Nanaimo Bars
In short: A no-bake, three-layer bar of chocolate coconut crumb base, creamy custard buttercream and a snap of glossy chocolate on top. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 16 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 3 h
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 16
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Nanaimo bars are a classic Canadian no-bake square, named for a city on Vancouver Island. Each has three layers: a chocolate, coconut and graham crumb base, a pale, sweet custard-flavored buttercream, and a thin crust of melted chocolate. The base uses an egg that is cooked gently over simmering water until thick, so the bars need no oven. Chill them well and cut with a hot knife for neat squares.
Instructions
- Line a 20 cm (8 in) square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides.
- Put the butter, sugar and cocoa in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the beaten egg and stir for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture thickens and reads 71°C (160°F). Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla, graham crumbs, coconut and nuts.
- Press the base firmly into the pan and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Beat the softened butter, milk, custard powder and powdered sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Spread over the base and chill for 20 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate with the butter over simmering water, or in the microwave in 20-second bursts. Cool for a few minutes, then spread over the middle layer.
- Chill for 1 hour until set. Lift out with the parchment and cut with a hot, dry knife into 16 bars.
Tips
- Let the melted chocolate cool for a few minutes before spreading, or it can soften the middle layer. Score the top with a warm knife just before it sets for cleaner cuts.
- If you cannot find custard powder, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, though the flavor will be milder.
Questions and answers
Do Nanaimo bars contain raw egg?
The egg in the base is cooked over simmering water to 71°C (160°F), so it is not raw. The other layers contain no egg.
How long do Nanaimo bars keep?
In an airtight container they keep for up to 1 week in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
What is custard powder and can I replace it?
It is a cornstarch-based powder flavored with vanilla that gives the middle layer its color and flavor. Cornstarch plus extra vanilla works as a substitute.
How long does it take to make Nanaimo Bars?
About 50 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nanaimo Bars?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 35 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
