Nanaimo Bars

So addictively good, one bite and you’re hooked! A bottom crust with nuts, cocoa and coconut, a middle layer of creamy vanilla custard filling and then melted and chilled chocolate on top! This is a GLUTEN-FREE version of the Canadian classic sweet treat – No Bake Nanaimo Bars. Freezable.

About two weeks ago, we went to Connecticut where we are to relocate pretty soon. We went there to register our kids for the coming school year. It was a long journey from Michigan to New Haven.

We knew it would take us two days to do so especially since we were travelling with our kids which necessitated frequent stop-overs. So it wouldn’t be such a laborious trek, we decided to go via Canada instead of through Ohio and Pennsylvania. We thought it might be a more interesting and enjoyable to see something different along the way.

On route, we stopped by Toronto and stayed there overnight (both ways). Of course, when in Canada we had to have our favorite Canadian treat which we discovered a year or so ago. Perhaps some of you are familiar with it. I am talking about no other than the famous Nanaimo Bars.

Haven’t heard of it before? Well, you’re in for an amazing treat! It’s truly one scrumptious and mouth-watering dessert. Imagine this – a bottom crust with nuts, cocoa and coconut, a middle layer of creamy vanilla custard filling and then, as if that’s not enough – added as a topping would be your favorite chocolate melted then chilled! How irresistible is that!

I have made this completely gluten-free so I depart from the original recipe which uses graham crackers in the crust. Personally, I believe it’s much better this way – the nuttier, the better but feel free to sub the graham crackers in place of the ground almonds and replace the pecans with almonds instead. Either way, your taste buds will be dancing with joy!

If you like what you see and would like to receive new recipe updates, we’d love you to subscribe to our posts or join our site. Needless to say, we’d love you to like us on Facebook and Instagram, too where you can get more recipes and updates. Thanks and happy browsing!

FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS, SEE THE RECIPE CARD BELOW

INGREDIENTS FOR NANAIMO BARS

Bottom Layer

• Ground Almonds (almond meal) or crushed graham crackers (if not doing the gluten-free version)
• Pecans (replace with almonds if not doing the gluten-free version)
• shredded Coconut (unsweetened)
• unsalted Butter
• Sugar
• Unsweetened Cocoa powder
• Egg

Procedure

Combine the ground almonds, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut in a bowl. Using a double boiler or a saucepan over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add the lightly beaten egg and stir frequently until smooth and the mixture has thickened about a couple of minutes.

Mix the sauce with the nuts and shredded coconut.  Press in a buttered 8 x 8 pan.

Middle Layer

• Unsalted Butter, room temperature
• Milk (or Cream)
• Vanilla Extract
• Custard Powder (like Bird’s Custard Powder – you can find this in Whole Foods and grocery stores or may be purchased online)
• Confectioners or Icing Sugar

Procedure

Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat until light and creamy. Spread on top of the nutty crust.

Top Layer 

• 70% Dark Chocolate (at least 50% should work, too)
• Unsalted Butter

Procedure

Melt the chocolate and butter on low heat. Cool slightly. Pour over the second layer spreading it evenly on top. Chill in the refrigerator until all layers have set about 2-3 hours.

For easier cutting, rinse a knife in hot water (just to get it a little hot) and then dry it quickly and use it for slicing. Repeat as needed for the rest of the slices.

If you like what you see and would like to receive new recipe updates, we’d love you to subscribe to our posts or join our site. Needless to say, we’d love you to like us on Facebook and Instagram, too where you can get more recipes and updates. Thanks and happy browsing!

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NANAIMO BARS

So addictively good, one bite and you’re hooked! A bottom crust with nuts, cocoa, and coconut, a middle layer of creamy vanilla custard filling, and then melted and chilled chocolate on top! This is a GLUTEN-FREE version of the Canadian classic sweet treat – NO BAKE Nanaimo Bars. Freezable.

Course Dessert, Desserts

Cuisine Canada, Canadian

Keyword Easy Nanaimo Bars, Gluten free Nanaimo Bars, Nanaimo Bars

Prep Time 40 minutes

Servings 16

Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients

For the Bottom Layer or Crust

• 1½ cups ground Almonds (if doing the gluten-free version) or crushed graham crackers
• ½ cup finely chopped Pecans (replace with almonds if not doing the gluten-free version)
• 1 cup shredded or dessiccated Coconut
• ½ cup (4 oz, 1 stick) Butter
• ¼ cup Sugar
• 5 tbsp unsweetened Cocoa powder
• 1 Egg, lightly beaten

Middle Layer

• ½ cup (4 oz, 1 stick) Butter, room temperature
• 3 tbsp Milk (or Cream)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 tbsp Custard Powder (like Bird’s Custard Powder)
• 2 cups Icing (powdered) Sugar

Top Layer

• 4-5 oz 50-70% Dark Chocolate
• 1 tbsp Butter

Instructions

For the Bottom Layer or Crust

1. Combine the ground almonds or graham crackers, chopped pecans (or almonds,) and shredded coconut in a bowl.

   Using a double boiler or a saucepan over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add the lightly beaten egg and stir frequently until smooth and the mixture has thickened for about a couple of minutes.

   Mix the sauce with the nuts and shredded coconut.  Press in a buttered 8 x 8 pan.

Middle Layer

1. Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat until light and creamy. Spread on top of the nutty crust.

Top Layer

1. Melt the chocolate and butter on low heat. Cool slightly. Pour over the second layer spreading it evenly on top. Chill in the refrigerator until all layers have set about 2-3 hours.

2. For easier cutting, rinse a knife in hot water (just to get it a little hot) and then dry it quickly and use it for slicing. Repeat as needed for the rest of the slices.

Recipe Notes

NOTE: Don’t be intimidated by the number of ingredients. Despite that, it’s not hard to make and it’s completely NO BAKE!

Nutrition Facts

NANAIMO BARS

Amount Per Serving (16 g)

Calories 334 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 13g81%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 48mg16%

Sodium 167mg7%

Potassium 156mg4%

Carbohydrates 32g11%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 22g24%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 404IU8%

Vitamin C 0.1mg0%

Calcium 31mg3%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.