Enjoy the exquisite pleasure of Nanaimo bars: a delicious no-bake dessert created by layering buttery graham crackers, rich chocolate ganache, and creamy custard.
What are Nanaimo Bars?
Nanaimo bars are a popular Canadian dessert named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. They are a no-bake treat consisting of three distinct layers, and as a Canadian, a huge staple during parties.
A buttery, crumbly blend of graham cracker crumbs, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and cocoa powder makes up the bottom layer of Nanaimo bars. This layer gives the bars a tasty, slightly crunchy basis.
Butter, custard powder, milk, and powdered sugar are all combined to create a smooth and creamy custard filling for the middle layer. This layer gives the bars a lovely sweetness and velvety texture.
The top layer is finished with a rich chocolate ganache that is prepared from butter and melted chocolate. The chocolate layer provides a rich and glossy finish once it hardens, adding to the tempting flavor of Nanaimo bars.
Classic Nanaimo Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper
- Combine the unsalted butter with the eggs in a heat safe bowl over boiling hot water or low heat on the stove. Stir vigorously while combining cocoa powder and sugar until thick fudge resembling mixture is formed. Remove from heat once this is done.
- Add the coconut shreds, graham cracker crumbs, peanuts, and salt. Once fully combined, flatten mixture in pre-lined 9×9 pan and refrigerate.
- In a stand mixer, mix butter at high speed, gradually adding sugar and custard powder. Beat mixture for approximately 3 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla and continue to mix at high speed for approximately 1 minute or until mixture looks fluffier.
- Spread filling on the base and place in freezer before the last steps.
- Melt the chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl at 20 second intervals until fully melted. Spread chocolate onto the filling layer and refrigerate before serving.
