The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe (2024)

These rich, delicious triple layer Nanaimo Bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together – no baking required!

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I grew up eating these delicious squares for holidays and other special occasions. Nanaimo bars are a classic Canadian dessert and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

Nanaimo Bars Origin

Nanaimo Bars are a truly beloved Canadian treat. No one is quite sure exactly who created them or when the first Nanaimo Bars were made, but they originated in and are named after the city of Nanaimo, B.C. on Vancouver Island.

They are made up of three delicious layers.The crust is a mixture of chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped almonds or walnuts. Next is a creamycustard layer and everything is topped off with a smooth chocolate ganache.

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This isn’t a difficult dessert to make but it does take some time as you wait for each layer to chill. They’re very rich so cut into small squares when serving.

If you’ve never tried a Nanaimo Bar my friend – you most definitely need to make a batch of these ASAP!

The Very Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe

Here’s a quick run-down of how you make them. Start by lining a 9″ x 9″ pan with parchment paper being sure to let the ends extend over the sides.

In a large pot combine sugar and cocoa then add butter. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter is completely melted. Add eggs whisking constantly until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes.)Add coconut, cracker crumbs, and chopped almonds or walnuts. Combine well. Press into pan and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until set.

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For the filling you’re going to mix confectioners’ sugar, pudding mix, butter and milkin a small bowl until smooth. Spread this over the crust and put in the fridge to chill.

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While the center layer is cooling, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. Stir until smooth and then spread over top. Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Once set remove bars from the pan and cut into small squares.

**The original recipe calls for custard powder but we substituted with instant vanilla pudding which is a lot easier to find at the grocery store.

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The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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Ingredients

  • CRUST:
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup baking cocoa
  • ¾ cup butter, cubed
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • ½ cup chopped almonds, optional
  • FILLING:
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons 2% milk
  • GLAZE:
  • 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Start by lining a 9" x 9" pan with parchment paper being sure to let the ends extend over the sides.
  2. In a large pot combine sugar and cocoa then add butter. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter is completely melted. Add eggs whisking constantly until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes.) Add coconut, cracker crumbs, and chopped almonds or walnuts. Combine well. Press into pan and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until set.
  3. For the filling you're going to mix confectioners' sugar, pudding mix, butter and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Spread this over the crust and put in the fridge to chill.
  4. While the center layer is cooling, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. Stir until smooth and then spread over top. Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Once set remove bars from the pan and cut into small squares.

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Make Ahead and Freeze

These bars freeze beautifully which makes them perfect for making ahead. Run a sharp knife under hot water for a few seconds to make slicing them a breeze. Make a batch and keep them in your freezer for your next special occasion – or when you want to sneak a taste. Don’t worry! We won’t tell. 😉

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 6 months.

If you liked this post you might also enjoy…

  • White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
  • Decadent White Chocolate Brownies
  • Easy Pineapple Poke Cake

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe (8)

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Rebecca

Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

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The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe (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 ...

Are Nanaimo bars a Canadian thing? ›

The Nanaimo bar. It's a sweet treat made from chocolate, custard, coconut and walnuts. Love it or hate it, it's uniquely British Columbian.

Why are Nanaimo bars a must try? ›

But in reasonable doses (or not), Nanaimo bars are wonderfully luxurious, satisfying treats; the shredded coconut and nut counterpoint to the thick velvety texture of the icing and ganache has been winning the hearts of sweet-toothed Canadians and visitors for decades.

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.

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.

What does Nanaimo stand for? ›

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 is the worlds largest Nanaimo bar? ›

With help from their parents, who own the Northwest Fudge Factory in Levack, Ella, 10, and Austin, 5, have constructed a Nanaimo bar that weighs a whopping 530 pounds.

Where can I get the original Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo? ›

CLASSIC NANAIMO BAR
  • A Wee Cupcakery – 407 Fitzwilliam St. ( ...
  • Serious Coffee Downtown – 300-60 Commercial Street (Downtown)
  • Serious Coffee North – 6357-B Hammond Bay Rd. ( ...
  • Hearthstone Artisan Bakery – 115A 50 Tenth Street (South)
  • Mad Rona's Coffee Bar – 500 North Road (Gabriola Island)

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.

Who invented the Nanaimo bar? ›

During the four-week long contest, almost 100 different variations of the famous confection were submitted. The winner: Joyce Hardcastle.

What is custard made of? ›

How is custard made? With milk or fresh pouring cream, egg yolks and sugar, and sometimes thickened with starch or egg proteins. The consistency depends mainly on the quantity of eggs or starch, the type of milk or cream and the cooking method.

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? ›

Bars are sometimes taverns, watering holes, beer joints, dives, and saloons. They can occasionally be called pubs in the US, but they generally aren't. Why do Brits say pub and not bar?

What is Nanaimo city nickname? ›

'Welcome to Nanaimo: the Harbour City.” We have so much harbour that we've adopted it as our slogan.

What is a custard powder substitute? ›

Instead we would suggest replacing the custard powder with a combination of cornflour (cornstarch) and vanilla. For the sponge batter replace the 3 tablespoons of custard powder with 3 tablespoons of cornflour and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

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