How to Make Easy Nanaimo Bars - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your dessert cravings, look no further than these easy Nanaimo bars. This classic Canadian dessert is a no-bake recipe that combines layers of chocolate, creamy custard, and a crunchy coconut and nut base. Not only are they delicious, but they're also incredibly simple to make, perfect for both experienced bakers and those new to the kitchen.

Named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, these bars have been a beloved Canadian desse...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 (1 ounce) envelopes instant hot chocolate mix
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup milk, or as needed
  • 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 4 (1 ounce) squares milk chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 16 pieces

  • Grease a 9x9-inch square pan. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat, and stir in cocoa mix, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk together until the mixture thickens, about 1 minute (do not boil); remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup coconut, and walnuts. Mix well, and press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill the crust for about 1 hour.
  • Place the cream cheese into a mixing bowl, and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the milk, vanilla pudding mix, and confectioners' sugar to make a spreadable, creamy mixture. If mixture is too stiff to spread easily, add more milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Spread the filling in an even layer over the crust, and return to refrigerator. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
  • Melt milk chocolate and 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Spread the topping evenly over the vanilla layer, and refrigerate about 1/2 hour, until the topping is firm but not hard. Cut into bars, then return to refrigerator to finish chilling, at least 1/2 hour more. Serve cold.
  • Nutrition

    285 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 35mg
    • Sodium: 188mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 28g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 36mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 115mg