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A stack of layered nanaimo bars on a white and black speckled plate.
5 from 20 votes

Nanaimo Bars

Canadian Nanaimo Bars with a crispy, nutty base, a rich custard filling, and a smooth chocolate topping are a delicious no-bake dessert.
Author Diana
Servings 16 bars
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

Bottom layer:

  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • cup (34 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 sleeve graham crackers crushed
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • cup chopped nuts pecans, almonds, or walnuts

Middle layer:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream double cream in the UK
  • 3 tablespoons custard powder like Bird’s Custard (or vanilla instant pudding)
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Top layer:

  • 8 ounces (225 g) semi sweet chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons (39 g) butter salted or unsalted

Instructions

Bottom layer:

  • Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment or foil, set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until smooth
  • Drizzle ½ cup of the butter mixture into a bowl with the egg, whisking constantly to temper the egg.
  • Pour the egg mixture back into the pot and turn the heat up to medium. Cook, whisking constantly until the mixture has thickened, about 4-5 minutes (or until it reaches 180°F/82°C).
  • Remove from heat, and stir in the graham crackers, coconut, and nuts until they are coated with the chocolate mixture.
  • Transfer to the prepared baking dish and once the mixture is cool enough to work with, press it down with buttered fingers into a smooth layer. Place the dish in the fridge to chill while you prepare the middle layer.

Middle layer:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cream and the custard powder until smooth, set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add the powdered sugar to the butter in 2-3 smaller additions, beating well after each, until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the custard mixture and beat on high until light and fluffy.
  • Spread over the bottom layer, then return to the fridge to chill for 10 minutes.

Top layer:

  • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and the butter in 30 second increments,stirring well after each, until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Spread the chocolate over the top of the squares, then return the dish to the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
  • Slice the bars after 30 minutes (too long in the fridge will be difficult to slice). Store in the fridge. Best eaten at room temperature.

Notes

  • Tempering the Egg: The bottom layer includes an egg to keep it fudgy and rich. Add a small amount of the melted cocoa mixture to the egg while whisking quickly. This will heat the egg while keeping it from scrambling.
  • Melting Chocolate: I find it easiest to melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave, but you can certainly do it over the stove if you prefer, using a double boiler.
  • Use Unsalted Butter: Since there is a little bit of butter in every layer of this dessert, I suggest that you use high-quality unsalted butter. You can add a bit of flaky sea salt to the top of the bars if you like, they're very nice this way!
  • Storing Tips: Keep the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg