Best 7 The Original Nanaimo Bars Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Nanaimo bars are a classic Canadian dessert with a rich history. Originating in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, these iconic treats are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Typically consisting of three layers - a graham cracker crumb base, a creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping - Nanaimo bars are a delectable indulgence that have captivated taste buds for generations.

This article provides a collection of recipes that explore the versatility of Nanaimo bars, offering variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From the traditional Nanaimo bar recipe, which embodies the classic flavor profile, to creative twists such as peanut butter Nanaimo bars, salted caramel Nanaimo bars, and even gluten-free and vegan alternatives, this article has something for every Nanaimo bar enthusiast.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the necessary knowledge and instructions to create these delectable treats. Indulge in the timeless allure of Nanaimo bars and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates Canada's rich dessert heritage.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

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.

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

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

ORIGINAL NANAIMO BARS



Original Nanaimo Bars image

Original Nanaimo Bars-If you are looking for traditional Canadian Christmas baking this is the recipe. Easy and no Bake. And I did it my way... One and only Easy Nanaimo Bars

Provided by Cookie

Categories     Desserts

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 17

First Layer
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups graham crumbs
3/4 cup coconut
3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
Middle Layer
3/4 cup butter
6 TBSP milk
6 TBSP Bird's custard powder
4 1/2 cups icing sugar
Top Layer
5 oz chocolate
2 TBSP butter or oil

Steps:

  • Line 9 x 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside. In a medium size bowl add graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts. Then using a medium saucepan over low heat combine the butter, sugar,cocoa, egg until the mixture boils. Boil for 2 minutes and add vanilla extract. Remove from heat and stir graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts. Press the base into the prepared lined pan. Place into to fridge until firm (about 30 minutes). Making Yellow Custard Icing Using a mixing bowl combine custard powder and milk. Stir until smooth. Add icing sugar and butter. Mix using the whisk attachment for about 3 to 5 minutes. (high speed) Spread the filling evenly over the base and return to fridge of freezer while you make the topping or chocolate ganache. Top Layer - Chocolate Ganache Using a double boiler method melt 5 oz chocolate and butter. (or oil if you are using) Spread over the second layer. Refrigerate one more time for at least one hour. Then cut the Nanaimo Bars to your favorite size or shape. And you made it. The best traditional Canadian Nanaimo Bars.

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

Need ideas for a coffee morning or afternoon tea? These bars from Canada are so moreish, with a crunchy biscuit base, custard layer and chocolate topping

Provided by Michelle Holmes

Categories     Afternoon tea, Dessert, Treat

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

125g softened butter
50g caster sugar
5 tbsp cocoa powder
1 egg , beaten
200g digestive biscuits , blitzed to crumbs
100g desiccated coconut
50g chopped almonds (optional)
100g butter , softened
4 tbsp double cream
3 tbsp custard powder
250g icing sugar
150g dark chocolate
50g butter

Steps:

  • Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the biscuit crumbs, coconut and almonds if using, then press into the base of a lined 20cm square tin. Chill for 10 mins.
  • For the middle layer, make the custard icing; whisk together the butter, cream and custard powder until light and fluffy, then gradually add the icing sugar until fully incorporated. Spread over the bottom layer and chill in the fridge for at least 10 mins until the custard is no longer soft.
  • Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, then spread over the chilled bars and put back in the fridge. Leave until the chocolate has fully set (about 2 hrs). Take the mixture out of the tin and slice into squares to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 29 grams fat, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 33 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 23 grams sugar, Protein 3 grams protein, Sodium 0.6 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chocolate: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your Nanaimo bars.
  • Don't overbeat the butter and sugar: This will make the bars tough.
  • Chill the dough before baking: This will help the bars hold their shape.
  • Bake the bars until the edges are just set: The center of the bars should still be gooey.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting them: This will help them hold their shape.

Conclusion:

Nanaimo bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their rich chocolate flavor and creamy custard filling, they're sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

Related Topics