This classic Nanaimo bar recipe has been handed down through Canadian families for generations!
Rich and creamy, chocolatey and crunchy, Nanaimo bars are a must-have on a cookie tray any time of year!
Make a big batch and keep some for the freezer, because you’ll always want to have these irresistible treats on hand!
![For a sweet treat this holiday season, make Nanaimo bars. This recipe perfectly layers a chocolate base, a creamy custard filling and an indulgent chocolate topping. It's a versatile recipe that lends itself to creativity, with plenty of options for varying the flavors. Try mint, peanut butter or almond flavors! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe squares of Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-14.jpg)
What is a Nanaimo Bar?
- Named for the city of Nanaimo in B.C., Canada, Nanaimo bars are 3 layers of rich and deliciously distinctive stacked-up flavors in one easy-to-make, no-bake bar!
- A top layer of rich chocolate covers a creamy middle layer of cocoa buttercream which is spread over a bottom cookie layer made with chocolate-coconutty goodness.
- No-bake and easy to make and Nanaimo bars freeze beautifully so why not keep some on hand for last-minute treats?
![Deliciously decadent Nanaimo bars are the best way ever to indulge that sweet tooth! This three-layered treat is a Canadian standard that the whole world should try! Start with a crunchy, nutty, and buttery bottom crust, then insert a creamy custard filling, and finally top it with melted dark chocolate! Try flavor and crunch variations with mint, peanut butter, pecans, or caramel chips. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe ingredients to make Nanaimo Bars including powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, egg, sugar, coconut, vanilla, butter, milk, cocoa powder, custard powder, walnuts, and chocolate](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IG-Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-.jpg)
What’s in a Nanaimo Bar?
Three layers create a perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and crispy chocolate!
Base
The base can be baked, or unbaked. The combination of cocoa, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts provides a chewy and dense base similar to a brownie that’s perfect for piling on two more layers of good stuff! Gluten-free graham crackers can be used or you can make a flourless peanut butter base and create a Reese’s Nanaimo bar!
Filling
Custard powder, powdered sugar, and butter make up the melt-in-your-mouth middle layer that makes Nanaimo bars so famous. Look for custard powder in the pudding section of your supermarket or buy some on Amazon. A bit of mint extract and some green food coloring will make a minty-flavored Nanaimo bar that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or summertime parties!
Topping
This recipe tastes best when you use the best ingredients! Good quality chocolate chips or baking squares help marry all the other flavors together. You can even double the recipe to create an extra tall, extra decadent bar.
Variations
It’s easy to switch up the ingredients or add mix-ins to this Nanaimo bars recipe. Use pecans or pistachios instead of walnuts in the base, and a rum, maple, or bourbon extract in the buttercream filling, or pour a thin layer of white chocolate on the topping and make decorative swirls with a toothpick. Make them without nuts and use seeds or even homemade granola.
![Make this easy Nanaimo bars recipe for an indulgent and sweet, hand-held treat. There are three layers in this recipe - a chocolate base, a creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate topping. This decadent and delicious treat is perfect for the holidays or any time of year! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe cocoa powder, butter, and sugar in a pot for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Nanaimo bars are known for their delicious layers! A creamy custard filling is topped with melted dark chocolate, built on a base crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, crushed walnuts and flavored with vanilla and cocoa. This Canadian classic is one everyone should be able to enjoy. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe process of making Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-3.jpg)
![Nanaimo bars are a Canadian treat made with three sweet layers. A creamy custard filling is surrounded by a dark chocolate topping, and a rich crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chopped walnuts, vanilla and cocoa. Rich and decadent Nanaimo bars are perfect for the holidays or any occasion. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe ingredients in a pot to make Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-4.jpg)
![Make Nanaimo bars to add to your festive dessert tray. This no bake recipe has a crunchy bottom crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, walnuts and butter flavored with vanilla and chocolate. Next, it is spread with a sweet custard cream, and then finished with a dark chocolate topping. This decadent hand held dessert has it all! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe bottom layer of Nanaimo Bars in a pan](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-5.jpg)
How to Make Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo bars are a must-have on a cookie tray any time of year!
The Base:
- Heat butter, sugar, and cocoa in a pan and stir until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, as directed in the recipe card below.
- Stir in graham crackers, coconut, and walnuts. Press into the bottom of a pan and refrigerate.
The Filling:
- Cream butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, custard powder, and milk and beat until smooth.
- Spread the custard mixture evenly over the crust and refrigerate.
The Top:
- Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave at intervals until melted and smooth.
- Gently spread the chocolate topping over the custard.
![Indulge that sweet tooth with Nanaimo bars! Nanaimo bars are a decadent and delicious treat made with three layers. It begins with a crunchy, nutty, and buttery bottom crust, followed by a creamy custard filling, and finished with melted dark chocolate. Try flavor and crunch variations with mint, peanut butter, pecans, caramel chips or even crushed peppermint. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe whipping butter in a glass bowl for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-6.jpg)
![Make Nanaimo bars any time of year, but especially for the holidays! The chocolatey base made with graham crackers, cocoa, walnuts, coconut, butter and egg is moist and delish! The center custard layer could be flavored with mint and colored green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, or red for the Christmas holidays! It is easy to make and incredibly indulgent for any occasion. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe a hand mixer with custard layer in a glass bowl for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-7.jpg)
![For a sweet holiday treat try this recipe for Nanaimo bars. With a chocolate base, a creamy custard filling and an indulgent chocolate topping, this hand held dessert is second to none! It's a versatile recipe that lends itself to creativity, with plenty of options for varying the flavors. Try mint, peanut butter or almond flavors! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe spreading the custard layer in a pan for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-8.jpg)
![Nanaimo bars are made with three sweet layers including a creamy custard filling, a dark chocolate topping, and a rich crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chopped walnuts, vanilla and cocoa. These decadent, sweet and amazing Nanaimo bars are perfect for any occasion, but especially for the holidays. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe custard layer in a pan for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-11.jpg)
Tips For Success
- Use a wooden skewer to make small lines in the top layer. Scoring the top keeps the chocolate from breaking while you cut them.
- Make sure each layer is cooled completely or the buttercream middle layer will melt.
- Refrigerate Nanaimo bars until they are set before cutting into squares and serving.
![For one of the most indulgent and sweet, hand-held treats around, make this recipe for Nanaimo bars. There are three layers in this recipe - a chocolate base, a creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate topping. This decadent and delicious treat is perfect for the holidays or any time of year! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe chocolate and butter in a glass bowl for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-9.jpg)
![Just imagine - a creamy custard filling topped with melted dark chocolate, built on a base crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, crushed walnuts and flavored with vanilla and cocoa. This decadent description is of the Canadian classic Nanaimo bars! It’s an indulgent and sweet, hand held treat everyone should be able to enjoy. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe melted chocolate for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-10.jpg)
![Add Nanaimo bars to your festive dessert tray or dessert swap this holiday season. It’s a no bake recipe with a crunchy bottom crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, walnuts and butter flavored with vanilla and chocolate. It is covered with a sweet custard cream, and then finished with a dark chocolate topping. This indulgent treat is easy to make! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe chocolate layer in a pan for Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-12.jpg)
Best Way to Store Nanaimo Bars
Keep Nanaimo bars in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Freeze bars by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a zippered bag. Thaw in the refrigerator.
![Nanaimo bars are a sweet, no-bake, layered treat perfect any time of year! It begins with a chocolatey base made with graham crackers, cocoa, walnuts, coconut, butter and egg. The center custard layer could be flavored with mint and colored green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, or red for the Christmas holidays! It is easy to make and incredibly indulgent for any occasion. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe stack of Nanaimo Bars on a wooden board](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-15.jpg)
Other Decadent Desserts!
Have you tried this recipe for Nanaimo Bars? Leave a comment and rating below!
![squares of Nanaimo Bars](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-14-500x500.jpg)
Nanaimo Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
Middle Layer
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons custard powder
- 2 Tablespoons milk
Top Layer
- 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil
Instructions
Bottom Layer
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with foil or parchment paper.
- In a medium pot on low heat, warm butter, sugar, and cocoa and stir until smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in egg and vanilla until well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in graham crumbs, coconut, and walnuts until well combined. Spread in prepared pan and refrigerate to set while preparing the middle layer.
Middle Layer
- Using a stand mixer and bowl (or hand mixer and medium bowl), cream butter for about 1 minute. Add powdered sugar, custard powder, and milk and beat to combine, about 2 minutes.
- Using an offset spatula, spread custard mixture over the bottom layer, smoothing the top, and return to the refrigerator to set while preparing the top layer.
Top Layer
- To a small bowl, add chocolate and butter. Microwave on 50% heat for 15 seconds and stir. Microwave in 10-second increments until chocolate is melted and smooth. Carefully spread hot mixture thinly over the custard layer*.
- Refrigerate until chocolate is firm. Cut into small squares and serve**.
Notes
- Double the top layer to make it easier to spread and if you like more chocolate.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
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![Nanaimo bars are a Canadian classic treat that the whole world should get a chance to enjoy! In this easy no bake recipe, three layers combine to create an irresistible treat that is chocolatey, buttery and nutty. The center custard layer can be flavored with mint and colored green for St. Patrick’s Day, or red with crushed peppermint sticks for the Christmas holidays! Easy and versatile Nanaimo bars can be enjoyed any time of year. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe Nanaimo Bar on a plate with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SP-Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Nanaimo bars are a Canadian classic treat that the whole world should get a chance to enjoy! In this easy no bake recipe, three layers combine to create an irresistible treat that is chocolatey, buttery and nutty. The center custard layer can be flavored with mint and colored green for St. Patrick’s Day, or red with crushed peppermint sticks for the Christmas holidays! Easy and versatile Nanaimo bars can be enjoyed any time of year. #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe Nanaimo Bars on a wooden board with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SP-Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![Try this easy Nanaimo bars recipe and your family will swear it’s the best version they’ve ever had! Three layers combine to create a luscious Canadian classic that is creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey. A graham cracker, cocoa, walnut, coconut, and butter crust is topped with a creamy custard filling and an upper layer of melted chocolate. It's a decadent treat perfect for the holidays or any time of year! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe stack of Nanaimo Bars with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NP-Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![This easy Nanaimo bars recipe includes some of the best flavors on earth! A creamy custard filling is topped with melted and hardened dark chocolate, and the whole concoction is held up by a bottom crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut and crushed walnuts, flavored with vanilla and cocoa. What’s not to love about this Canadian classic? #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe Close up of Nanaimo Bar with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NP-Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-1-.jpg)
![Nanaimo bars are a beloved treat, with three layers, that Canadians have enjoyed for generations! In this easy recipe, a creamy custard filling is surrounded by a topping of dark chocolate and a buttery rich crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts flavored with vanilla and chocolate. Rich and decadent Nanaimo bars are always welcome on any cookie tray! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe ingredients to make Nanaimo Bars and Nanaimo Bar with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/LP-Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Nanaimo bars are a beloved treat, with three layers, that Canadians have enjoyed for generations! In this easy recipe, a creamy custard filling is surrounded by a topping of dark chocolate and a buttery rich crust made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts flavored with vanilla and chocolate. Rich and decadent Nanaimo bars are always welcome on any cookie tray! #nanaimobar #ourzestylife #nanaimobarrecipe #nanaimobarsrecipe stack of Nanaimo Bars with text in the middle](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/LP-Nanaimo-Bars-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
“Nanaimo Squares.” Recipes for Young Adults; Selected by Manitoba Suburban Home Economics Teachers. Fort Garry: The Manitoba Beet Growers’ Association and the Manitoba Sugar Company, 1970. 87. Print.