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Best Easy Nanaimo Bars Recipe

Name: Best Easy Nanaimo Bars Recipe
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 70 g
Ingredients: unsalted butter 1 cup; graham cracker crumbs 2 cups; shredded sweetened coconut 1 cup; walnuts, finely chopped 1 cup; powdered sugar 2.5 cups; semisweet chocolate chips 8 oz; large egg 1 piece; whole milk 2 tbsp; unsweetened cocoa powder 1 third cup; vanilla extract 2 tsp; custard powder 2 tbsp; salt 0.25 tsp

Rich, no-bake Nanaimo bars with a chocolate-coconut base, custard center, and chocolate top are a beloved family treat. These Canadian-American layered bars are an irresistible, freezer-friendly dessert.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal

#vegetarian #freezer dessert #no bake #Canadian classic

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

unsalted butter 1 cup
graham cracker crumbs 2 cups
shredded sweetened coconut 1 cup
walnuts, finely chopped 1 cup
powdered sugar 2.5 cups
semisweet chocolate chips 8 oz
large egg 1 piece
whole milk 2 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

unsweetened cocoa powder 1 third cup
vanilla extract 2 tsp
custard powder 2 tbsp
salt 0.25 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 36 g 42%

Protein 4 g 5%

Fat 20 g 53%

Serving size 70g

Cooking steps

1

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then stir in cocoa powder and 1/4 cup sugar until fully blended. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3

Quickly whisk in the beaten egg, stirring constantly; return to low heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture slightly thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
4

Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts. Press this mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5

For the custard layer, beat together 1/2 cup butter, custard powder, 2 tbsp milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Spread evenly over the chilled base and return to the fridge to chill for another 30 minutes.
6

For the top layer, melt chocolate chips with 2 tbsp butter over low heat, stirring constantly until just melted. Let cool slightly before pouring over the custard layer. Spread gently for a smooth finish.
7

Refrigerate bars for at least 30 minutes, or until chocolate is firm. Lift bars out, using parchment, and cut into squares with a sharp, warm knife for clean edges.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Nanaimo Bars recipe?

The defining ingredients for classic Nanaimo bars are cocoa powder, shredded coconut, custard powder, and graham cracker crumbs. The combination of these creates the signature three-layered texture and flavor: a chocolate-coconut crumb base, rich custard center, and glossy chocolate top.

Q. How do I avoid over- or under-cooking the crust layer?

Heat control is essential for the base: melt the butter over low heat and cook the cocoa-egg mixture gently for just about a minute. Be sure to stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as the mixture thickens. This prevents scrambling the egg and keeps the crust tender—an undercooked base won’t hold, and overcooking risks a grainy texture.

Q. What’s the best way to slice Nanaimo bars cleanly without cracking the chocolate layer?

For clean slices, let the bars chill thoroughly so the chocolate layer sets. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for each cut. This minimizes cracking of the top chocolate, ensuring neat, bakery-style bars.

Q. How many calories are in one serving of these Nanaimo Bars?

Each serving of Nanaimo Bars is approximately 340 kcal. The macronutrient distribution is about 36g carbohydrates (42% of calories), 4g protein (5%), and 20g fat (53%). This makes it a decadent dessert best enjoyed in moderation.

Best Easy Nanaimo Bars Recipe

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