Best 5 Christmas Nanaimo Bars Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful holiday treat with our Christmas Nanaimo Bars recipe, a layered dessert that embodies the spirit of the festive season. These elegant bars boast a rich chocolate graham cracker crust, a creamy vanilla custard filling, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping, adorned with festive sprinkles for a touch of Christmas cheer. We also offer a gluten-free variation, catering to those with dietary restrictions, and a vegan version for those seeking a plant-based alternative, ensuring everyone can relish this classic dessert.

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

NANAIMO BARS III



Nanaimo Bars III image

Because it's three layers, this sounds hard but it's worth it. My son is famous for making and taking these in to work. I've heard other names but here in the Northwest everyone knows them as Nanaimo bars. They are sold on British Columbia Ferries and at coffee stands. If you can't find custard powder, I've used instant pudding mix with good results.

Provided by MARTHA J PAUL

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     No-Bake Cookie Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup butter, softened
¼ cup white sugar
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 egg, beaten
1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
½ cup finely chopped almonds
½ cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
2 teaspoons butter

Steps:

  • In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and almonds (if you like). Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8 inch pan.
  • For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
  • While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat. Spread over the chilled bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310.5 calories, Carbohydrate 34.1 g, Cholesterol 47.3 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 160.1 mg, Sugar 26.1 g

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 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.

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

My mother taught me to make these rich, delicious bar cookies when I was young. Though I've tried many variations, I always come back to this old favorite.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 ounces semisweet chocolate

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from the heat; blend in sugar, cocoa, vanilla, egg, crumbs and coconut. Also add nuts if desired. Press into a 9-in. square pan. In a small bowl, cream 1/4 cup butter, pudding mix, milk and sugar. Spread over crumb layer; chill. Melt chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter; spread over pudding layer. Chill before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts :

CHRISTMAS NANAIMO BARS



Christmas Nanaimo Bars image

We spent 10 years stationed at Fort Drum in New York, and we loved it. We made quite a few forays into Canada and tried some different kinds of things. These little decadent yummy bars were one of them. The first time I made them was for Santa, we barely had enough for him. They freeze well. They are pronounced Nah-nye- mo and...

Provided by Cathy Smith

Categories     Cookies

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 24

CRUST
2 Tbsp finely chopped crystallized ginger
1 Tbsp rum
3/4 c butter, cut in cubes
1/3 c cocoa
1/4 c sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c crushed graham crackers (may use vanilla wafers)
1 c flaked coconut
1/2 c chopped walnuts (may use pecans etc)
1/2 c finely chopped red and green candied cherries
FILLING
1/4 c butter, softened
3 Tbsp half and half or milk
2 Tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix
2 1/2 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp almond flavoring
TOPPING
4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 c powdered sugar
2 tsp half and half or milk
1/4 tsp vanilla

Steps:

  • 1. In a small bowl, combine ginger and rum and set aside. Line a 9 inch pan with a foil sling.
  • 2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa, and sugar. Cook and stir over medium low heat until melted. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg. Return all into pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over medium low heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees F.
  • 3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Stir in graham crumbs, coconut, walnuts, cherries and ginger mixture. Press into a foil lined 9 inch square pan.
  • 4. For the filling, in a large bowl, beat the butter, half and half/milk and pudding mix until well blended. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth,add in almond flavoring and spread over crust. Freeze for 15 minutes or until set.
  • 5. In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter, stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Spread over the top. Combine confectioner's sugar and half and half/milk, drizzle over the top. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set. Cut into bars.
  • 6. Christmas is coming and I am looking over my recipes, this is one of them. These are kicked up Nanaimo bars. You can omit the ginger, rum, and cherries and have everyday Nanaimo bars. You can also add mint and pink tinting to the filling and crushed candy canes on top. The way I chose to serve them for "Santa Claus" since we barely had two left was, I left off the white icing on top, and placed them on a black plate, dusted it heavily with powdered sugar to look like snow and arranged some mini marshmallows around the plate so Santa wouldn't know he was shortchanged.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. A good semisweet or bittersweet chocolate is a good choice.
  • Make sure the butter and cream are cold before you start making the filling. This will help the filling set properly.
  • Don't overbeat the filling. Overbeating will make it too thick and difficult to spread.
  • Press the filling into the crust firmly. This will help it stay in place when you cut the bars.
  • Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the filling set completely.
  • Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Nanaimo bars are a delicious and festive Christmas treat. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect Nanaimo bars that will be enjoyed by everyone.

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