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Canadian Nanaimo Bars | Yummy No Bake Dessert

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Nanaimo Bars

Cultural Context

Nanaimo Bars originated in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and are a beloved no-bake dessert that reflects the region's love for sweet treats. Traditionally made with a crumb base, custard-flavored middle layer, and a chocolate topping, they symbolize Canadian ingenuity in dessert-making. Today, they have gained popularity beyond Canada, with various adaptations and flavors appearing globally, making them a favorite at gatherings and celebrations.

CanadianCAdessert
120 min
medium
16 servings
Servings4
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 egg beaten
1 1/2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 cup sweetened coconut
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 tbsp. and 2 tsp whipping cream
2 tbsp. vanilla custard powder
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups icing sugar
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
3 tbsp. unsalted butter

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while margarine is often less expensive.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Coconut cream offers a rich texture while the milk + cornstarch mix is budget-friendly.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia reduces calories while brown sugar adds a deeper flavor.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: pecans

Almonds are often lower in calories and pecans can be more affordable.

1

Prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.

2

Mix melted unsalted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a bowl until combined.

3

Add beaten egg, graham wafer crumbs, chopped almonds, and sweetened coconut to the mixture; stir until well blended.

4

Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish evenly.

5

In a separate bowl, mix melted unsalted butter, whipping cream, vanilla custard powder, and vanilla essence until smooth.

6

Add icing sugar to the mixture and blend until creamy; spread the cream mixture over the first layer in the baking dish evenly.

7

Melt semi-sweet chocolate and 3 tbsp. unsalted butter together in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.

8

Pour the melted chocolate over the cream layer and spread evenly.

9

Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until set.

10

Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper.

11

Cut into squares and serve cold.

Cooking Techniques

mixingmeltingpressingchilling

Equipment Needed

mixing bowlbaking dishparchment papersaucepanspatulawhisk

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergens

nutsdairyegg

Also Known As

Nanaimo SquareNanaimo Slice

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