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nanaimo bars

Rich, indulgent and proudly Canadian, Nanaimo Bars are a beloved treat steeped in history.

These no-bake squares feature a graham cracker, coconut and cocoa base, a creamy custard-flavoured centre, and a glossy chocolate top.

Originating in Nanaimo, B.C., these holiday favourites became a culinary icon in 1986 when a city-wide contest sought the ultimate recipe, drawing over 100 unique variations. Perfect for the holidays or any celebration, Nanaimo Bars continue to captivate with their irresistible layers and nostalgic charm.

This quintessential holiday treat is one I grew up with, my mom always coloured the creamy filling green. After moving to the city, I was surprised to discover these bars with a yellow filling. It didn’t appear festive to me, so I continue the green tradition with my own family.

nanaimo bars
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Nanaimo Bars

Enjoy these treats year-round for their indulgent texture and nostalgic taste. Understandably, they have become a symbol of our Canadian culinary heritage and yet can be easily customized with various spiced flavours in the filling.

Ingredients

Bottom Layer

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups graham wafer crumbs
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut

Second Layer

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1-3 tbsp milk or cream (whatever you have)
  • 3 tbsp vanilla instant pudding powder
  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 2-3 drops green food colouring

Top Layer

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions

Bottom Layer

  • In a double boiler (over medium high heat) or a heat-safe bowl placed over a bowl of simmering water in a pot, add butter, sugar, cocoa, vanilla & egg, whisking until well combined.
  • Continue to stir until mixture reaches a custard-like consistency (thickens slightly). Add graham wafer crumbs and coconut and stir. Press into a greased 8x8 (or 9x9) baking dish.

Second Layer

  • In a separate bowl, cream together butter, milk (or cream) and vanilla instant pudding powder.
  • Mix in icing sugar and 2-3 drops of food colouring, adding more drops until desired shade of green is attained. Mix well. Spread over graham crumb base and let set.

Top Layer

  • In the microwave, melt chocolate and butter on low, stirring in between 30-40 second increments until chocolate is almost melted. Alternately, melt butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water.
  • Remove and stir until remaining chocolate is melted and mixture completely smooth. Pour chocolate layer over set custard base and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Let set again, then slice into squares and serve.