These classic Nanaimo Bars are a Canadian staple. This version was adapted from the official Nanaimo recipe to be gluten free. They’re an easy no-bake dessert recipe that everyone loves!
½cupunsalted buttercultured European style recommended
¼cupgranulated sugar
5tablespoonsnatural unsweetened cocoa powder
1large eggroom temperature, and beaten
1 ¾cupsgluten free graham cracker crumbssee notes
½cupfinely chopped almonds
1cupfinely shreddedunsweetened coconut
Middle Layer
½cupunsalted butterroom temperature
3tablespoonsheavy cream
2tablespoonsvanilla custard powdersee notes
2cupspowdered sugar
Top Layer
4ozsemi-sweet chocolate bars for bakingroughly chopped
2tablespoonunsalted butter
Instructions
Make the Bottom Layer
Line an 8x8 square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough of an overhang to pull the bars out of the pan when ready to serve.
Add the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder to a double boiler, heating over medium-low heat. Heat, whisking occasionally until the butter is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Whisk in the beaten egg, whisking constantly to cook the egg and the mixture slightly thickens.
Remove from the heat and then stir in the graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped almonds, and the shredded coconut. Press the mixture into the prepared pan, forming a firm, even layer.
Make the Middle Layer
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the butter, cream, custard powder, and powdered sugar.
Beat until light and fluffy then spread evenly over the bottom layer.
Make the Top Layer
Add the chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power for 1 minute then stir well to melt the chocolate. Continue to melt at 50% power for 20-second intervals, stirring after each time, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the butter. Then pour on top of the custard layer and use an offset spatula to spread in an even layer.
Refrigerate the bars for 15 minutes. Then remove from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to score the chocolate into 16 slices, where they will be cut before serving. Scoring the chocolate will prevent the chocolate from cracking when you cut the chilled bars. Return the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cut the bars into 16 squares before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
1 5.6 oz (160g) box of Schar Honeygrams is the perfect amount of graham crackers.
Bird’s Custard Powder is the traditional custard powder used in this recipe. It’s available in many grocery stores or online.
Refrigerate the bars while preparing the second and top layers. It’ll make it easier to spread the layers evenly.