Best 7 Nanaimo Bars With 6 Variations Recipes

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Nanaimo bars are a classic Canadian dessert that is loved by people of all ages. Originating from the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, this decadent treat features a chocolate graham cracker crust, a custard filling, and a layer of chocolate ganache. It's a perfect combination of textures and flavors that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this article, we'll explore six delicious variations of the Nanaimo bar, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe. From nutty peanut butter to minty refreshing to a tangy twist with lemon, these variations are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we uncover the best recipes for Nanaimo bars, with six exciting variations that will tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

NANAIMO BARS I



Nanaimo Bars I image

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

½ cup butter
¼ cup white sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
3 tablespoons milk
4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon butter

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 BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

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

1/2 cup/115 grams unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
1/4 cup/50 grams granulated sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups/235 grams graham cracker crumbs
1 cup/85 grams unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup/50 grams finely chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans (or a mixture)
1/4 cup/60 grams unsalted butter (1/2 stick), at room temperature
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons custard powder, such as Bird's
2 cups/245 grams confectioners' (icing) sugar
4 ounces/115 grams semisweet chocolate, broken into 1/2-inch (1 1/4-centimeter) pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

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

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo bars image

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

125g softened butter
50g caster sugar
5 tbsp cocoa powder
1 egg , beaten
200g digestive biscuits , blitzed to crumbs
100g desiccated coconut
50g chopped almonds (optional)
100g butter , softened
4 tbsp double cream
3 tbsp custard powder
250g icing sugar
150g dark chocolate
50g butter

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

NANAIMO BARS (WITH 6 VARIATIONS)



Nanaimo Bars (With 6 Variations) image

These no-bake, three layered snack bars start with a crumb base, followed by a layer of light custard buttercream, then topped with a shimmering layer of chocolate. Nanaimo Bars are one of Canada's favorite confections, named after the beautiful city of Nanaimo, B.C. It all began when Mabel Jenkins, a Nanaimo housewife entered the recipe in a magazine contest back in the 1950's. She won the contest with these tasty treats even made the town famous for them. There are six variations of filling here at the bottom of this recipe. Buddha got this recipe from a co-worker named Kindalee.

Provided by 2Bleu

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (or almonds or pecans)
1/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute vanilla jello pudding powder)
1/4 cup milk
3 cups icing sugar
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • BASE: Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Stir in sugar and cocoa until smooth. Whisk egg with vanilla and stir into butter mixture. Remove from heat.
  • Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press evenly over bottom of greased 9" square pan. Chill until set, at least 20 minute.
  • FILLING: Beat butter with wooden spoon until light. Beat in custard powder and milk.Gradually beat in sugar. Spread over chilled base and let set in fridge.
  • TOPPING: Melt together chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Spread in even layer over chilled filling.
  • Store in fridge until chocolate topping begins to harden. Score topping into 16 small bars (bites). Cut before totally solid, use a hot knife, wiping clean between cuts. Store in fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • FILLING VARIATIONS:.
  • PEANUT BUTTER FILLING.-- 2 Tbsp Custard powder, 1/4 cup Milk, 2 Tbsp Butter; softened, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter 2 cups confectioners sugar -sifted.
  • MINT FILLING -- 1/3 cup butter, 3 Tbsp custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute jello pudding powder), 1/4 cup milk, 3 cups icing sugar, 1 teaspoons peppermint flavoring, 1-2 drops green food coloring as desired.
  • CAPPUCCINO FILLING -- 2 Tbsp milk, 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups confectioners sugar.
  • GRAND MARNIER FILLING -- 2 cups Icing Sugar, 1/4 cup Butter; softened, 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or orange -liqueur, 1 Tbsp Orange rind; coarsely grated.
  • BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM FILLING -- 1/3 cup butter, 3 Tbsp custard powder, Bird's brand (or substitute vanilla jello pudding powder), 1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream, 2-3 cups icing sugar.
  • CHERRY FILLING -- 1/4 cup Butter; softened, 1 tablespoons Cherry juice, 2 cups Icing sugar, 1/3 cup chopped Maraschino cherries, 1-2 drops of red food coloring.

SUNSHINE COAST-STYLE NANAIMO BARS



Sunshine Coast-Style Nanaimo Bars image

Nanaimo bars with a blackberry twist; they take a while to be ready to eat, but are well worth the wait.

Provided by QTPIEANGELICA

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     International Cookie Recipes     Canadian Cookie Recipes

Time 2h20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 15

½ cup butter
¼ cup white sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
½ cup chopped walnuts
⅓ cup butter at room temperature
3 tablespoons custard powder (such as Bird's® Custard Powder)
¼ cup milk
3 cups confectioners' sugar
¼ cup blackberries
12 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat, and stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth. Whisk in egg and vanilla extract, remove from heat, and stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts until well combined. Press the mixture into a 9x9-inch square pan, and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
  • Place 1/3 cup of room temperature butter into a mixing bowl, and stir custard powder and milk into the butter to make a smooth, creamy mixture. Stir in confectioners' sugar, about 1 cup at a time, until the mixture is very smooth, with no lumps. Lightly stir in the blackberries. Spread the filling on the chilled crust in an even layer, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set up.
  • Melt chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat, and pour over the filling layer, spreading the topping over the filling to cover completely. Return to refrigerator, and allow to set until firm, at least 30 minutes. To cut, dip a very sharp knife into boiling water, and cut into squares with the hot knife.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.8 calories, Carbohydrate 50.4 g, Cholesterol 41.2 mg, Fat 22.9 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 145.8 mg, Sugar 41.3 g

AUTHENTIC NANAIMO BARS



Authentic Nanaimo Bars image

This is THE original recipe from Joyce Hardcastle who won the Ultimate Nanaimo Bar Recipe contest in 1986; no variations, just the exact ingredients she used An offset spatula comes in handy for this. These are very rich and sweet, one small bar is enough! If you don't have Birds Eye custard powder it totally changes the taste and I wouldn't make it if there was non in the kitchen. Why make the original if you do not use the original recipe. A tin of this product lasts forever and is a nice topping for stale cakes or a nice warm bowl of real comfort food! Someone mentioned the crust was greasy....If the crust ingredients are added in order the crust has never been greasy. Or, add 1/4 cup extra graham cracker crumbs. The ratio of butter to the other ingredients isn't a lot. If you omit any crust ingredient and use the same amount of butter called for in the recipe it won't turn out the way it should. This is one recipe that should never be altered!

Provided by green_sleeves

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h15m

Yield 24 squares, 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup unsalted butter (NO substitutes)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa (sifted to get the lumps out)
1 large egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter (no substitutes)
3 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 cups icing sugar
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking squares (4, 1 oz each)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Bottom Layer'.
  • Melt first three ingredients in the top of a double boiler.
  • Add egg when the butter and cocoa are warm (not hot) and stir hard to cook and thicken and not let the egg scramble .About 1 minute is good.
  • 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.
  • Once cool enough to not melt the middle layer, but still liquid, pour over second layer, tilt pan so it is evenly covered and chill in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225.1, Fat 15.3, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 32.7, Sodium 45.8, Carbohydrate 21.9, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 16.8, Protein 2.1

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

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

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup white sugar
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1 large egg, beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1¼ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
½ tsp. kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter
6 Tbsp. whole milk
2 Tbsp. custard powder
¼ tsp. kosher salt
4 cups icing sugar
1 cup dark chocolate chips
6 Tbsp. heavy cream

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.

Tips:

  • For a creamier filling, use a mixture of cream cheese and butter.
  • If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can make your own by crushing graham crackers in a food processor.
  • To make the bars easier to cut, chill them for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  • Experiment with different toppings, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit.
  • Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Nanaimo bars are a classic Canadian dessert that is loved by people of all ages. With their delicious combination of chocolate, coconut, and custard, they are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. The six variations in this article offer something for everyone, so you can find the perfect recipe to suit your taste. Whether you like them classic, nutty, or fruity, there's a Nanaimo bar recipe here that you'll love. So what are you waiting for? Start baking today!

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