The pride of Nanaimo, Canada, these bars are known for a crumb base layered with a creamy custard filling and a chocolatey topping. Best served at room temperature, these bars will surely gonna make you fall in love at first bite!
The story goes that a Nanaimo housewife entered a magazine contest for a chocolate square. She defined her recipe as ‘Nanaimo Bars.’ She won the contest and the recipe became so famous and loved along with the town that these bars were named after.
The Best and Most Delicious Nanaimo Bar Recipe!
These bars are a Canadian delicacy assembled in three layers. The first one is a crunchy nutty base, the middle one is a creamy custard layer, and the third and top one is made of rich chocolate. We guarantee that you will be mesmerized by each and every layer of this delicacy.
Now, don’t be afraid after looking at the ingredient list and method to prepare. It may look long and tedious, but it is surprisingly easy to make this recipe. Plus, there’s no baking needed at all! After eating one, you’ll wonder where these no-bake bars were your whole life!
Quick Stats
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 24 to 30 bars
Ingredients
For the Bottom Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- One large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 dash salt
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
For the Middle Layer:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
For the Top Layer:
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Two tablespoons of unsalted butter
Method to Prepare
Prepare the Bottom Layer
- Gather all the ingredients listed under the “For the bottom layer” section. Then, butter a baking pan and line it with parchment.
- Pour water into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and then reduce the flame to low.
- Now, create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over the simmering saucepan and add ½ cup of butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa.
- Cook and stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Then, add the beaten egg, vanilla, and a dash of salt to the sugar mixture.
- Continue cooking and whisking constantly until the mixture is hot and thickened.
- Once it is hot enough, remove the pan from the heat.
- Then, add the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts to the mixture and stir to blend well.
- Now, press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the lined baking pan and slide it into the fridge for at least half an hour.
Prepare the Middle Layer
- Now, let’s prepare the middle layer. Gather all the ingredients listed under the ‘for the middle layer’ section.
- Beat ¼ cup of softened butter with cream or milk and pudding or custard mixer in an electric mixer bowl.
- Sift the confectioners’ sugar and then, gradually beat it into the custard mixture.
- Keep beating everything until you get a light and fluffy mixture.
- Your custard mixture is ready. Spread it over the chilled bottom layer and slide it once again into the refrigerator.
Prepare the Top Layer
- Now, for the top layer, gather all the ingredients listed under the section ‘for the top layer.’
- Again create a double boiler and melt the chocolate with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and keep it aside to cool slightly.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the custard layer.
- Cover the baking pan with a plastic wrap and slide it into the fridge for a couple of hours to chill.
- Slice it and enjoy!
Must Check: Sugar Pie Recipe: Toothsome, Traditional Sugar Pie Recipe!
Final Words
A no-bake, effortless bar recipe made with three delicious and decadent layers will provide you with a toothsome dessert! Here, you will get a chocolatey graham cracker-coconut base, a sweet cream custard filling, and then topped with rich semi-sweet chocolate! Try this heavenly recipe and ooze your friends and family with these no-bake Nanaimo bars!
