Description
Rich, creamy, and no oven required—these Classic Nanaimo Bars are a beloved Canadian dessert with a triple-layered indulgence. A chewy chocolate-coconut-graham base supports a thick, custard-flavored buttercream filling, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. This easy dessert recipe is perfect for holiday trays, potlucks, or whenever you crave a make-ahead sweet treat. A great choice for those searching for easy desserts, no-bake recipes, holiday treats, or unique snack ideas. It’s the kind of easy recipe that looks impressive but is incredibly simple to pull off.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
2. Slowly whisk in the beaten egg and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts until fully combined.
4. Press mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
5. In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, custard powder, and milk until smooth.
6. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
7. Spread custard layer evenly over chilled base and return to the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
8. Melt chocolate and butter together over low heat or in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
9. Let chocolate cool slightly, then pour over the custard layer and spread evenly.
10. Chill until chocolate is set, about 1 hour. Slice with a hot, dry knife for clean squares.
Notes
Let the chocolate topping cool slightly before spreading so it doesn’t melt the custard layer.
Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal from the pan and cleaner slicing.
If substituting custard powder, instant vanilla pudding mix works well but may give a softer filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg