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.
Mia says
Wow, you are so talented, I am making these for sure!
Kelsie says
Awww thank you so much Mia! Have a wonderful long weekend!
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss says
I don’t know what rock I’ve been living under, but I’ve never heard of these beauties. I’m glad I came upon this recipe though, it looks freaking AMAZING and I love that it’s no bake. I can’t wait to try it out! Definitely pinning these for later!
Kelsie says
Haha! Not a rock; I probably wouldn’t have heard of them if not for my dad :). Thank you so much Jessica! Have a great weekend!
Denise Browning says
Simply my favorite Canadian dessert. And with vanilla bean in ti, I bet it is even more delish.
Kelsie says
Thank you Denise! Vanilla makes everything good even better 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I’ve never heard of these and now it’s all I want! Your tenacity is impressive, my friend! Happy for all of us that you did not give up!
Kelsie says
Haha! It’s funny how a dessert can work its way into your mind isn’t it? Thank you Annie!
thatskinnychickcanbake says
I had the same experience making Nanaimo bars! I live in Vancouver for a year in high school and never was able to recreate anything that wowed me. I MUST try your recipe!!
Kelsie says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one :). If you try these let me know how they compare to the real thing! I’ve never had one I didn’t make myself, haha! Have a great weekend, Liz!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Love Nanaimo bars but they’re so sweet! I can usually only have a couple of bites 🙂 Good on you for trying again!
Kelsie says
They’re definitely sweet! Thank you Lorraine!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
Your dad must be so happy that you gave Nanaimo bars a second chance – they look absolutely delicious and I am a big fan of no-bake recipes as well! Never heard of them before but would love to try them 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Kelsie says
Thank you Miriam! No-bake recipes are definitely some of my favorites, too. You have a lovely weekend as well!
evolvewithmary says
I’ve never had a Nanaimo bar and man it’s look live I’ve really been missing out. Especially since no bake desserts are my favorite. Who wants to turn on their hot ovens in the Summer? I know I don’t. I hate when internet recipes disappoint, it’s happen to me more than a few times 🙁
Kelsie says
If you love no-bake desserts I think you’ll definitely love these! I know–I’m working on all kinds of no-bake treats so I can avoid the oven as much as possible this summer :). Hope you’re having a great week Mary!
Pies and Prejudice says
I love this post, Kelsie!! They sound and look amazing. It’s funny because when I saw these on your IG, I had wondered how you knew about them as they are from Western Canada (originated in Nanaimo, BC which is on Vancouver Island) and I hardly see them while travelling in the U.S. So I loved reading this story and finding out more of the context. Such a cute and fun story, as well. Since Washington is sooo close to BC, of course, it would make sense that your dad would have tried them, or at least have heard of them.
It’s so true, the food blogging world has really made it MUCH easier to try different treats from other cultures, nationalities etc. I grew up vaguely hearing about Whoopie Pies and Funnel Cakes but unless you travel a lot, it was hard to find recipes for these. Sometimes you got lucky and found them in cookbooks. Now with food blogs and websites, they are everywhere and I love all the inspiration to try new things.
I grew up eating Nanaimo bars and always loved them so I finally got around to making them myself. SO GOOD. When I went GF, I made a few changes and one time I’d run out of custard powder so I used cornstarch and it worked like a charm (in case you’d like to make them sometime but don’t have any custard powder handy). Now that I finally started my bog, I’m planning on sharing my GF version in case you want to make them for your mom 😀 I usually make my own Graham crackers first so I have to plan ahead a little when I make them but they are SO good from scratch. I used to buy the store-bought/coffee shop ones often but they pale in comparison.
I can’t wait to try these esp since they are no-bake! YUM
uh oh, now I’m leaving long comments on here too haha 😀
Kelsie says
Oh I love the idea to use cornstarch–finding custard powder was the hardest part back in the dark ages :). Now it’s easier with Amazon but custard powder isn’t something I normally keep on hand. I know my mom would love a gluten free version so I’ll have to surprise her with some! It’s amazing how reading blogs has opened me up to new foods. I never would have tried quinoa if it weren’t for a blog post I read forever ago, and now it’s a staple in my diet. Crazy! Your long comments always brighten my day so don’t worry about it, haha! Hope you’re having the best week Dana!
Kankana says
Love a no=bake treat. I will make these with my little fella. He will love it 🙂
Kelsie says
No-bake treats are where it’s at–especially this time of year! Have a great rest of your week, my friend!
kitchenriffs says
I’ve heard of these, but have never tasted them. And obviously never made them! Sounds tasty — need to try these. Thanks!
Kelsie says
They’re so good! I think you’ll love them :). Hope your week is going well!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
This is such a palatable and toothsome treat, Kelsie! Cannot wait to give it a try!
Kelsie says
Thank you Agness! Have a great rest of your week!
Allie R Taylor says
Oh my goodness! No blinds yet. Hang in there Kelsie. Trusting you have good AC!!! But still,no bake sounds like the perfect solution. So call me ignorant, but I have never even heard of your nanaimo bars. So glad to be educated now. I was amused to hear of your father hovering in the kitchen and the scrambled egg. Ha! And yes, vanilla beans are always a good thing – your bars look over the top spec-tac-u-lar!!!! Thanks for another great recipe.
Kelsie says
Thank you Allie! Yes, my AC is fully functional and working overtime at the moment :). I’m so grateful to whatever genius invented AC; how did anyone survive before? Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
lynne hoareau says
OMW !!! These look soooo good. I want to sink my teeth into one right now !!! I absolutely love your story about them and your dad. He will be proud of you that you have nailed it this time with the perfect recipe 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you Lynne! The next time I go up to visit them I’m definitely going to make these :). Happy Wednesday!
Kate says
WHAT IS THIS CUSTARD POWDER!!?!?!?!? Amazing. These look fantastic.
Kelsie says
Thank you so much, Kate!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
My parents are on Scottsdale so I feel your pain! Hopefully these delicious bars eased it!
Kelsie says
Haha! You know exactly what I’m saying. These bars ease all kinds of pain :). Thank you Abbe!
blahnikbaker says
What a great idea to throw in vanilla bean. That I’m sure adds a great flavor!! These look amazing!
Kelsie says
Thank you Zainab! The vanilla bean just makes these over-the-top yummy!
Lisa (@cottagestyle) says
Yum! I can’t wait to try these! They look AMAAAZING! 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you so much Lisa! You’ll have to let me know what you think!
Love In My Oven says
Hah!! I love Nanaimo bars so much. I think it’s pretty much one of the only truly “Canadian” things out there. We visited Nanaimo last year where it originated from! I love that your Dad was hovering over you in the kitchen. He totally sounds like my Dad. These look great Kelsie!! Thanks for doing these wonderful little bars justice!!
Kelsie says
I’ve never been to Nanaimo but I’ve heard it’s really beautiful. I think it would have to be to be home of such a delicious cookie :). Hovering dads are the cutest aren’t they? Have a great week Katherine!
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says
i hadn’t heard of nanaimo (still don’t know how to pronounce it lol) bars until high school, when a canadian friend mentioned them. i made them once and they were pretty tasty, though i know i messed them up (idr how anymore), so who knows if i would like authentic ones ?
Kelsie says
If they were tasty then you probably didn’t mess them up too bad, haha :). I hope your week is going well, Heather!