Canadian · Dessert

Nanaimo bars

Three distinct layers combine a cocoa crumb base, a smooth vanilla middle and a thin chocolate top. The base is cooked gently to set the egg, and chilling keeps the layers tidy when sliced.

VegetarianModerate16 small squares
Nanaimo bars serving inspiration

Serving inspiration; this recipe’s finish may vary. Photo: Craig Dugas · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP; display may crop to fit.

Ingredients

Original recipe: 16 small squares. Ingredient amounts scale below; the method is written for 16 servings. For larger amounts, use separate batches and check doneness.

  • 220 gButter
  • 40 gSugar
  • 25 gUnsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 eachEgg beaten
  • 170 gGraham cracker crumbs containing wheat
  • 60 gUnsweetened desiccated coconut
  • 50 gAlmonds finely chopped
  • 160 gPowdered sugar
  • 25 gInstant vanilla pudding powder containing milk
  • 25 mlWhole milk
  • 140 gDark chocolate containing soy lecithin
  • 1 tspVanilla extract
  • 500 mlWater for the double boiler

Make it

  1. Line a 20 cm square pan with baking paper. Bring the measured water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan and set a heatproof bowl over it without touching the water.
  2. Melt 100 g butter with sugar and cocoa in the bowl. Whisk in the beaten egg and stir continuously for 3–5 minutes, until thickened and 160°F/71°C.
  3. Remove the bowl from the heat and mix in cracker crumbs, coconut and almonds. Press firmly into the pan and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  4. Beat 100 g softened butter with powdered sugar, instant pudding powder, milk and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled base and chill for 30 minutes.
  5. Melt the chocolate and remaining 20 g butter gently in a dry heatproof bowl over the same simmering water. Cool for 5 minutes, then spread evenly over the middle layer.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 90 minutes until firm. Lift out and cut into 16 squares with a warm, dry knife; store refrigerated.
Ingredients, recipe context & sources

Ingredient flags: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Tree nuts, Soy. Check packaged ingredients and cross-contact.

This is an original Livura home-cooking interpretation, not yet independently kitchen-tested. Source links provide dish and cultural context; the recipe wording and quantities are Livura’s.

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