These rich little bars can be made ahead of time, freeze well, and are totally irresistible.

What is a Nanaimo Bar?

Named after the city of Nanaimo in B.C., Canada, Nanaimo bars have 3 layers of deliciousness. These bars are something that my Mom always had on every cookie tray along with Thumbprint Cookies and Sugar Cookies!  They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, you won’t be able to stop at one (sorry, not sorry)!

  • Base: The base of a Nanaimo bar is a chocolate-coconut cookie type base. While some recipes use a base that is no-bake I much prefer when the base is baked (as in the recipe below).
  • Middle Layer: This layer is similar to buttercream with the addition of custard powder. I rarely make recipes that require unusual or special ingredients but in this case, custard powder is traditional and worth it! You can get custard powder at most grocery stores near the puddings (or you can order it online here).
  • Chocolate Topping: The topping is a simple layer of chocolate. The addition of a touch of vegetable oil keeps the chocolate from cracking when you cut the squares. You can use chocolate baking squares or chocolate chips.

To Make Nanaimo Bars

  • Prepare Base per the recipe below. Bake and cool completely.

  • Make buttercream layer. Mix butter with powdered sugar, custard powder and a bit of milk until smooth and creamy. Spread over the base and chill while you melt the chocolate.

  • Top with Chocolate Melt chocolate with a touch of oil and pour over the buttercream mixture. Either spread the chocolate or pick up the pan and tilt it to spread the chocolate around. Refrigerate.

Once you have spread on the top layer of chocolate, let it sit in the fridge for about 5 minutes.  Remove from the fridge and score lines through the chocolate (I use the sharp end of a wooden skewer), this will make the squares easy to cut without breaking the top layer.

 

It is important that each layer is completely cooled or the middle layer (the buttercream/custard) will melt.

More Dessert Tray Favorites

  • Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars
  • Easy Buckeye Recipe
  • Fantasy Fudge
  • Millionaire Shortbread
  • Easy Snickerdoodle Recipe

Nanaimo Bars

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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