Nanaimo bars, a Canadian confectionery delight, are a classic dessert that has captivated taste buds for generations. These three-layered treats, consisting of a graham cracker crust, a creamy custard filling, and a layer of rich chocolate ganache, offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The crumbly crust provides a sturdy base, the smooth filling adds a creamy richness, and the decadent chocolate ganache creates a luscious, velvety topping. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack, an after-dinner dessert, or a special occasion indulgence, Nanaimo bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!
NANAIMO BARS III
Because it's three layers, this sounds hard but it's worth it. My son is famous for making and taking these in to work. I've heard other names but here in the Northwest everyone knows them as Nanaimo bars. They are sold on British Columbia Ferries and at coffee stands. If you can't find custard powder, I've used instant pudding mix with good results.
Provided by MARTHA J PAUL
Categories Desserts Cookies No-Bake Cookie Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and almonds (if you like). Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8 inch pan.
- For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
- While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat. Spread over the chilled bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 310.5 calories, Carbohydrate 34.1 g, Cholesterol 47.3 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 160.1 mg, Sugar 26.1 g
NANAIMO BARS I
These are a totally sinful concoction containing more calories than one would care to count. A decadent dessert! Will satisfy any sweet tooth!
Provided by Shealeen
Categories Desserts Cookies No-Bake Cookie Recipes
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mix 1/2 cup butter or margarine, white sugar, cocoa, egg and vanilla in a heavy sauce pan or double boiler. Stir over low heat until mixture is of custard like consistency.
- Combine graham crackers, coconut and walnuts and add to the melted mixture. Mix well and pack into buttered 9 inch square cake pan.
- Cream 1/4 cup butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla custard powder and milk. Beat until creamy and spread over melted base.
- Refrigerate till hardened.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate with 1 tablespoon butter and drizzle over custard icing. Refrigerate. When totally hard cut into square bars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 389.2 calories, Carbohydrate 46.8 g, Cholesterol 48.9 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 12.1 g, Sodium 199 mg, Sugar 35.5 g
NANAIMO COOKIE BARS
Prize-Winning Recipe 2009! Try this easier cookie-mix take on a classic layered chocolate and vanilla bar.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 1h45m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with foil, leaving foil overhanging at 2 opposite sides of pan. In large bowl, stir cookie base ingredients until well mixed. Spread into pan; press lightly. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until set. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- In another large bowl, stir together powdered sugar and pudding mix. Add 1/3 cup butter and the milk; beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth (filling will be very thick). Spoon over cookie base; press evenly to cover. Refrigerate while making topping.
- In small microwaveable bowl, microwave topping ingredients uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Spread over filling. Refrigerate uncovered until set, about 30 minutes.
- Use foil to lift bars from pan; pull foil from sides of bars. Cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 150 mg, Sugar 26 g, TransFat 0 g
NANAIMO BARS
The Nanaimo bar is a tremendously sweet, no-bake layered bar cookie from Canada made almost exclusively of packaged ingredients. The buttercream layer gets its yellow hue from custard powder, a vital ingredient that makes this a true Nanaimo bar. Use an offset spatula to give the chocolate top a surface as smooth as freshly Zambonied ice. The novelist Margaret Atwood included this recipe, from the chef Susan Mendelson, in her "Canlit Foodbook," a fund-raising book that featured food from literature, as well as author recipes. Ms. Atwood prefers walnuts in this recipe, but any combination of walnuts, almonds or pecans will do. We've added a smidge more cocoa and the optional addition of salt - but leave it out for the true Nanaimo bar experience.
Provided by Sara Bonisteel
Categories cookies and bars, dessert
Time 2h
Yield 16 bars
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Line an 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-centimeter) metal baking pan with parchment, allowing parchment to overhang by about 2 inches (5 centimeters) on two sides.
- Prepare the base: In a double boiler, or a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of boiling water, whisk butter with granulated sugar, egg, cocoa powder and vanilla until melted. Continue whisking until mixture thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Transfer mixture to the parchment-lined pan and use your fingers to press it into an even layer. Transfer pan to the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the buttercream: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed for about 1 minute. Add heavy cream and custard powder and mix until combined, scraping sides and bottom of the work bowl as needed. Add 1 cup confectioners' sugar and mix on low until incorporated. Add remaining confectioners' sugar and mix on low until combined, scraping the bottom of the bowl as needed, then mix on medium-high speed until smooth, light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove pan from refrigerator. Dollop the buttercream on top of the base layer then gently spread it evenly on top using an offset spatula. Transfer pan to the refrigerator to chill until buttercream is set, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the topping: In a small, heavy saucepan or a double boiler, heat the chocolate and butter over low, stirring often, until melted and evenly combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Take pan from refrigerator and pour chocolate on top of buttercream layer. Working quickly and carefully, spread the chocolate evenly over the buttercream using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
- Return pan to refrigerator and chill until chocolate hardens, about 25 minutes.
- To serve the bars: Lift excess parchment to remove Nanaimo square from the pan. Cut into 16 2-inch (5-centimeter) squares. Store bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature before serving. Store remaining bars in the refrigerator for a few days, or wrap well and freeze.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 344, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 118 milligrams, Sugar 24 grams, TransFat 1 gram
EASY NANAIMO BARS
This is a popular cookie bar in Canada. This is however only one of many variations on this recipe.
Provided by CINDERW
Categories Desserts Cookies International Cookie Recipes Canadian Cookie Recipes
Time 3h25m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Grease a 9x9-inch square pan. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat, and stir in cocoa mix, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk together until the mixture thickens, about 1 minute (do not boil); remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup coconut, and walnuts. Mix well, and press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill the crust for about 1 hour.
- Place the cream cheese into a mixing bowl, and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the milk, vanilla pudding mix, and confectioners' sugar to make a spreadable, creamy mixture. If mixture is too stiff to spread easily, add more milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Spread the filling in an even layer over the crust, and return to refrigerator. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
- Melt milk chocolate and 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Spread the topping evenly over the vanilla layer, and refrigerate about 1/2 hour, until the topping is firm but not hard. Cut into bars, then return to refrigerator to finish chilling, at least 1/2 hour more. Serve cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 285.2 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 34.7 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.9 g, Sodium 188 mg, Sugar 27.9 g
NANAIMO BARS
Need ideas for a coffee morning or afternoon tea? These bars from Canada are so moreish, with a crunchy biscuit base, custard layer and chocolate topping
Provided by Michelle Holmes
Categories Afternoon tea, Dessert, Treat
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the biscuit crumbs, coconut and almonds if using, then press into the base of a lined 20cm square tin. Chill for 10 mins.
- For the middle layer, make the custard icing; whisk together the butter, cream and custard powder until light and fluffy, then gradually add the icing sugar until fully incorporated. Spread over the bottom layer and chill in the fridge for at least 10 mins until the custard is no longer soft.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, then spread over the chilled bars and put back in the fridge. Leave until the chocolate has fully set (about 2 hrs). Take the mixture out of the tin and slice into squares to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 29 grams fat, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 33 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 23 grams sugar, Protein 3 grams protein, Sodium 0.6 milligram of sodium
GRANDMA CHASE'S NANAIMO BARS
Different from other Nanaimo recipes, it contains NO coconut. It was given to my mother in the 1970's by her mother-in-law.
Provided by Jessica Jolley
Categories Desserts Cookies International Cookie Recipes Canadian Cookie Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Grease a 9x13-inch dish. To make the crust, place 1/2 cup of butter in a large saucepan, and melt over low heat. Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat, mix in the egg until the mixture is well-combined, then stir in graham cracker crumbs and walnuts. Pack the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, smooth it into an even layer, and refrigerate until cooled, at least 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: beat together confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup of softened butter, pudding mix, and milk until the filling is smooth and fluffy. Spread the filling over the cooled crust, and return to refrigerator for 30 more minutes.
- For topping, melt chocolate with 2 tablespoons of butter over very low heat, and stir until the mixture is warm (not hot) and pourable. Pour the topping over the cooled filling, spreading the topping out if necessary with an offset spatula or knife to cover the topping completely. Return the dish to the refrigerator to cool the topping for about 15 minutes. When the topping is cool but not yet hard, cut into squares; return to refrigerator to finish chilling.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 89.6 calories, Carbohydrate 9.7 g, Cholesterol 12.3 mg, Fat 5.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 49 mg, Sugar 8 g
NANAIMO BAR COOKIES
Named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. Cooking time is time to chill. Posted for ZWT II '06
Provided by Cynna
Categories Dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Base.
- Combine ingredients. Press into 9 inch square cake pan. Chill.
- Filling.
- Combine butter, milk, and custard powder. Blend in confectioner's sugar. Spread over base. Chill at least 15 minutes.
- Glaze.
- Partially melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and stir until melted. Spread over custard layer. Chill.
- Store in refrigerator, covered, up to 1 month. Makes 24 bars.
- Serve chilled. They're rich, so small portions may be appropriate.
- Variation: Add peppermint extract and green food coloring to the middle layer.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 203.3, Fat 13.9, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 25.6, Sodium 102.5, Carbohydrate 20.8, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 14.9, Protein 2.3
NANAIMO BARS
The Nanaimo bar is an easy, no-bake confection beloved by Canadians and perfect for potlucks and holiday parties.
Provided by Anthony Rose
Yield Makes 12 bars
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For the base, first prepare a double boiler on your stove: Fill a large pot about a quarter full of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and place a heatproof bowl overtop. Make sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water.
- In the double boiler, melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder, mixing regularly until smooth. Add the egg, stirring constantly until the mixture has just started to thicken a bit, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and salt.
- Line a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spoon the graham cracker mixture inside, press it down firmly and evenly, and refrigerate until solid, about 2 hours.
- For the creamy middle layer, in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip the butter until light and airy, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the milk, custard powder, salt, and icing sugar and mix on low speed until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and whip until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Pour this creamy mix onto your solid base, make sure it's evenly spread out, and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
- For the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate and cream together in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly. When the chocolate has melted, remove from the heat and let rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want the temperature to come down but still keep the chocolate completely melted. Pour this over the cream layer and, using a rubber spatula, spread it out evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving.
CHOCOLATE COOKIE NANAIMO BARS
No-bake, with three layers of yumminess: a somewhat chewy cookie bottom, vanilla frosting middle, and chocolate top layer. Everyone loves these.
Provided by KEDY
Categories Desserts Cookies International Cookie Recipes Canadian Cookie Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Place 1/2 cup of butter into the top half of a double boiler, and melt over simmering water. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Whisk in the beaten egg and gently cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens up, about 1 minute. Remove the double boiler top from the heat, and stir in the cookie crumbs until very well mixed. Press the crust into the prepared dish, and refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of butter with the vanilla pudding powder and cream with an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy. Slowly beat in the confectioners' sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is very creamy and pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Spread the filling over the crust, and return to the refrigerator for at least 30 more minutes.
- Melt semisweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the top of a double boiler over hot water, and stir until the mixture is very smooth. Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, allow to cool slightly, and pour over the vanilla layer. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate completely over the vanilla layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to cool until the chocolate loses its gloss but is not completely hard, about 30 minutes.
- With a sharp knife, cut into 5 rows by 5 rows (25 squares), return to refrigerator, and chill at least 15 minutes to overnight. Serve cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 285.4 calories, Carbohydrate 32.3 g, Cholesterol 45.9 mg, Fat 18.3 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 10.4 g, Sodium 144.3 mg, Sugar 28.1 g
NANAIMO BARS
My mother taught me to make these rich, delicious bar cookies when I was young. Though I've tried many variations, I always come back to this old favorite.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 20m
Yield 3 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from the heat; blend in sugar, cocoa, vanilla, egg, crumbs and coconut. Also add nuts if desired. Press into a 9-in. square pan. In a small bowl, cream 1/4 cup butter, pudding mix, milk and sugar. Spread over crumb layer; chill. Melt chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter; spread over pudding layer. Chill before cutting into bars.
Nutrition Facts :
THE ORIGINAL NANAIMO BARS
Nanaimo Bars are a traditional Canadian bar cookie whose origins are in Nanaimo, British Columbia. My Mom used to make these when I was a child. She was from Canada & this is not your normal desert! Very rich and wonderful!
Provided by Starfire aka Wendy
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 30m
Yield 18 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- BOTTOM LAYER: Melt first 3 ingredients in top of a double boiler.
- Add egg and stir to cook and thicken Remove from heat.
- Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts.
- Press firmly into an ungreased 8 X 8 pan.
- SECOND LAYER: Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together well.
- Beat until light.
- Spread over bottom layer.
- THIRD LAYER: Melt chocolate and butter over low heat.
- Cool
- When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.
CALGARY NANAIMO BARS
This version of Nanaimo bars may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a British Columbia kitchen. They're three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. -Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 25m
Yield 3-1/2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Line an 8-in. square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend over sides by 1 in. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar and cocoa; add butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir until mixture reaches 160°. Remove from heat., Stir in cracker crumbs, coconut and, if desired, almonds. Press into prepared pan. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set., For filling, in a small bowl, beat confectioners' sugar, pudding mix, butter and milk until smooth; spread over crust., In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Spread over top. Refrigerate until set. Using foil, lift bars out of pan. Discard foil; cut into bars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 72mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing them together.
- Do not over-mix the dough, as this will make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, to help them hold their shape.
- Bake the cookies until they are golden brown around the edges, but still soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool completely before dipping them in the chocolate ganache.
Conclusion:
Nanaimo bar cookies are a delicious and decadent treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your Nanaimo bar cookies turn out perfect every time.
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