From their chocolate-y crust, to their chocolate glaze, to the custard filling in the middle, Vanilla Bean Nanaimo Bars are a no-bake cookie sure to please dessert lovers everywhere!
My Dad grew up in northwestern Washington (state, not District of Columbia) and, throughout my childhood, spoke fondly of the Nanaimo Bars he ate growing up.
Nanaimo Bars are native to Canada, and were very popular in that area when he was young—they’ve since become more known all over and I’ve been seeing recipes for them everywhere for a few years now.
But when I was in high school recipes were harder to come by. This was before EVERY recipe ever was available online, and back in a time when internet recipes were kind of untrustworthy. (Some refer to this time as the dark ages of the internet, but I prefer not to think of any point in my life as a dark age. I don’t feel old enough for that yet.)
But I digress.
When I was like 15, my dad found a Nanaimo Bar recipe in a magazine and, of course, asked me to make them; I was ecstatic. I wanted to taste this thing with the funny name I’d been hearing about my entire life. He hovered in the kitchen watching my every move and of course I scrambled the egg in the crust the first time and had to start over.
I’d blame his watchful eye but in truth I’m just spazzy in the kitchen.
Neither of us could wait to try the finished product. And they were gross. Dry and crumbly and overly sweet while at the same time, somehow flavorless. My dad said the recipe must not be fully authentic and didn’t blame my culinary skills for their ickiness. But I thought maybe he was just romanticizing Nanaimo Bars in his mind and that they were always just so-so.
After that disappointment I hadn’t wanted to give Nainamo Bars a second look until recently. I came across a Nanaimo Bars recipe in a magazine a few weeks ago and then couldn’t get them out of my mind. I believe in second chances so I ordered custard powder from Amazon and, exactly two days later, was ready to go.
That recipe also had an egg in the crust so I decided to wing it and make my up my own recipe, hoping to avoid scrambled eggs. And since I had a vanilla bean lying around, I threw that into the custard filling. More vanilla makes everything better. #truth
And do you know what? I loved them. LOVED THEM! This crust was a little crumbly, but in a good way. A graham cracker-y way. The custard filling was sweet but didn’t make my teeth shiver, and the chocolate glaze on top added that little extra oomph that only a chocolate glaze can.
The best part about this recipe, though, is that it’s NO-BAKE. One hundred percent oven-free, just perfect for the heat over here in Phoenix at the moment. (Oh hey, have I mentioned that none of the windows in the new house have blinds? We ordered last week but they won’t be here for a month. So no-bake is a very good thing right now.)
Happy Monday, my friends! I hope you have a chance this week to make yourself a batch of Nanaimo Bars. I promise you won’t regret it!
Vanilla bean Nanaimo bars are delicious From their chocolate crust to their chocolate glaze to the custard filling in the middle. They're a no-bake cookie sure to please!
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 5.5 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 vanilla bean pod scraped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons custard powder
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of excess paper hanging over the edges. Spray lightly with cooking spray and set pan aside.
- Place the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, pecans, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until the mixture becomes fine crumbs.
- Combine the butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
- Stir the graham cracker crumb mixture into the chocolate mixture and mix until well combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
- Place the butter, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer set to medium until butter becomes very light in color. With mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar and custard powder and beat to combine—mixture will be very dry but this is fine; just keep going.
- Beat in the milk and salt. Turn mixer to high and beat, stopping to scrape the bowl several times, until mixture is very thick and no lumps of powdered sugar remain. Spread the filling over the crust in an even layer and refrigerate to set, about 1 hour.
- Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in corn syrup until combined. Pour over the filling and spread with an offset spatula. Refrigerate bars for at least 3 hours, or overnight. Cut into bars and serve.
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
I do love nanaimo bars! Before moving to Canada, I made a research on the Canadian cuisine (I didn’t know yet that there’s basically no such a thing), and nanaimo bars were among the food I tried. However, I didn’t have any custard powder so they didn’t turn out just right. Well, I think I’ve polished my skilles since that 🙂 Glad that your recent attempt was a success (I can see that); the bars look scrumptious. Well done, Kelsie!
Kelsie says
Haha! I can think of two things that say “Canadian food” to me: Nanaimo Bars and poutine. At least they’re both delicious! Thank you Ben! I hope your week is going well!
Maria Doss says
It’s all about second, third, fourth,….chances!!! Nanaimo bars are totally new to me but not custard powder. So, this is right up my alley!
Kelsie says
I’m the opposite; I grew up hearing about Nanaimo Bars but have no idea what to do with custard powder besides make these! But at least these are a great way to use it :). Have a great week, Maria!
grace says
i don’t know how to pronounce the name of these bars, but i sure know how to eat them! what a great batch!
Kelsie says
Thank you Grace! They’re pretty easy to eat :). Maybe dangerously so! Hope you’re having a great day!
Carlee says
I’ve never had a nanaimo bar, but have seen some recipes floating about. Yours look gorgeous and would be a good excuse to have to order some custard powder. That seems like something I need, right?!
Kelsie says
Every pantry needs some custard powder! So you can make Nanaimo Bars on a moment’s notice, if for no other reason :). Hope your Tuesday is going well, Carlee!
Ruby_&_Cake says
I need to get me to Canada so I can try all the unknown Canadian treats. Ive never heard of these bars before and I really want to try them they sound so so so gooood. Pinning for my next day off x
Kelsie says
Haha! Canada is so beautiful, at least the places I’ve been :). And you have to love a country that gives us glorious cookie bars! Have a great week, Ruby!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
Looks yummy! I’m glad you gave these another shot! I have heard of these bars before but have not tried them or seen the recipe. Love that they are no bake. It was 100-degrees over here in California today. #dying hahaha xoxo 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you Kelly! OMG that’s crazy heat! I hope you’re finding a way to stay cool when your oven is on :). Have a great week!
dawnyucuiscooking says
These look amazing. I have to say I have never heard of these nanaimo bars. I think I will have to give them a try.
Kelsie says
Thank you Dawn! They’re delicious–chocolate and custard, what’s not to love?
themuffinmyth says
I’m a Canadian living in Sweden and I haven’t had a Nanaimo bar in years! But, I happen to have a can of custard powder in my cupboard, so now I’m inspired to make some. Thanks for the recipe!
Kelsie says
I’m so glad I inspired you :). I think finding custard powder is the hardest part of this recipe so you’re definitely ahead of the game! Have a great week!
Kelly says
So glad you gave these another try, they look delicious! I love Nanaimo Bars and they sound like the perfect pick me up for a gloomy Monday!
Kelsie says
Thank you Kelly! I’m glad too. These are going to become a go-to for me :). Have a great week!
Ashika - Gardening Foodie says
I was talking to my freind about this recipe and she had her 6 month old son with her, and when I said the name of the recipe, he went into giggling hysterics.? This is a really cute name and I love that it is a no bake… I will be making these this weekend and maybe sneak in a small piece for the little giggler?
Kelsie says
Hahaha! That’s so cute! It is a pretty funny name :). Thank you Ashika! Have a great week, my friend!
hummingbirdthyme says
I love a good Nanaimo Bar – and have actually been to Nanaimo! I’m happy to have a recipe and also have been wanting to use Custard powder for something – I’ll have to give this a try! Stay cool – you could use some Nanaimo weather, I bet!
Kelsie says
I’ve never been to Nanaimo but I’ve heard it’s beautiful! I’m sure a fan of their cookies, though :). I could definitely use some Nanaimo weather right about now, haha! Have a great week, Laura!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
I have yet to have a Nanaimo Bar and this custard powder? I must get some!! I saw another recipe just recently using custard powder and now I’m intrigued! They look so delicious and I love the vanilla bean!!! I know of these dark ages of the internet…LOL! Scary!! 🙂
Kelsie says
Right? I don’t know how I ever got anything done back in those days. What did people do before they could google everything they need to know? Definitely try Nanaimo Bars. They’re soooo dang good. Happy Monday, Kim!
Milena | craftbeering.com says
I think that you nailed them Kelsie! My friend’s husband grew up on Vancouver Island and she knew how to make these bars from her mother-in-law. She brought them to women’s hockey practice so I associate them with ice skating:) Hope these blinds you ordered get there faster!
Kelsie says
Thank you so much Milena! I will not miss waking up with the sun every day, or an extra hot kitchen. Have a great week!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
I always stumble saying ‘Nanaimo’ and don’t know why cause I am Canadian so I should know how to say it, right? We all have kitchen mishaps, girl, and I totally think that your dad was right that the recipe was sub par. Glad you gave these another shot cause they look awesome!! And it looks like you hit a home run. P.S. Bat some of these my way, would ya 😉 ?? Pinned! Cheers to an awesome week! xo
Kelsie says
Haha! It’s such a weird word that I think you’re fine stumbling over it :). Thank you Dawn! I’ll send a batch off to you ASAP. Happy Monday!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I didn’t know what a Nanaimo Bar was until a few years ago and when I showed a photo of them to my hubs he was like, “OMG make me that!”. I forgot about them until now, so thank you for the reminder! Yours look amazing! And I LOVE that they are no bake! So easy, yet seriously delicious! I NEED to make these for the hubs!! Cheers, doll!
Kelsie says
Definitely make a batch! He’ll LOVE them! And you’ll love not needing the oven :). Have a wonderful week, Cheyanne!
marcie@flavorthemoments says
I’ve never had a nanaimo bar but every time I see one I want one! The layers are beautiful and they look absolutely scrumptious!
Kelsie says
They’re just DELICIOUS, Marcie! Definitely try one soon so you don’t have years of regret burning inside you the way I do, haha! Have a great Monday!
wearenotmartha says
I don’t think I’ve ever had a Nanaimo Bar, but after seeing these, I feel like I need to make them ASAP! They look stunning 🙂
Sues
Kelsie says
Thank you Sues! They’re soooo good! You’ll love them and wonder why you haven’t been making them forever 🙂
pglooney says
I have never had a nanaimo bar. These sure do look amazing though! Now I’m curious and need to go buy and try one.
Kelsie says
Nanaimo Bars are delicious, Patrick! You’ll love them!
David | Spiced says
Wait. You are spazzy in the kitchen? Lies! There’s no way you make such amazing treats in the kitchen if you’re a spaz! 🙂 With that said, I have to say that I love nanaimo bars! One of my Canadian curling friends last year brought in a batch around Christmas, and woah. She described the custard powder (which she gets in a tiny store down in NYC and stockpiles just for nanaimo bars). I’ll have to put that custard powder on my wish list on Amazon so I can try making these treats soon. The only problem is I won’t be able to trust myself around them! Great story about your first attempt at these, too. You gotta learn somewhere, right?
Kelsie says
Haha! It’s true! I’m a kitchen spazz. Nanaimo Bars rock, don’t they? I’m so glad I gave them another shot :). I still vividly remember scrambling that egg and I was so irritated. But yes, it was a learning experience to be sure. Have a great day, David!
Tania says
OMG! These things look AMAZING! Never heard of them here in NZ but they look right up my alley, I must make them.
Kelsie says
Thank you Tania! They are soooo good! Have a great week, my friend 🙂