Nanaimo bars recipe easy

Nanaimo Bars are a distinctive Canadian dessert, named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. This no-bake delight features three distinct layers, each offering a unique texture and flavor, making it a true example of Canadian creativity by transforming simple ingredients into a delicious treat. 

The layers consist of a chocolate and cracker crumb base, a custard-flavored icing, and a final chocolate coating. While they may go by different names, in the Northwest, they’re universally known as Nanaimo Bars. 

Although the recipe may seem lengthy and complicated, these delectable bars are surprisingly easy to make, especially since they don't require baking. After just one bite, you'll be wondering how you’ve gone so long without discovering these irresistible treats!

How to Make Nanaimo Bars ( quick review)

 

Below is the full step-by-step recipe, but here’s a quick overview of the process for making homemade Nanaimo Bars:

Prepare the bottom layer: Melt a stick of butter, cocoa powder, and sugar in a double boiler. Whisk in the egg. Remove from heat and stir in the crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press this mixture into the pan.

Prepare the middle layer: Beat a stick of butter, cream, and custard powder together. Stir in the powdered sugar and spread the mixture over the bottom layer. Refrigerate to set.

Prepare the top layer and cut: Melt the chocolate and butter together, then spread it over the chilled bars. Let the chocolate firm up, then cut into squares.

 

Nanaimo Bars Ingredients

Essential ingredients used are:

 

• 113g butter softened, divided
• 50g sugar
• 30g cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, beaten, and salt

 

• 180g cracker crumbs
• 83g sweetened shredded coconut
• 76g finely chopped almonds (Optional)
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
•  
• 2 tablespoons custard powder
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 4 squares semisweet baking chocolate
• 2 teaspoons butter

This recipe is the simplest I've come across for making this cake. The result is a smooth, spreadable, and absolutely delicious treat.

How to Make Nanaimo Bars step by step 

Prepare the baking dish by greasing an 8x8-inch dish with butter. Then, line it with parchment paper, butter the paper, and set it aside. Place 1/2 cup of softened butter, cocoa powder, and sugar in the top portion of a double boiler. 

Stir occasionally until the mixture melts and becomes smooth. Add the egg, then continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Cook just until slightly thickened: Return mixture to heat and cook until mixture has just thickened. 

Remove from the heat and mix in cracker crumbs, coconut, and almonds. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8-inch pan. For the middle layer, beat the remaining 1/2 cup of softened butter, heavy cream, and custard powder until light and airy. 

Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Spread this mixture over the bottom layer in the pan and refrigerate to set. While the second layer is chilling, melt semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat.

Spread melted chocolate mixture over chilled bars, and let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.