How to Make the Best Nanaimo Bars Ever!

Jenn Summers
Nov 7 · 5 min read

This post first appeared on The Old Summers Home.

The Nanaimo Bar history

Before I share our recipe I want to share a bit of history: The Nanaimo bar originated in Canada, named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia which is located on Vancouver Island. Nanaimo Bars are a no-bake dessert bar delicacy which is one of Canada’s greatest recipes of all time. This dessert is best known for its layered sweetness which includes cocoa and coconut, icing sugar and custard then topped with a thin layer of chocolate. The custard layer adds some vibrant yellow making this dessert appealing to the eye as well. It is a true family favourite in our home and therefore made quite often. This recipe is a perfect way to celebrate Canada Day!

Prep Time

40 minutes

The Best Nanaimo Bars Supplies

Oh my gosh, I just stumbled across this set on Amazon when looking for links for supplies, and look what I found! I love this so much and they would look amazing in my kitchen! Ahem, Josh, if you’re reading, a certain person’s birthday is coming up… hint, hint, nudge, nudge ;)

The Best Nanaimo Bars Ingredients

Base

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 cups graham wafer crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp vanilla

Filling

  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 tbsp custard powder
  • 1 Tbsp milk

Topping

  • 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate baking squares (4oz)
  • 1 tbsp butter

The Best & Easiest Nanaimo Bars Recipe

When I plan on baking I like to start with a clean kitchen empty dish rack and a sink full of hot sudsy water. For this recipe I reuse the bowls for the different layers and because I do not want the colour to mix I give them a quick wash in between and rinse them off. Therefore having my soapy water ready makes it a quick job and back to making the dessert.

Simple Nanaimo Bars Base

In a small bowl combine cocoa powder, sugar and melted butter. Mix well until dissolved and lump-free. Then set aside.

Mix graham wafer crumbs, coconut, egg, and vanilla in a medium-size bowl until well blended.

Combine cocoa mixture with coconut mixture then mix well.

Using a spatula press Nanaimo bar base into an 8x8 pan ensuring to spread well. Then place the pan in the refrigerator allowing to chill.

Nanaimo Bars Filling

In a medium-sized bowl soften butter and then combine with icing sugar, custard and milk. I find using a silicone spatula works the best to smash out any lumps.

Once lump free spread onto the chilled base and place back in the refrigerator.

The Best Nanaimo Bars Topping

In a small bowl melt semi-sweet chocolate with butter. Microwave at 30-second intervals being sure to stir in between until completely melted.

Mix until smooth.

Spread on top of the chilled custard layer then return to refrigerator.

Depending on your refrigerator chill for approximately 1 hour or until firm, it takes 45 minutes to set in our fridge. Then slice and serve and enjoy this delicious Canadian delicacy.

Enjoy the Best & Easiest Nanaimo Bars!

I was so excited to get some beautiful pictures of my Nanaimo bars but while I was on a phone call my family found them and started to devour them immediately haha. They are just that much of a hit in this old house that I can not even get a picture before they are dug into haha. They are really quite easy to make even though a lot of people think they are quite difficult when in reality they are simpler than a cake made from scratch!

Now the best & easiest Nanaimo Bars are right at your fingertips. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do.

Thanks so much for joining us for another Cooking with Jenn recipe! Bon Appétit!

Until next time;

Jenn Summers

The Old Summers Home

Jenn Summers

Written by

Hi, I’m Jenn from The Old Summers Home. At The Old Summers home you can find DIY Home Decor and all our Family Favourite Recipes!

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