Christmas Time – Original Nanaimo Bars Recipe for you. So, if you are looking for traditional Canadian Christmas baking this is the recipe. Easy and no Bake. And I did it my way…One and only Easy Nanaimo Bars.
Hello my dear readers,
Are you ready for Christmas? If you are like me the answer is: YES!
Yes, I can’t wait for Christmas and since we don’t care about numbers and dates why not do it now.
Let’s start with Christmas baking this second. And I am going to start with my first Christmas Recipe 2020 called ….
NANAIMO BARS!
Description of No Bake Nanaimo Bars
Legend has it that a local housewife from Nanaimo created this recipe for a magazine cooking contest. And of course she won first prize. Because of her we know that Nanaimo is the city in British Columbia. Do you see how powerful baking is? You can learn geography and enjoy the best no-bake bars. So, let’s learn a little more about very Canadian traditional Nanaimo bars.
It consist of three layers: the first one or the base is made of wafer crumbs, walnuts and coconut. The middle layer is made of custard icing and the top layer is the chocolate ganache. Easy, don’t you think.
I made many versions of this recipe like Mint Nanaimo Bars , Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars, Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars, Kit Kat Nanaimo Bars, Raspberry Nanaimo Bars and more…Yes, this is my favorite recipe for many reason. And it started in December of 1995 when in IGA store I bought my first box of Nanaimo bars…and the love story started…
So, let’s make the best Canadian recipe from British Columbia, city Nanaimo.
THE FIRST STEP IS…
SHOPPING LIST for Nanaimo Bars
- Butter
- Sugar
- Cocoa
- Egg
- Milk
- Graham crumbs
- Walnuts
- Coconut
- Custard powder
- Icing sugar
- Chocolate
- Vanilla extract
EQUIPMENT
Baking pan – Size 8 by 8 or 9 by 9
Mixer
Medium saucepan
Plastic bowl
Making Original Nanaimo Bars
Ingredients
First Layer
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups graham crumbs
3/4 cup coconut
3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
Middle Layer
3/4 cup butter
6 TBSP milk
6 TBSP Bird’s custard powder
4 1/2 cups icing sugar
Top Layer
5 oz chocolate
2 TBSP butter or oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Line 9 x 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium size bowl add graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts.
Then using a medium saucepan over low heat combine the butter, sugar,cocoa, egg until the mixture boils.
Boil for 2 minutes and add vanilla extract.
Remove from heat and stir graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts.
Press the base into the prepared lined pan.
Place into to fridge until firm (about 30 minutes).
Making Yellow Custard Icing
Using a mixing bowl combine custard powder and milk.
Stir until smooth.
Add icing sugar and butter.
Mix using the whisk attachment for about 3 to 5 minutes. (high speed)
Spread the filling evenly over the base and return to fridge of freezer while you make the topping or chocolate ganache.
Top Layer – Chocolate Ganache
Using a double boiler method melt 5 oz chocolate and butter. (or oil if you are using)
Spread over the second layer.
Refrigerate one more time for at least one hour.
Then cut the Nanaimo Bars to your favorite size or shape.
And you made it. The best traditional Canadian Nanaimo Bars.
STORAGE
Store in airtight container in the fridge for a week.
Another option: Freeze.
FINAL NOTE for the best Nanaimo Bars
Original Nanaimo Bars is my favorite Christmas baking treat since forever.
While I always make them in December, they are actually great any time of year. From January to December this is the perfect dessert served with cappuccino or coffee.
Final Grade: A+
Difficulty Level: Easy
To learn more about Nanaimo Bars history visit the LINK
OTHER LINKS
Mint Nanaimo Bars – Time for Christmas – check the recipe
5 Star Krembo Cookies-Joyful Yum
Rigo Jancsi – Hungarian Chocolate Cake
Empire Apricot Cookies – Honor the Fathers
Stars who love to cook-Lemon Bars
Banana Bread Today Show – Double Your Fun
The Best Lemon Bars-7th Heaven
To print this recipe please check the box below.
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PRINTING THE RECIPE
Original Nanaimo Bars
Original Nanaimo Bars-If you are looking for traditional Canadian Christmas baking this is the recipe. Easy and no Bake. And I did it my way...
One and only Easy Nanaimo Bars
Ingredients
- First Layer
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups graham crumbs
- 3/4 cup coconut
- 3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- Middle Layer
- 3/4 cup butter
- 6 TBSP milk
- 6 TBSP Bird’s custard powder
- 4 1/2 cups icing sugar
- Top Layer
- 5 oz chocolate
- 2 TBSP butter or oil
Instructions
Line 9 x 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium size bowl add graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts.
Then using a medium saucepan over low heat combine the butter, sugar,cocoa, egg until the mixture boils.
Boil for 2 minutes and add vanilla extract.
Remove from heat and stir graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts.
Press the base into the prepared lined pan.
Place into to fridge until firm (about 30 minutes).
Making Yellow Custard Icing
Using a mixing bowl combine custard powder and milk.
Stir until smooth.
Add icing sugar and butter.
Mix using the whisk attachment for about 3 to 5 minutes. (high speed)
Spread the filling evenly over the base and return to fridge of freezer while you make the topping or chocolate ganache.
Top Layer – Chocolate Ganache
Using a double boiler method melt 5 oz chocolate and butter. (or oil if you are using)
Spread over the second layer.
Refrigerate one more time for at least one hour.
Then cut the Nanaimo Bars to your favorite size or shape.
And you made it. The best traditional Canadian Nanaimo Bars.
Notes
STORAGE
Store in airtight container in the fridge for a week.
Another option: Freeze.
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Love and hugs
from your favorite
Cookie
See you soon…
Share and Enjoy ! Please.
OMG these look delicious! I’m going to try out the recipe without the walnuts since I’m allergic. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hi Tanya,
Yes, you can make Nanaimo bars without the walnuts.
Also, you can replace walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds. (if you are not allergic)
Thank you for visiting 5 star cookies.
These look absolutely delish! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Thank you. I agree with you. IT is delish.
Omg these looks so delicious! Strangely enough I’ve never heard of Nanaimo bars. They look amazing!
🌿 Marissa Belle × marsybun.com 🌿
Every day we learn something new.
Thank you for stopping by.
Can I use milk chocolate as I hate other chocolates
Yes, you can.
Semi-sweet, dark or any kind you like. (as long as it is for baking)
Thank you for visiting 5 star cookies.
Do you use original custard powder or vanilla flavored?
Hi Melissa,
I use Bird’s custard powder – Original.
Thank you for stopping by.
Love and hugs
from 5 star cookies.