Best 10 Cranberry Nanaimo Bars Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful symphony of flavors with Cranberry Nanaimo Bars, a Canadian classic dessert that combines three distinct layers of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla custard, and a vibrant cranberry compote. This no-bake treat is a feast for the senses, offering a textural contrast between the crisp chocolate crust, the velvety custard filling, and the tangy cranberry topping. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence, these bars are a true delight.

In our collection of recipes, we present two variations of this beloved dessert:

1. **Classic Cranberry Nanaimo Bars:** Experience the original magic of Cranberry Nanaimo Bars with this traditional recipe. Featuring a decadent chocolate graham cracker crust, a creamy vanilla custard center, and a luscious cranberry compote topping, this version stays true to the classic flavors that have made these bars famous.

2. **White Chocolate Cranberry Nanaimo Bars:** For those who prefer a sweeter and milder flavor profile, the White Chocolate Cranberry Nanaimo Bars offer a delightful twist. The chocolate layer is crafted with white chocolate chips, creating a creamy and smooth base for the custard and cranberry layers. This variation adds a touch of elegance to the classic recipe.

Whether you're a fan of traditional desserts or enjoy experimenting with new flavors, our Cranberry Nanaimo Bars recipes have something for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

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 :

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 16 bars

Number Of Ingredients 13

Nonstick vegetable spray
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup dried coconut flakes
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
4 ounces Bittersweet chocolate
1 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 tablespoons light corn syrup

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with nonstick vegetable spray.
  • For the Bottom Layer: In a dry bowl, set over barely simmering water, melt the 5 pats butter and 4 ounces of semisweet chocolate. Remove from the heat and stir in the Graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts. Pat the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan to form a crust. Bake for 9 minutes until set. Let cool to room temperature, then chill.
  • For the Buttercream: Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes Slowly beat in the maple syrup and Grand Marnier. Spread over the cooled crust and chill for 20 minutes to set.
  • For the Chocolate Glaze: In a dry bowl, set over barely simmering water, melt the chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the vegetable shortening and corn syrup. Spread the chocolate glaze over the buttercream layer and chill for 5 more minutes. Cut into 2 by 2 inch bars

THE ULTIMATE NANAIMO BAR



The Ultimate Nanaimo Bar image

This iconic Canadian dessert recipe comes straight from the heart of Nanaimo, B.C. - from the annals of the one-and-only Nanaimo Museum! Courtesy of Joyce Hardcastle, Nanaimo, B.C.You might also like these Tasty Nanaimo Bar RecipesScroll down to watch how to make this recipe.

Provided by Food Network Canada

Categories     chocolate,christmas,comfort food,Complex,dessert,eggs and dairy,Great Canadian Cookbook,Holiday/Event,Party Favourites,thanksgiving

Time 1h45m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup (125 mL) unsalted butter (preferably European-style cultured butter)
5 Tbsp (75 mL) cocoa powder
¼ cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 ¾ cups (425 mL) graham wafer crumbs
1 cup (250 mL) shredded coconut
½ cup (125 mL) almonds, finely chopped
½ cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp + 2 tsp (40 mL) whipping or heavy cream
2 Tbsp (30 mL) vanilla custard powder
2 cups (500 mL) icing sugar
4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate
2 Tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Pour 2 cups (500 mL) water into bottom of double boiler. Place on stove over medium heat and bring water to simmer.
  • In top of double boiler; combine butter, cocoa and sugar; place over simmering water. Heat, stirring, until butter has melted and mixture is smooth.
  • Add beaten egg; stir until thick. Remove top of double boiler from heat. Stir in graham wafer crumbs, coconut and almonds.
  • Scrape into parchment paper-lined 8-inch (2 L) square baking dish. Press firmly to create even bottom layer.
  • Tip: If you don't have a double boiler, half-fill a saucepan with water and heat over medium heat until water begins to simmer. Then, place a metal or glass bowl over the simmering water and proceed as directed.
  • In bowl, cream together butter, cream and custard powder. Gradually add icing sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Scrape over bottom layer, smoothing top with spatula or palette knife.
  • In clean double boiler, melt chocolate and butter together. Remove from heat; let cool slightly. When cool, but still liquid, pour over custard layer.
  • Cover and refrigerate until cold.

CRANBERRY NANAIMO BARS



Cranberry Nanaimo Bars image

In Nanaimo, Canada, close to 200 tubbers (in every type of craft imaginable) entered the fun "bathrub race" competition in 1967 and amazingly, 47 completed the 36 mile course to Vancouver's Fisherman's Cove across the straits of Georgia. An annual event for more than 40 years, the "Great RACE" still starts and finishes in Nanaimo harbor but now covers a much more grueling course and includes a week-long celebration. Cook time includes chill time.

Provided by FLKeysJen

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h10m

Yield 36 bars, 36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup butter, softened
3 semi-sweet chocolate baking squares
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup angel flake coconut
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
1/4 cup cranberry sauce, finely chopped (with whole berries)
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (or orange liqueur or orange juice)
2 tablespoons custard powder or 2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups icing sugar
4 semi-sweet chocolate baking squares, chopped
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Base: Melt butter with chocolate and remove from heat. Stir in sugar and egg. Add crumbs, coconut and orange rind; mix well. Press into 9" square pan. Chill.
  • Cranberry Layer: Combine cranberry sauce and liqueur. Spread evenly over base. Custard Layer: Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. Spread over base. Chill.
  • Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate and butter over low heat or in microwave on med. power for 2 minutes, stir until melted. Spread evenly over filling. Chill. Let stand at room temperature for fifteen minutes before cutting into bars.
  • To store: Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks before cutting.
  • To freeze: For longer storage, freeze bars before topping with chocolate and cutting. Thaw and spread with melted chocolate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127.2, Fat 7.1, SaturatedFat 4.3, Cholesterol 17.1, Sodium 66.8, Carbohydrate 16.2, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 13.3, Protein 0.9

THE ORIGINAL NANAIMO BARS



The Original Nanaimo Bars image

Nanaimo Bars are a traditional Canadian bar cookie whose origins are in Nanaimo, British Columbia. My Mom used to make these when I was a child. She was from Canada & this is not your normal desert! Very rich and wonderful!

Provided by Starfire aka Wendy

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 30m

Yield 18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa (Fry's Coco)
1 egg
1 3/4 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup almonds
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons bird's custard mix
2 cups icing sugar
4 (1 ounce) semi-sweet chocolate baking squares
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • BOTTOM LAYER: Melt first 3 ingredients in top of a double boiler.
  • Add egg and stir to cook and thicken Remove from heat.
  • Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts.
  • Press firmly into an ungreased 8 X 8 pan.
  • SECOND LAYER: Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together well.
  • Beat until light.
  • Spread over bottom layer.
  • THIRD LAYER: Melt chocolate and butter over low heat.
  • Cool
  • When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.

CRANBERRY BARS



Cranberry Bars image

"I keep cranberries in my freezer all year so I can make these bars whenever I get a craving for their tart cranberry flavor," shares Betty Noga, Milwaukie, Oregon.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield about 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

FILLING:
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
CRUST:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups cold butter
1 cup sugar
3 cups quick-cooking oats

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Add cranberries and cook until they pop, about 4-6 minutes. Add orange juice, orange zest, butter, cinnamon and salt. Cook 5 minutes longer or until mixture thickens. Remove from the heat; stir in walnuts and set aside. , For crust, combine the flour and salt in a bowl; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add sugar and oats; mix well. Spoon half into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking pan; pat firmly into pan. Spread filling evenly over crust. Top with remaining crumb mixture; pat lightly. , Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413 calories, Fat 22g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 242mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

NANAIMO BARS



Nanaimo Bars image

The Nanaimo bar is a tremendously sweet, no-bake layered bar cookie from Canada made almost exclusively of packaged ingredients. The buttercream layer gets its yellow hue from custard powder, a vital ingredient that makes this a true Nanaimo bar. Use an offset spatula to give the chocolate top a surface as smooth as freshly Zambonied ice. The novelist Margaret Atwood included this recipe, from the chef Susan Mendelson, in her "Canlit Foodbook," a fund-raising book that featured food from literature, as well as author recipes. Ms. Atwood prefers walnuts in this recipe, but any combination of walnuts, almonds or pecans will do. We've added a smidge more cocoa and the optional addition of salt - but leave it out for the true Nanaimo bar experience.

Provided by Sara Bonisteel

Categories     cookies and bars, dessert

Time 2h

Yield 16 bars

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup/115 grams unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
1/4 cup/50 grams granulated sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups/235 grams graham cracker crumbs
1 cup/85 grams unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup/50 grams finely chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans (or a mixture)
1/4 cup/60 grams unsalted butter (1/2 stick), at room temperature
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons custard powder, such as Bird's
2 cups/245 grams confectioners' (icing) sugar
4 ounces/115 grams semisweet chocolate, broken into 1/2-inch (1 1/4-centimeter) pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Steps:

  • Line an 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-centimeter) metal baking pan with parchment, allowing parchment to overhang by about 2 inches (5 centimeters) on two sides.
  • Prepare the base: In a double boiler, or a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of boiling water, whisk butter with granulated sugar, egg, cocoa powder and vanilla until melted. Continue whisking until mixture thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
  • Transfer mixture to the parchment-lined pan and use your fingers to press it into an even layer. Transfer pan to the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the buttercream: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed for about 1 minute. Add heavy cream and custard powder and mix until combined, scraping sides and bottom of the work bowl as needed. Add 1 cup confectioners' sugar and mix on low until incorporated. Add remaining confectioners' sugar and mix on low until combined, scraping the bottom of the bowl as needed, then mix on medium-high speed until smooth, light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove pan from refrigerator. Dollop the buttercream on top of the base layer then gently spread it evenly on top using an offset spatula. Transfer pan to the refrigerator to chill until buttercream is set, about 30 minutes.
  • Prepare the topping: In a small, heavy saucepan or a double boiler, heat the chocolate and butter over low, stirring often, until melted and evenly combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Take pan from refrigerator and pour chocolate on top of buttercream layer. Working quickly and carefully, spread the chocolate evenly over the buttercream using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
  • Return pan to refrigerator and chill until chocolate hardens, about 25 minutes.
  • To serve the bars: Lift excess parchment to remove Nanaimo square from the pan. Cut into 16 2-inch (5-centimeter) squares. Store bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature before serving. Store remaining bars in the refrigerator for a few days, or wrap well and freeze.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 344, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 118 milligrams, Sugar 24 grams, TransFat 1 gram

CRANBERRY NUT BARS



Cranberry Nut Bars image

My husband's aunt sent us these bars one Christmas. The fresh cranberry flavor was such a nice change from the usual cookies. I had to have the recipe, and she was gracious enough to provide it.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 30m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in cranberries and walnuts., Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 91 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 75mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

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



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.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries. If you only have frozen cranberries, thaw them completely before using.
  • Be sure to drain the cranberries well before adding them to the filling. This will prevent the filling from being too watery.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the butter and coconut by hand. Be sure to grate them finely so that they will blend well with the other ingredients.
  • Press the crust firmly into the pan. This will help to prevent it from crumbling when you cut the bars.
  • Bake the bars until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. This will take about 25-30 minutes.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This will help to prevent them from falling apart.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

These Cranberry Nanaimo Bars are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So get creative and have fun with them!

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