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–+ servings
Nanaimo bars recipe featured image with custard layer, chocolate top, and coconut base

Nanaimo Bars Recipe

A classic no-bake Canadian dessert with three irresistible layers: a chocolate-coconut-walnut base, a creamy custard buttercream filling, and a smooth chocolate top. Easy, nostalgic, and perfect for holidays or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing treat.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Canadian
Calories: 287
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 5 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup softened butter (for filling)
  • 2 tbsp custard powder
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate
  • 2 tbsp butter (for topping)

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • mixing bowls
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • electric mixer
  • spatula
  • sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar and 5 tablespoons cocoa powder. Remove from heat and whisk in the beaten egg until slightly thickened.
  2. Add graham crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts. Mix well and press firmly into a parchment-lined 8x8 pan. Chill.
  3. Beat softened butter, custard powder, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over the chilled base.
  4. Melt semisweet chocolate with 2 tablespoons butter. Let cool slightly and pour over the custard layer. Tilt pan to spread evenly.
  5. Refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight preferred). Run a warm knife through the bars for clean slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 88mgPotassium: 148mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 310IUCalcium: 28mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

For a gluten-free version, swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crumbs or almond flour. Add peppermint extract and green coloring for a festive mint variation. Bars freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.

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