Canada’s Nanaimo Bar Recipe
The 4th of July is this weekend. I always love spending the day with family and friends around a grill and a smorgasbord of delicious side dishes and desserts as we watch fireworks into the night. Did you know that Canada has a similar holiday called… get this… Canada Day? Original eh? So why not celebrate both holidays this week and make a pan of these delicious no-bake Canada’s Nanaimo Bar Recipe.
Almost four years ago now, my family vacationed in Alberta, Canada. It was a trip of a lifetime. Full of beautiful scenery, friendly people, and of course some iconic food.
Ever heard of poutine?
I’ll give you a hint… it is french fries, topped with cheese curds, and a heavy helping of gravy dribbled over everything.
I tell ya… Canada is doing it right!
And these no-bake bars, which are famous in Canada, is something right.
So deliciously right.
The crumb (or bottom) layer is made from melting butter and then mixing in cocoa powder, sugar, and an egg.
Once the concoction has thickened, stir in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and some finely chopped walnut pieces.
Pour into a prepared 8 by 8 inch baking pan, before making the vanilla buttercream layer.
Which, of course, includes some more butter, a splash of heavy cream, a couple tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix, and powdered sugar.
Spread it on top of the crumb bottom and then top with the ganache made from melted semi-sweet chocolate and (you guessed it) more butter.
Hey I never said that this dessert was low in calories.
I did say it was delicious and worth a little splurge over the summer holiday season.
Enjoy!
Canada’s Nanaimo Bar Recipe
The best no-bake dessert idea is this family favorite; Canada's Nanaimo Bar Recipe. Perfect for Canada Day or July 4th celebrations.
Ingredients
Bottom-Crumb Layer
- 1 stick Butter
- 5 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 1 3/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 3/4 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1/2 cup Walnuts, finely chopped (can also use almonds)
Middle- Buttercream Layer
- 1 stick Butter, softened
- 3 Tbsp Heavy Cream
- 2 Tbsp Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
Top- Chocolate Ganache Layer
- 4 oz Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 Tbsp Butter
Instructions
-
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
Bottom-Crumb Layer
-
Combine the butter, cocoa powder, and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water.
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Heat, stirring, until melted.
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Stir in egg and cook until the sauce starts to thicken. About 1-2 minutes.
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Remove the bowl from the pan and stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped walnuts.
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Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Middle- Buttercream Layer
-
Beat together the softened butter, heavy cream, and pudding mix with a mixer on medium-high speed until combined.
-
Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, until light and fluffy.
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Spread buttercream over the bottom layer in the pan.
Top- Chocolate Ganache Layer
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Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring continuously.
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Let cool 2 minutes, then pour over the middle layer.
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Cover and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
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Cut into bars.
Recipe Notes
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