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If you love rich, layered desserts, Nanaimo Bars are a must-try. With a chocolatey base, creamy custard filling, and smooth chocolate topping, these no-bake bars are one of the most saved recipes from Serious Eats and for good reason.

At DishyDelight, we believe dessert should be both indulgent and approachable, and Nanaimo Bars are the perfect example of a show-stopping dessert you can make at home.

Why Nanaimo Bars Are So Popular

• No-bake convenience: Perfect for busy home bakers
• Layered texture: Crunchy base, creamy middle, smooth chocolate top
• Sweet indulgence: Rich and satisfying without being overly complicated
• Great for parties: Easy to make ahead and serve

How to Make Nanaimo Bars

1. Make the Base

Combine butter, sugar, cocoa, egg, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts. Press firmly into your pan.

2. Add the Custard Layer

Cream butter with custard powder, then mix in powdered sugar and milk. Spread evenly over the base.

3. Top with Chocolate

Melt chocolate and butter, pour over custard, and smooth out.

4. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before cutting into neat squares.

Pro Tips

• Use good quality chocolate for a glossy topping
• Chill thoroughly to make slicing easier
• Customize toppings with nuts, sea salt, or drizzled white chocolate

Serving Ideas

• Perfect with coffee or tea
• Great for dessert tables and potlucks
• Serve with fresh berries for added freshness

Final Thoughts

These Nanaimo Bars are a dessert lover’s dream: rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet. They’re easy to make ahead, visually impressive, and sure to become a crowd favorite.

At DishyDelight, we’re all about simple recipes that make a big impact and Nanaimo Bars fit the bill perfectly.

👉 Try this recipe today and treat yourself to one of Canada’s most beloved desserts! 🍴

dishydelight

Nanaimo Bars

A no-bake, layered Canadian dessert with a chocolatey base, custard filling, and a rich chocolate topping. Sweet, indulgent, and perfect for dessert lovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 2 minutes mins

Servings: 16 squares

Course: Dessert, No-Bake Recipes, Sweet Treat

Cuisine: Canadian, International

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Layer

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 5 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Custard Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 tbsp custard powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

Chocolate Topping

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula
• Saucepan (for chocolate topping

Method

 

Prepare the Base Layer:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and beaten egg. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts. Press mixture firmly into a 9×9-inch pan.
2. Make the Custard Filling:
3. In a bowl, cream butter and custard powder together. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over the base layer.

Prepare Chocolate Topping:

1. Melt chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over low heat or using a double boiler. Pour over the custard layer and spread evenly.

Chill:

1. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until firm.

Serve:

1. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

• Use custard powder for authentic Canadian flavor
• Ensure chocolate topping is smooth for a glossy finish
• Chill well before slicing for neat squares