Description
Sweet, rich, and oh-so-satisfying, Classic Nanaimo Bars are the quintessential no-bake dessert with Canadian roots and a cult following. With three dreamy layers—a chocolate-coconut-graham cracker base, silky custard filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache top—they strike the perfect balance between texture and taste. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast treats, easy dessert ideas, or crowd-pleasing food ideas, these layered bars deliver every time.
Ingredients
0.5 cup unsalted butter
0.25 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 large egg, beaten
1.75 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
0.5 cup chopped walnuts
0.5 cup unsalted butter (for filling)
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
2 tablespoons whole milk
2 cups powdered sugar
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
1. Melt 0.5 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in 0.25 cup sugar and 5 tablespoons cocoa powder until smooth.
2. Slowly whisk in 1 beaten egg. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and mix in 1.75 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup shredded coconut, and 0.5 cup chopped walnuts.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Set aside.
5. In a bowl, cream 0.5 cup butter with 2 tablespoons custard powder and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
6. Gradually beat in 2 cups powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
7. Spread the filling evenly over the base layer. Chill for 30 minutes.
8. Melt 4 ounces chocolate with 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until smooth.
9. Let cool slightly, then pour over the chilled custard layer. Spread evenly.
10. Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour. Cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
Use a hot, dry knife to slice clean layers without cracking the top.
Chill fully between layers for best texture and appearance.
Store in fridge up to 1 week or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: nanaimo bars, easy dessert, no bake, layered bars