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The Recipe · No.775 · Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars, and where to source it

Nanaimo Bars — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Nanaimo Bars Canadian 5best2buy.com

Real custard powder is what makes the middle layer taste and set right; instant pudding mix flattens it. Slice with a knife dipped in hot water so the chilled chocolate top cuts clean instead of shattering.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min (plus chilling)
Cook5 min
Makes16 squares
CuisineCanadian
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 16 squares
Graham crumbs
The structural base with cocoa and coconut. A honey graham crumb is best.
1.25 cups
Source it →
Shredded coconut
Unsweetened fine flakes for texture in the crust.
1 cup
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Butter
Divided across all three layers. A good cultured butter carries it.
3/4 cup
Source it →
Custard powder
The ingredient that flavors and firms the middle; do not substitute.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Powdered sugar
Beaten with butter into the thick middle icing.
2 cups
Source it →
Semi-sweet chocolate
Melted with a little butter for the glossy top. A real couverture snaps best.
4 oz
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Make the baseMelt butter with cocoa and sugar, stir in egg, graham crumbs, and coconut, and press into an 8x8 pan.
  2. Mix the middleBeat butter, powdered sugar, custard powder, and a little cream to a thick, spreadable icing.
  3. Layer itSpread the icing over the chilled base and chill again until firm.
  4. Glaze and cutPour melted chocolate over, chill, then slice with a hot knife into squares.
The Toolkit

Baking pan · Offset spatula · Hand mixer

Straight Answers
Can you make Nanaimo Bars in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze Nanaimo Bars? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Nanaimo Bars ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.

Is Nanaimo Bars gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Nanaimo Bars vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

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