Delicious Nanaimo Bar Recipe: A Taste of Canada's Sweetest Treats

Nanaimo Bar is a quintessential Canadian dessert that originated in Nanaimo, British Columbia. This no-bake treat consists of three delicious layers: a coconut and graham cracker base, a creamy custard-flavored filling, and a rich chocolate topping. Named after the city of Nanaimo where it first gained popularity, this sweet delight has become a beloved classic across Canada and beyond. Its decadent taste and simple preparation make it a favorite for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Stay tuned to discover how to recreate this iconic dessert in your own kitchen!

Ingredients required for Nanaimo Bar recipe

To make a delicious batch of Nanaimo Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the base layer:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder

- 1 large egg, beaten

- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 1 cup shredded coconut

- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)

For the filling:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (or instant vanilla pudding mix)

- 2 cups powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons milk

For the top chocolate layer:

- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite of this iconic Canadian treat.

Step-by-step instructions for making Nanaimo Bar

3.1. Making the base layer:

- In a saucepan, melt butter, sugar, and cocoa powder over low heat.

- Add beaten egg and stir until mixture thickens.

- Remove from heat and mix in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped nuts.

- Press the mixture into a lined pan and refrigerate until firm.

3.2. Preparing the filling:

- Cream together butter, custard powder, and milk until smooth.

- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

- Spread the filling over the chilled base layer.

3.3. Creating the top chocolate layer:

- Melt chocolate with butter and spread it evenly over the filling.

- Chill in the refrigerator until set before cutting into squares.

Enjoy these decadent Nanaimo Bars as a sweet treat or share them with friends and family!

1. Making the base layer

To make the base layer of the iconic Nanaimo Bar, you will need ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (traditionally walnuts), cocoa powder, sugar, a beaten egg, and melted butter. Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, nuts, cocoa powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Then add the beaten egg and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking pan to create a solid base for the Nanaimo Bar. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

2. Preparing the filling

To prepare the filling for the Nanaimo Bar, you will need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter softened, 2 cups of icing sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla custard powder, and 2 tablespoons of milk.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, icing sugar, custard powder, and milk until smooth and well combined. Spread this creamy filling evenly over the chilled base layer in the baking pan. Make sure to spread it out carefully to create a smooth surface.

The custard powder adds a unique flavor to the filling that is traditional in Nanaimo Bars. If you prefer a richer taste, you can experiment with adding different extracts such as almond or mint to customize the filling according to your preferences.

3. Creating the top chocolate layer

Once the filling has set in the fridge for about 30 minutes, it's time to prepare the decadent chocolate topping. In a heatproof bowl, melt 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chilled filling layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface. This final layer adds a rich and indulgent touch to the Nanaimo Bar, enhancing its already delightful flavors.

Allow the chocolate layer to set by placing the pan back into the refrigerator for at least another hour or until firm. Once fully set, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the bars into neat squares before serving. The glossy chocolate topping provides a beautiful contrast to the creamy center and crumbly base, making each bite a blissful experience.

Tips and variations for customizing Nanaimo Bar

When it comes to customizing Nanaimo Bars, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tips and variations to make this Canadian treat your own:

1. **Nutty Twist**: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the base layer for extra crunch and flavor.

2. **Fruity Flair**: Mix dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries into the filling for a fruity burst in every bite.

3. **Minty Fresh**: Infuse a hint of mint extract into the filling for a refreshing twist on the classic recipe.

4. **Coconut Lover's Dream**: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the chocolate layer for a tropical touch.

5. **Salty Sweet Sensation**: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate layer to balance out the sweetness with a savory kick.

Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures to create your perfect Nanaimo Bar!

Serving and storing Nanaimo Bar

Serving and storing Nanaimo Bars is quite simple. Once you have prepared and chilled the bars, you can cut them into squares of your desired size using a sharp knife. These bars are best served chilled, allowing the layers to set properly and enhancing the flavors.

To store Nanaimo Bars, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer-term storage. When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the fridge or freezer and let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that you get the perfect texture and taste with each bite of this delectable Canadian treat.

In conclusion, the Nanaimo Bar is a quintessential Canadian dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Its layers of rich chocolate, creamy custard, and crunchy base create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make it a true delight to indulge in. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or served at special occasions, the Nanaimo Bar is sure to impress both friends and family alike. So why not try your hand at making this iconic Canadian dessert and experience a taste of Canada's sweetest treats for yourself?