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Christmas, Desserts, Holidays, Thanksgiving

Perfect Nanaimo Bars

What are Nanaimo Bars and where did they come from? Read on to find out and get a delicious recipe for your cook book!

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Perfect Nanaimo Bars. Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that's got all the right flavours and textures in one.

Yummmmmmmy! I love Nanaimo Bars! Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that’s got all the right flavours and textures in one. Chocolate and custard with a touch of coconut for flavour. Almonds, graham crumbs and cream for texture, and an extra dose of chocolate just because! 😀

Perfect Nanaimo Bars. Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that's got all the right flavours and textures in one.

I make these every year for my Dad for his birthday. I’ve been doing so for a few years now, he absolutely loves these Perfect Nanaimo Bars! They are the best way to end a lunch, or dinner (or… breakfast?) meal, and are large enough to share… if you have to…

Perfect Nanaimo Bars. Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that's got all the right flavours and textures in one.

Where did nanaimo bars originate?

Nanaimo Bars were created in Nanaimo, BC, which just so happens to be right ‘across the pond’ from where I live! Nanaimo is on the East side of Vancouver Island, and is a lovely City! I actually moved to Nanaimo fresh out of high school, as they have a brilliant Culinary Arts program at the University there.

Not only is Nanaimo beautiful but it is full of fun things to do, and more importantly has great places to eat! The best poutine I have ever had to this day was from a little place called Pirate Chips where you could also get deep fried chocolate bars! Or you could check out Mrs Riches where they make burgers THE SIZE OF YOUR HEAD and take a polaroid to hang on their wall of every person who orders one!

Who created the Nanaimo bar?

It is a little hard to pin point, but the first known printed recipe for Nanaimo Bars was submitted by Mrs. E. MacDougall for the 1952 Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary cookbook. She called it ‘Chocolate Slice’ or ‘Chocolate Slice’ and it was very close to the modern bar.

Vancouver caterer, chef, and Lazy Gourmet cookbook writer Susan Mendelson is credited with raising the Nanaimo Bar to cult status and expanding its potential to include mocha and mint flavoured bars as well as blondies topped with white chocolate.

Either way, whoever has had a hand in creating these beauties into what they are today deserve a big round of applause.

For more info on the Nanaimo Bar you can check out this page on Wikipedia.

Perfect Nanaimo Bars. Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that's got all the right flavours and textures in one.

How to make nanaimo bars

Start by building the bottom layer. Combine butter, cocoa and sugar in the top of a double boiler, then add eggs and stir until thick. Remove from heat and mix in graham crumbs, almonds and coconut. Press into the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish and try to make it as level as possible.

To build the custard layer, whip butter, cream and custard powder until it fully combines. Mix in confectioners sugar and spread over the bottom layer. It is important to spread the custard as evenly as possibly because the top chocolate layer is thin and you don’t want custard peeping out! Also you want your bars to have a clean, straight line look once cut. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set.

Combine the top layer ingredients and microwave until melted. Spread over top of the custard layer and refrigerate again.

Cut into bars!

Perfect Nanaimo Bars. Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that's got all the right flavours and textures in one.

Can you freeze nanaimo bars?

You sure can! In fact this is how I store the Perfect Nanaimo Bars for my Dad for his birthday. He likes to keep them frozen because then he can savour them; indulge in one bar every so often. They store great in freezer ziplock bags. I like to cut a few strips of parchment or wax paper to put in between each layer of Nanaimo Bars as I build them up in the bag.

Perfect Nanaimo Bars. Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that's got all the right flavours and textures in one.

What is custard powder made up of?

Custard powder is basically just cornstarch, salt, flavouring and colour!

Are nanaimo bars gluten free?

Nope, they sure aren’t! But you can make them gluten free! The only ingredient you would need to replace is the graham cracker crumbs. Luckily you can buy an easy replacement from Amazon, Kinnikinnick Graham Style Cracker Crumbs.

Perfect Nanaimo Bars. Three layers of deliciousness combine to create a bar that's got all the right flavours and textures in one.

Love chocolate? Me too! Try these next:

Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake 

Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake. Four layers of rich, sensational, chocolate love. Oreo crumb crust. Velvety chocolate cheesecake. Intense chocolate ganache. Fluffy chocolate whipped cream. This cheesecake is not for the faint of heart.

S’mores Cheesecake Parfait

S’mores Cheesecake Parfait for Two. Graham crumbs. Creamy chocolate cheesecake. Rich ganache. Mini marshmallows. Toasted meringue. Need I say more?

Did you love this recipe? Help me decide which flavour I should create next! Caramel Frappuccino or Mint Chocolate? Add your vote in the comment section below the recipe card!

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4 thoughts on “Perfect Nanaimo Bars

  1. Alysse says:

    5 stars
    These are my fave!!! I would love to see a caramel Frappuccino Nanaimo bar!!

    1. Aleta says:

      Mmmmm good choice!!

  2. Martha Traikovski says:

    Aleta can you use vanilla pudding powder instead of custard powder ?
    Martha

    1. Aleta says:

      Hey Martha! Although I am not certain, I believe the custard powder cannot be replaced with pudding mix. Sorry, wish I had a concrete answer for ya!

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