If you’ve never had a Nanaimo bar, oh wow, you’re in for a treat! Originating from Canada, these delightful no-bake bars are a triple-layered dream that will make your taste buds dance. The crumbly base, creamy custard middle, and smooth chocolate topping create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I tasted one at a family gathering—it was love at first bite! Not only are they delicious, but they’re also super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these Nanaimo bars, you’ll be coming back for more!
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup custard powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How to Prepare Nanaimo Bars
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive right into making these mouthwatering Nanaimo bars! I promise, the process is just as fun as the final product. Plus, it’s all no-bake, so you won’t break a sweat!
Prepare the Base Layer
First up is the base layer, which is oh-so-crunchy and delicious! In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. It should be fluffy, almost like a cloud! Next, add in 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, and 1/2 cup shredded coconut. Mix it all together until everything is well combined—it’ll look a bit like cookie dough. Now, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to really pack it down. This is key for a solid base!
Create the Custard Layer
Next, let’s whip up that creamy custard layer! In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup custard powder with 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter. You’ll want to blend this until it’s smooth and creamy, just like a frosting. Once it’s ready, spread this luscious mixture over the pressed base layer. Make sure it’s even and covers every corner—no one likes a bare spot! This layer is what makes these bars so irresistible, so take your time to get it just right.
Finish with the Chocolate Topping
Finally, let’s finish these beauties off with the chocolate topping! Melt 4 oz of dark chocolate with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. I usually do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s completely smooth and shiny. Once melted, pour this chocolate mixture over the custard layer, spreading it gently for a nice finish. Now, here comes the hardest part—chill the whole pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the layers set perfectly! Once they’re chilled, you can cut them into squares and enjoy your homemade Nanaimo bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake convenience—perfect for hot days or when you don’t want to turn on the oven!
- Delicious layers of flavor: the crunchy base, creamy custard, and rich chocolate topping create a delightful harmony.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just keeping at home for a sweet treat during the week.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together—let them help with pressing the base and spreading the custard!
- Perfectly portioned squares make it easy to satisfy that sweet craving without overindulging.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Nanaimo bars turn out absolutely fabulous! Here are my top tips to help you nail this recipe:
- Press firmly for the base: When you’re pressing down the base layer, don’t be shy! Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to really pack it in. A solid base means less crumbling when you cut into the bars later.
- Chill time is crucial: Make sure to chill the bars for at least 2 hours, but if you can wait even longer, go for it! This allows the layers to set nicely and makes cutting them into squares a breeze.
- Use quality chocolate: Since the chocolate topping is a big part of the flavor, I recommend using good quality dark chocolate. It makes a world of difference in taste!
- Storage matters: Keep your Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long!
- Freezing for later: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
With these tips, you’re on your way to making the perfect Nanaimo bars that will impress everyone. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in those delicious Nanaimo bars, you’ll want to know how to store any leftovers (if there are any!). Trust me, these bars keep well, making them a fantastic treat to have on hand!
First off, keep your Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. They’ll stay good for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste!
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime you want. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. No reheating is necessary—just slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert!
So, whether you’re storing them for a party or just keeping a stash for yourself, these tips will ensure your Nanaimo bars stay just as tasty as the day you made them!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up! The nutritional information provided for these Nanaimo bars is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. Everyone’s kitchen is a bit different, and that’s part of the fun! So, while I strive to give you the best info, remember that your results might differ slightly. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients if you’re keeping a close eye on nutrition. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I make Nanaimo bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Nanaimo bars is that they’re perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them a day or two in advance, just be sure to keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, the flavors have time to meld together, making them even more delicious when you’re ready to serve them!
What can I substitute for custard powder?
If you can’t find custard powder, don’t worry! You can use vanilla pudding mix as a substitute, which will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor. Alternatively, you could mix cornstarch with a bit of vanilla extract. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be tasty!
How long do leftover Nanaimo bars last?
Leftover Nanaimo bars can last about a week when stored properly in the refrigerator. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’re lucky enough to have some left after a few days, they’ll still be just as delightful. Trust me, they’re hard to resist!
Print
Nanaimo Bars: 5 Irresistible Layers for Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nanaimo bars are a delicious no-bake dessert originating from Canada. They consist of three layers: a crumbly base, a creamy custard middle, and a smooth chocolate topping.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup custard powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, graham cracker crumbs, and shredded coconut. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch pan.
- In another bowl, mix custard powder with powdered sugar and softened butter. Spread this over the base layer.
- Melt dark chocolate and additional butter together and pour over the custard layer.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Ensure the layers are set before cutting.
- Store in the refrigerator for best results.
- Can be frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: nanaimo bars, no-bake dessert, Canadian dessert
