Nanaimo Bars
Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thic
Cook and rest are read from the method. Prep is estimated when the listing left it out. Optional overnight waits and leftover storage are not counted.
- Prep
- 3 min
- Cook
- 2 hr
- Rest
- 20 min
- Total
- 2 hr 23 min
- Difficulty
- A bit of work
- Spice
- No chilli
- Cost
- Weeknight budget$8–16 USD · indicative, not a store price
About
Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the biscuit crumbs, coconut and almonds if using, then press into the base of a lined 20cm square tin.
What you'll need
12 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
- Custard125 g
- Sugar50 g
- Cocoa74 ml
- Egg1
- Digestive biscuits200 g
- Desiccated coconut100 g
- Almond50 g
- Butter150 g
- Cream59 ml
- Custard powder44 ml
- Icing sugar250 g
- Dark chocolate150 g
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Step 2
Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the biscuit crumbs, coconut and almonds if using, then press into the base of a lined 20cm square tin.
3 min
Step 3
Chill for 10 mins. For the middle layer, make the custard icing; whisk together the butter, cream and custard powder until light and fluffy, then gradually add the icing sugar until fully incorporated.
10 min
Step 4
Spread over the bottom layer and chill in the fridge for at least 10 mins until the custard is no longer soft. Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, then spread over the chilled bars and put back in the fridge.
10 min
Step 5
Leave until the chocolate has fully set (about 2 hrs). Take the mixture out of the tin and slice into squares to serve.
120 min
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 980 kcal
- Protein
- 10.9 g
- Carbs
- 98.4 g
- Fat
- 63.9 g
- Saturated fat
- 38.9 g
- Fibre
- 7.6 g
- Sugar
- 80.7 g
- Sodium
- 92 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Tree nuts
- Milk
- Vegetarian
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 13 November.
Substitutions
egg (silken tofu or skip (depends on the dish)) → silken tofu or skip (depends on the dish)
Carbonara without egg is not carbonara. Fried rice can skip the egg. We will not pretend otherwise.
butter → olive-oil
Use a little less oil than butter. Pastry and laminated doughs are a different problem.
cream (whole milk + a knob of butter) → whole milk + a knob of butter
Thinner and less rich. Reduce a little longer if you need body.
Tips
- Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
History & culture
Inspired by the original
Provenance: Imported. Not developed or tested in our kitchen, so quantities and timings can be approximate. Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Nanaimo Bars take?
2 hr 23 min all in — 3 min prep, 2 hr cook, 20 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Eggs, Wheat, Tree nuts, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian.
7 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list a salt amount. We will not invent one.
How much sugar?
50 g of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
egg (silken tofu or skip (depends on the dish)) → silken tofu or skip (depends on the dish). Carbonara without egg is not carbonara. Fried rice can skip the egg. We will not pretend otherwise. butter → olive-oil. Use a little less oil than butter. Pastry and laminated doughs are a different problem. cream (whole milk + a knob of butter) → whole milk + a knob of butter. Thinner and less rich. Reduce a little longer if you need body.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.