The Best Nanaimo Bars
These three layer Nanaimo bars are sweet, delicious, simply the best! It’s a classic no-bake Canadian treat with a fudgy graham cracker base, a creamy custard layer filling, and then a chocolate ganache topping that will keep you coming back for just one more bite!
Ingredients
1ST LAYER
- ½ cup butter
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened dutch processed cocoa (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup coconut unsweetened
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
2ND LAYER
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons custard powder
- 3 tablespoons cream (heavy, whole or whipping cream)
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
3RD LAYER
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate (chopped)
Instructions
1ST LAYER
- In a medium pot over low/medium heat melt the butter, whisk in the sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth. Remove from the heat and slowly add the beaten egg, whisking quick and hard, place the pot back on the heat (low/medium) and continue to cook for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and thickens.
- In a small bowl whisk together the crumbs, coconut, chopped nuts and salt.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the crumb mixture, combine well. Press the mixture into a lightly greased and floured 8 inch square pan. Chill while making the 2nd layer.
2ND LAYER
- In a medium bowl whisk together the powdered sugar and custard powder, add the cream and butter and beat until fluffy. Spread over the 1st layer. Refrigerate 1 hour to set.
3RD LAYER
- In a medium pot melt together the butter, milk and chopped chocolate until smooth. Let cool, then spread evenly over the 2nd layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Cut and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Mary Howe instant vanilla pudding mix powder can be substituted 1:1 if you can’t find custard powder.
Nanaimo bars can be refrigerated in a sealed container for about a week. The bars are best chilled as the filling softens at room temperature.
Nanaimo bars can also be frozen. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can freeze individual pieces or the whole pan. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 421kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 4gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 182mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 506IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!