British Columbia Nanaimo Bars

Few desserts are as proudly Canadian as the Nanaimo bar. Named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, this no-bake treat is famous for its layers: a crumbly chocolate-coconut base, creamy custard filling, and glossy chocolate topping. From Christmas cookie platters to community bake sales, it’s a sweet square that’s instantly recognizable, always indulgent, and forever part of Canada’s culinary story.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling)

Makes: 16 squares

Ingredients

Base

• ½ cup butter, melted

• ¼ cup sugar

• 5 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1 cup shredded coconut

• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Middle Layer

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 2 tbsp custard powder (or vanilla pudding mix)

• 2 cups icing sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk

Top Layer

• 115 g (4 oz) semi-sweet chocolate

• 2 tbsp butter

Method

• Make the base: In a saucepan over low heat, stir together melted butter, sugar, and cocoa. Add beaten egg and cook, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat, then mix in graham crumbs, coconut, and walnuts. Press firmly into a greased 9-inch square pan.

• Make the filling: Beat softened butter with custard powder, icing sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled base. Chill to firm.

• Make the topping: Melt chocolate and butter together until smooth. Let cool slightly, then pour over the filling and spread evenly. Chill until fully set.

• Serve: Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for neat edges.

Variations

• Mint Nanaimo Bars: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract and a drop of green food colouring to the filling.

• Mocha twist: Stir 1 tbsp instant espresso powder into the base for a coffee kick.

• Peanut butter filling: Replace half the butter in the middle layer with peanut butter for a nutty variation.