Best 8 Nanaimo Bars With 6 Variations Recipes

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Nanaimo bars, a beloved Canadian dessert, are a three-layer treat that combines a chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. These iconic bars have delighted taste buds for generations and continue to be a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.

This article presents a collection of six unique variations on the classic Nanaimo bar recipe, each offering a delightful twist on the original. From a tangy lemon filling to a decadent peanut butter swirl, these variations cater to a wide range of preferences. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or crave something more adventurous, you'll find a recipe here to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The variations included in this article are:

*Nanaimo Bars – A timeless classic, this recipe provides the foundation for all other variations.

*Nanaimo Bites – A fun and delightful bite-sized version of the classic bar, perfect for parties or as a quick snack.

*Lemon Nanaimo Bars – These bars add a citrusy zing to the traditional recipe, with a refreshing lemon filling that balances the richness of the chocolate.

*Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars – Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven. This variation features a creamy peanut butter swirl in the custard filling, creating a luscious combination of flavors.

*Salted Caramel Nanaimo Bars – The perfect blend of sweet and salty, these bars have a layer of salted caramel sandwiched between the custard filling and chocolate ganache.

*Cookies and Cream Nanaimo Bars – Chocolate chip cookie crumbs are sprinkled throughout the custard filling, adding a delightful crunch and extra chocolate flavor to each bite.

With step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs for each variation, this article ensures that even novice bakers can create these delicious treats with ease. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey into the wonderful world of Nanaimo bars.

Here are our top 8 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 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

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

CALGARY NANAIMO BARS



Calgary Nanaimo Bars image

This version of Nanaimo bars may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a British Columbia kitchen. They're three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. -Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 25m

Yield 3-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3/4 cup butter, cubed
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped almonds, optional
FILLING:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons 2% milk
GLAZE:
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Line an 8-in. square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend over sides by 1 in. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar and cocoa; add butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir until mixture reaches 160°. Remove from heat., Stir in cracker crumbs, coconut and, if desired, almonds. Press into prepared pan. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set., For filling, in a small bowl, beat confectioners' sugar, pudding mix, butter and milk until smooth; spread over crust., In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Spread over top. Refrigerate until set. Using foil, lift bars out of pan. Discard foil; cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 72mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

MAGIC NANAIMO BARS



Magic Nanaimo Bars image

I got this from a business associate of DH who was raised in Canada. This is her Nana's recipe. A little different that the other Nanaimo bars on the 'zaar because it uses condensed milk. There is no baking envolved. Chill time is cook time.

Provided by mandabears

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h10m

Yield 36 bars

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup butter, do not use margarine
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup cocoa
1 egg, well beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut, shredded
1/2 cup pecans or 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
14 ounces condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh
1/3 cup melted semisweet chocolate morsel

Steps:

  • In a saucepan melt the butter.
  • Stir in brown sugar, cocoa, egg, graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts.
  • Press into bottom of a 9x9 pan.
  • Combine condensed milk and lemon juice.
  • Mix together until well blended.
  • Spread onto cookie base evenly.
  • Drizzle with melted semi sweet morsels.
  • Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 124.7, Fat 7.3, SaturatedFat 4.1, Cholesterol 16, Sodium 63, Carbohydrate 13.8, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 10.4, Protein 1.9

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

EASY NANAIMO BARS



Easy Nanaimo Bars image

This is a popular cookie bar in Canada. This is however only one of many variations on this recipe.

Provided by CINDERW

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     International Cookie Recipes     Canadian Cookie Recipes

Time 3h25m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup butter
2 (1 ounce) envelopes instant hot chocolate mix
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup milk, or as needed
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 (1 ounce) squares milk chocolate
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Grease a 9x9-inch square pan. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat, and stir in cocoa mix, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk together until the mixture thickens, about 1 minute (do not boil); remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup coconut, and walnuts. Mix well, and press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill the crust for about 1 hour.
  • Place the cream cheese into a mixing bowl, and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the milk, vanilla pudding mix, and confectioners' sugar to make a spreadable, creamy mixture. If mixture is too stiff to spread easily, add more milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Spread the filling in an even layer over the crust, and return to refrigerator. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
  • Melt milk chocolate and 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Spread the topping evenly over the vanilla layer, and refrigerate about 1/2 hour, until the topping is firm but not hard. Cut into bars, then return to refrigerator to finish chilling, at least 1/2 hour more. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285.2 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 34.7 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.9 g, Sodium 188 mg, Sugar 27.9 g

AUTHENTIC NANAIMO BARS



Authentic Nanaimo Bars image

This is THE original recipe from Joyce Hardcastle who won the Ultimate Nanaimo Bar Recipe contest in 1986; no variations, just the exact ingredients she used An offset spatula comes in handy for this. These are very rich and sweet, one small bar is enough! If you don't have Birds Eye custard powder it totally changes the taste and I wouldn't make it if there was non in the kitchen. Why make the original if you do not use the original recipe. A tin of this product lasts forever and is a nice topping for stale cakes or a nice warm bowl of real comfort food! Someone mentioned the crust was greasy....If the crust ingredients are added in order the crust has never been greasy. Or, add 1/4 cup extra graham cracker crumbs. The ratio of butter to the other ingredients isn't a lot. If you omit any crust ingredient and use the same amount of butter called for in the recipe it won't turn out the way it should. This is one recipe that should never be altered!

Provided by green_sleeves

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h15m

Yield 24 squares, 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup unsalted butter (NO substitutes)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa (sifted to get the lumps out)
1 large egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter (no substitutes)
3 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 cups icing sugar
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking squares (4, 1 oz each)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Bottom Layer'.
  • Melt first three ingredients in the top of a double boiler.
  • Add egg when the butter and cocoa are warm (not hot) and stir hard to cook and thicken and not let the egg scramble .About 1 minute is good.
  • 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.
  • Once cool enough to not melt the middle layer, but still liquid, pour over second layer, tilt pan so it is evenly covered and chill in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225.1, Fat 15.3, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 32.7, Sodium 45.8, Carbohydrate 21.9, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 16.8, Protein 2.1

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality ingredients: Use real butter, dark chocolate, and fresh eggs for the best flavor.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will make the bars tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the bars before cutting: This will help them hold their shape and make them easier to cut.
  • Experiment with different variations: The six variations in this article are just a starting point. Get creative and try different flavor combinations.

Conclusion:

Nanaimo bars are a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of Nanaimo bars that will be the hit of your next party or gathering. So what are you waiting for? Start baking today!

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