Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (2024)

Published | Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

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Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian three layer holiday treat you will fall in love with! These no-bake chocolate covered bars with a creamy custard filling on a crumbly chocolate coconut base are just waiting to conquer the world the same way as it did its home country!

Curious to taste another classic Canadian treat? Take a look at our Maple Butter Tarts! Or explore the entire Holiday Dessert Section in Christmas Recipe Collection.

Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (1)

Do you want one? You do but don’t know what they are? It’s okay go ahead and make them anyway!

Nanaimo Bars and Butter Tarts are both very Canadian! We wish we could be home with family this holiday season but it’s not in the cards. So instead I am baking an array of Canadian treats.

What are Nanaimo Bars?

Nanaimo bars are a triple layer confection with a crunchy chocolate and coconut base, creamy centre and a chocolate glaze. They are very traditional in Canada and are rumoured to be invented in a bakery in the city of Nanaimo, a West Coast town in British Columbia we lived just an hour away from.

Are we sure we know who invented them? Not at all, despite endless effort being put into finding out and many claims made throughout the years. They have been traced to a point of time, though, gaining renown in the 1950s.

What does seem clear is that the richness and sweetness of the bars is a direct response to the a passion for all things sweet and buttery after years of war-related shortages and rationing. Butter and sugar were now available, and people wanted to use them!

Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (2)

Nanaimo bars have a very devout following in its native land. You will understand why once you try one. You’d be forever sold on this triple layer confection with a chocolate coconut base, creamy center and a chocolate glaze.

When we lived in Canada I rarely felt the need to make them myself because they would be served at 3 out 4 homes we’d be visiting around Christmas.

Now that we live in England we feel like we NEED to have things that remind us of home, and thus bring us much needed comfort.

Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (3)

How To Make Them

Like the best sweet bars recipes, these treats are quite easy to make and a recipe I enjoy making with kids. The hardest part is waiting for the layers to set to continue with the recipe!

The process is pretty similar to a cheesecake. The base is a mixture of graham cracker crumbs, cocoa, butter, sugar, dried coconut and one egg. You can successfully use Digestive biscuits instead of graham cracker crumbs if you are in the UK.

All you do is mix everything and bake quickly for 10 minutes, then add a no-bake custard cream layer and top with melted chocolate. Done!

Serving suggestions

These bars are sweet. Really sweet. That means a relatively small bar will go a long way! It’s best to cut them into manageable serving sizes, which I would say is a maximum of 5 cm/2 inches square. Smaller will do no harm too.

I don’t have the sweetest of teeth, which means that I like to have something to go with Nanaimo bars when I decide to indulge. Nothing too complex is needed. A cup of coffee or hot tea will do nicely!

Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (4)

Recipe tips and notes

  • What sets the middle layer is a custard powder. The powder also gives it that telltale yellow colour. Custard powder is absolutely necessary for true Canadian Nanaimo Bars.
  • You can use a vanilla pudding mix but it’s won’t be exactly the same. It’s worth tracking Bird’s custard powder online if you can’t find it in your local supermarkets.
  • The bottom layer is traditionally made with crushed graham crackers but they were impossible to find in the UK so I gave digestive biscuits a try. They worked very well so I’m happy to recommend!
  • It’s best to let each layer set before adding the next. It won’t take too long but will help to keep the layers separate.
  • Please don’t forget to pre-cut your bars when the chocolate is partially set, about 30 minutes after you complete the final layer. This will prevent the top from cracking once the bars are chilled and firm.
  • Although not a part of the traditional recipe, I love sprinkling my Nanaimo bars with flaked sea salt at the end. It gives very sweet bars a much needed balance, not to mention the sea salt looks like a light dusting of snow. Absolutely gorgeous!

Storage and leftovers

These bars freeze well. In fact that’s how everyone stores them back in Canada. Simply put them in an airtight container with parchment paper or wax paper between the layers and freeze until needed.

Take out of the freezer 30-40 minutes before serving to allow them to thaw. These bars taste best when served at room temperature.

More holiday bar recipes

  • English Fridge Cake Bars
  • Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
  • Blackberry Crumble Bars
  • Slow Cooker Chocolate Butterscotch Cookie Bars

Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (5)

Nanaimo Bars

Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Nanaimo bars are a triple layer confection with a chocolate and coconut base, creamy center and a chocolate glaze.

5 from 7 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Cooling time 1 hour hr

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Canadian

Servings 24

Calories 317 kcal

Ingredients

Base

  • 190g/3/4 cup butter melted
  • 50g/1/4 cup sugar
  • 6 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 220g/2 cups graham cracker crumbs I used Digestive biscuits in the UK
  • 100g/1 cup dried coconut

Middle Layer

  • 125g/1/2 cup butter softened
  • 6 tbsp milk
  • 4 tbsp custard powder I used Bird’s Custard powder
  • 520g/4 cups icing sugar

Top Layer

  • 250g/8 oz dark or milk chocolate chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350F/180C. Mix all ingredients for the base in a large bowl. Line your 9 inch X 13 inch pan with parchment paper and pack your crumb mixture firmly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool in the pan.

  • While the base is chilling beat the middle layer ingredients until smooth and spread over the base. Chill for 60 minutes.

  • Melt chopped chocolate with a tablespoon of butter in a double boiler. Or if you don't have one, set a bowl with chocolate over a pot of simmering water and melt your chocolate this way.

  • Spread melted chocolate over the cream layer. Let the chocolate set for 30-40 minutes. Then cut into bars, so your chocolate layer won't crack later when the chocolate hardens. Chill until firm for several hours or overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 2gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 163mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 379IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Keyword nanaimo bars

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Christmas Desserts

  • Maple Butter Tarts
  • Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Icing
  • White Christmas Truffle Cake
  • Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

About Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

Julia Frey is a London based recipe developer and photographer. Julia founded Vikalinka in 2012 with the main mission to provide her readers with delicious and accessible everyday recipes, which could be enjoyed by everyone.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elaine says

    Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (13)
    This bars looks so yummy.

    Reply

  2. Erin @ Making Memories says

    I’d actually like 3, not 1. Naniamo bars are my favorite. Yours look wonderful.

    Reply

  3. Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says

    Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (14)
    Great minds think alike! I just did a nanaimo bars variation last week! I love these things and think they need more recognition–so glad you posted this glitzy holiday version!

    Reply

    • vikalinka says

      I am heading over to check out your Nanaimo Bars!

      Reply

  4. Marina says

    Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (15)
    wow, I never knew that they’re traditional to Canada! I love nanaimo bars and yours look beautiful!

    Reply

    • vikalinka says

      Thank you! I must say I am surprised you know Nanaimo bars, most people in the US usually look puzzled when Nanaimo bars are mentioned. 🙂

      Reply

      • Mikey says

        Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (16)
        I live all the way in Australia, and Canadian cuisine has not caught on too much here – albeit I have seen poutine pop up more in recent years. Even so, I have done Nanaimo bars a few times. One instant was the year before I typed this when I brought a couple of portions into my work – a kitchen/catering company. That was because it was Canada Day and a way to shake things up just because.

        I dropped a portion off at the front desk, and the lady there compared it to a caramel slice. That might be an exclusively Australian snack, regardless she is not too far off the mark (biscuit base, the middle layer does turn slightly caramel if cooked and topped with chocolate). It went down pretty well; an Italian lady even bagged what remained at the end of her shift. An Italian taking home Canadian sounds like a punchline to something.

        That wasn’t this recipe, though. I tried this one out, and it was a far sweeter version. Still really good, and it has been a habit of trying several times to get it right. I don’t often cook or bake desserts, but there is definitely something about them that is fun and worth it.

        Reply

  5. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says

    I’ve been hearing about these for years and still haven’t tried them out at home. Yours are beautiful!

    Reply

    • vikalinka says

      I think it’s time, get yourself some custard powder and get baking!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Nanaimo Bars (Classic Canadian Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Are Nanaimo bars a Canadian thing? ›

Recipes for similar desserts are found in various places, under various names, in North America and Europe. The designation "Nanaimo bar" is Canadian, and appears in the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, but not in other language or dialect versions.

What are Nanaimo bars called in the USA? ›

But neither Nanaimo's historical miners nor current residents have an exclusive relationship with the dessert; over the last century, similar sweets have popped up across North America, going by names like “New York slice,” “London fog bar” and “prayer bar.” Still, when it comes to branding, Nanaimo is the winner, bar ...

Why are Nanaimo bars so good? ›

But in reasonable doses (or not), Nanaimo bars are wonderfully luxurious, satisfying treats; the shredded coconut and nut counterpoint to the thick velvety texture of the icing and ganache has been winning the hearts of sweet-toothed Canadians and visitors for decades.

What are the other names for Nanaimo bars? ›

Other names for Nanaimo Bars include but are not limited to New York Slice, New York Special, Mississauga Bars, Edmonton Esks, Georgia Street Slices, Georgia Strait Smog Squares, London Fog Bars and London Smog Bars — coincidentally the London Fog (a hot drink consisting of steamed milk, vanilla syrup and Earl Grey Tea ...

Were Nanaimo Bars invented in Canada? ›

This creamy, chocolatey treat's origin is elusive, shrouded in mystery, and claimed by many as their own. Of course, we know that Nanaimo Bars originated in Nanaimo, or they would be called New York Bars, or New Brunswick Bars.

Why are Nanaimo Bars important to Canada? ›

It is named after Nanaimo, British Columbia, where it was popularized in the years following the Second World War. It subsequently rose to wider prominence after Expo 86. In 2006, the Nanaimo bar was declared Canada's favourite confection by a reader's poll in the National Post.

Why does it smell in Nanaimo? ›

Every year around March, herring spawn off the shores near French Creek. Roe wash up on nearby beaches and decompose into the summer. The decomposing eggs release hydrogen sulphide and winds can carry the odors towards the highway and FCPCC.

Do Nanaimo bars go bad in the fridge? ›

Seeing them in my fridge when I'm craving something sweet has been a miracle, honestly. In the Refrigerator: Nanaimo bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Serve straight from the fridge. In the Freezer: You can also keep your Nanaimo bars in the freezer for 2-3 months in an airtight container.

What are Nanaimo people called? ›

The Indigenous peoples of the area that is now known as Nanaimo are the Snuneymuxw. An anglicised spelling and pronunciation of that word gave the city its current name. The first Europeans known to reach Nanaimo Harbour were members of the 1791 Spanish voyage of Juan Carrasco, under the command of Francisco de Eliza.

What is a fun fact about Nanaimo bars? ›

The Nanaimo bar is a bar dessert that requires no baking and is named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. It consists of three layers: a wafer, nut (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), and coconut crumb base; custard icing in the middle; and a layer of chocolate ganache on top.

What is the worlds largest Nanaimo bar? ›

The completed bar weighed in at 530 pounds and measured eight feet long, 44 inches wide and three inches high. The family will submit their logs, photos, weights and measurements to the people at Guinness. They hope to receive the official certificate in the mail in a couple of months.

What dessert is Canada known for? ›

Nanaimo Bar

Named after the city it was invented in (Nanaimo, British Columbia on the west coast of Canada), this no-bake dessert has been hailed as Canada's most iconic treat.

What is the national sweet of Canada? ›

All locals should experience one of the tastiest things to come out of the True North. In a land not so far away, north of the 49th parallel, every bakery worth its butter, every cookbook, everyone's grandmother knows the secret to heaven on earth.

Where did Nanaimo originate? ›

Founded as Colvilletown around a Hudson's Bay Company trading post, it developed after 1849 when coalfields were discovered nearby by local Indigenous people. In 1860 the settlement was renamed Sne-ny-mo (whence Nanaimo) from an Indigenous word meaning “a big, strong tribe,” which was applied to a tribal confederation.

Which country is Nanaimo located? ›

Nanaimo (/nəˈnaɪmoʊ/ nə-NY-moh) is a city of about 100,000 on the east coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada.

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