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Classic Nanaimo Bars

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Welcome to the 🗺️ Great Canadian Food Passport 📍Stop #2 – British Columbia

Classic Nanaimo Bars

Cook Your Way Across Canada

You’ve returned to beautiful British Columbia to complete the second and final Passport Stop in this province. Famous for its stunning Pacific coastline, towering mountains, rich Indigenous history, and incredible local ingredients, British Columbia is also home to one of Canada’s most iconic desserts—the beloved Nanaimo Bar.

Named after the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, these legendary no-bake bars feature a rich chocolate coconut crumb base, a smooth vanilla custard filling, and a decadent chocolate topping. They’re a true Canadian classic enjoyed across the country and around the world.

Complete this recipe to finish your British Columbia Passport Challenge before continuing your journey east across Canada.

🍁 British Columbia Passport Progress

🍁 This province has 18 Canadian recipes

⭐ 2 are Official Great Canadian Food Passport Recipes

Official Passport Stops

✅ Passport Stop #1
Pacific Coast Salmon & Blackberry Sheet Pan Dinner ✔ Completed

✅ Passport Stop #2
Classic Nanaimo Bars (You’re Here!)

🎉 Congratulations! Once you’ve completed this recipe, you’ll have officially finished the British Columbia portion of your Great Canadian Food Passport.

🧭 Your Great Canadian Food Passport Challenge

The Great Canadian Food Passport is more than a recipe collection—it’s your chance to experience Canada’s incredible food traditions from coast to coast.

Each province and territory features two carefully selected Passport Recipes that represent its local flavours, history, and culture.

Every Passport Recipe includes:

✔ A Passport Stop

✔ A regional food story

✔ A fun Canadian fact

✔ A Traveller’s Checklist

✔ A printable Passport stamp opportunity

✔ Links to continue your journey across Canada

By completing all 26 Official Passport Recipes, you’ll experience the signature dishes that make Canada’s provinces and territories unique.

📥 Download Your FREE Great Canadian Food Passport

Track your culinary adventure with our printable Great Canadian Food Passport.

Inside you’ll find:

🍁 Traveller Information

🍁 Passport Progress Tracker

🍁 26 Official Passport Stops

🍁 Completion Certificate

📥 Download the FREE Great Canadian Food Passport here.

Download updated editions as new Passport Recipes are added.

Classic Nanaimo Bars

Few desserts are as proudly Canadian as the Classic Nanaimo Bar. This iconic no-bake treat originated in the coastal city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, and has become one of Canada’s most recognizable desserts.

Classic Nanaimo Bars

Each bite features three irresistible layers: a rich chocolate coconut crumb base, a silky smooth vanilla custard centre, and a glossy chocolate topping. The combination of textures and flavours has made Nanaimo Bars a favorite at family gatherings, bake sales, holidays, and celebrations for generations.

Whether you’re discovering Nanaimo Bars for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, this recipe offers an authentic taste of one of British Columbia’s sweetest culinary treasures—and completes your British Columbia Passport adventure.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required
  • A true Canadian classic
  • Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced
  • Great for holidays and celebrations
  • Easy to make ahead
  • One of the 26 Official Great Canadian Food Passport Recipes

🍁 Traveller’s Checklist

Before leaving British Columbia…

☐ I completed Passport Stop #2.

☐ I downloaded my Great Canadian Food Passport.

☐ I checked off British Columbia in my Passport.

☐ I learned something new about Nanaimo Bars.

☐ I’m ready to continue to Alberta!

🌲 British Columbia Fun Fact

The Nanaimo Bar is named after the city of Nanaimo, located on Vancouver Island. Although recipes appeared in community cookbooks during the 1950s, the dessert has become one of Canada’s most famous sweet treats and is recognized as a symbol of British Columbia’s culinary heritage.

🎉 British Columbia Complete!

Congratulations!

You’ve completed both Official British Columbia Passport Stops and earned your first province in the Great Canadian Food Passport.

Your journey now continues to Alberta, where two new signature recipes are waiting to be discovered.

🧭 Continue Your Canadian Adventure

➡️ Passport Stop #3 – Alberta (Coming Next)

🍁 Explore all British Columbia recipes

🗺️ Return to the Great Canadian Food Map

📖 View all Great Canadian Food Passport Stops

Happy cooking—and we’ll see you in Alberta!

Classic Nanaimo Bars

Classic Nanaimo Bars

Yield: 12
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Coconut Base
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
  • Pinch of salt
  • Custard Filling
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons custard powder
  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chocolate Topping
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Base
    Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
    In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
    Whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
    Slowly whisk in the beaten egg, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
    Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
    Fold in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chopped walnuts, and salt until everything is evenly coated.
    Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
    Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
  2. Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
    Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth.
    Add the custard powder and icing sugar.
    Mix in the vanilla and enough heavy cream to create a smooth, spreadable filling.
    Spread evenly over the chilled base.
    Return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the Chocolate Layer
    Melt the chocolate and butter together until smooth.
    Allow the chocolate to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
    Pour over the custard layer and spread evenly.
    Refrigerate for at least 1½ hours until fully set.
    For cleaner slices, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Tips for the Best Nanaimo Bars
Chill each layer before adding the next.
Let the chocolate cool slightly before pouring it over the custard to prevent melting.
Use high-quality chocolate for the smoothest topping.
Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Wipe your knife clean between slices for neat edges.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 778Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 266mgCarbohydrates: 101gFiber: 6gSugar: 70gProtein: 8g

These calculations are based off Nutritionix

Did you make this recipe?

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© Jacqueline
Classic Nanaimo Bars

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Nanaimo Bars called Nanaimo Bars?

Nanaimo Bars are named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, where the dessert became popular during the mid-20th century. Today they’re recognized as one of Canada’s signature desserts.

Do Nanaimo Bars need to be baked?

No. Traditional Nanaimo Bars are completely no-bake, making them a simple dessert that’s perfect year-round.

What is custard powder?

Custard powder is a flavored starch mixture that gives the middle layer its signature creamy texture and classic vanilla custard flavor.

Can I make Nanaimo Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. They’re actually even better after chilling overnight, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for holidays and gatherings.

Can Nanaimo Bars be frozen?

Yes. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I cut Nanaimo Bars without cracking the chocolate?

Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry also helps create clean cuts.

Can I make Nanaimo Bars without nuts?

Yes. Simply omit the walnuts or replace them with additional graham cracker crumbs or shredded coconut if you prefer a nut-free version.

Classic Nanaimo Bars

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