
5. Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
6. Lift bars from pan using parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
Use almonds or pecans instead of walnuts for a different nut flavor.
Add vanilla extract to chocolate layer for extra depth.
Sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top before chocolate sets.
Use mini chocolate chips in the filling for added texture.
Keep bars chilled before cutting to maintain clean layers.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg