Nanaimo Bars

"Named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, the first time this square was published under that name was in the early 1950's in the Vancouver Sun newspaper! This version of the original bar is from Company's Coming - 150 Delicious Squares! Later versions change the vanilla custard layer to mint or peanut butter but the original is my favourite. You can make this a day ahead of a special occasion or keep it in the freezer. I used to freeze half because I'm very weak & I would eat the whole thing myself BUT I soon discovered that it tastes good even when its frozen!"
 
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photo by eabeler photo by eabeler
photo by eabeler
photo by chefbrian96 photo by chefbrian96
photo by eabeler photo by eabeler
photo by eabeler photo by eabeler
photo by eabeler photo by eabeler
Ready In:
30mins
Ingredients:
13
Yields:
36 squares
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ingredients

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directions

  • BOTTOM LAYER: Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler or heavy saucepan.
  • Add egg & stir to cook & thicken.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients& press firmly into an ungreased 9 x 9-inch pan.
  • MIDDLE LAYER: Cream all ingredients together; beat until light.
  • Spread over bottom layer.
  • TOPPING: Melt chips & butter over low heat; cool.
  • When cooled but still runny, spread over middle layer.
  • Chill in refrigerator.
  • Use a very sharp knife to cut into squares.

Questions & Replies

  1. While I'm sure, these are good, if they are from Vancouver BC, WHY are they stated to be a dessert for/from Washington State? I have lived in Washington most of my life, I have never heard of these, never had one, never seen them anywhere.
     
  2. Are walnuts or any nuts traditionally in them? Lol I can’t remember the last time I made them thanks!
     
  3. I made these along time ago and I have no idea how I found vanilla custard powder but where I live I can’t seem to find it anywhere just the regular custard powder any suggestions of what I could do? Don’t wanna make it from scratch anything I can add to the existing custard powder or anything thanks
     
  4. Coconut allergy. Can I increase amount of Graham crackers? Any other suggestions?
     
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Reviews

  1. I needed a dish that was truly Canadian for an event we are doing this weekend. This is a really good and easy recipe for making one of my favorite foods. For the top layer I made one and a half times the recipe. Thanks for sharing
     
    • Review photo by chefbrian96
  2. It's impossible to spread the custard layer without refrigerating the bottom layer - I just ended up with a giant mess and had to go back to the store and do it all again. Poor instructions.
     
  3. An excellent recipe and a definate staple for Xmas. I always make 2 for Xmas, the original recipe for my children and an adult version for adults by exchanging liqueur for milk in middle layer and, depending on the flavour of liqueur, substituting different nuts for the walnuts in base. Amaretto with toasted almonds, Frangelico with hazelnuts, the possibilities are endless!
     
  4. These are such a delicious treat...it would be hard not to eat just one. Don't think of the calories when you eat them...they are so worth it! Nanaimo is pronounced : Na-NYE-mo. Great posting!!
     
  5. I had not had these in years. I did everything exactly as directed and they turned out wonderfully.
     
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Tweaks

  1. An excellent recipe and a definate staple for Xmas. I always make 2 for Xmas, the original recipe for my children and an adult version for adults by exchanging liqueur for milk in middle layer and, depending on the flavour of liqueur, substituting different nuts for the walnuts in base. Amaretto with toasted almonds, Frangelico with hazelnuts, the possibilities are endless!
     
  2. I have been making nanaimo bars for years but found this recipe which was just a bit different from my recipe so I decided to follow this one and sure happy I did. This base is a bit more moist and has more of the middle layer. I did replace 1/2 cup coconut with unsweetened coconut but that is just a personal taste. My copy has now been replaced with your version. The holidays just wouldn't be the same with the Nanaimo bar not on that goodie tray.
     

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

In the words of Tracy Byrd, "I'm from the country & I like it that way"!! On May 1, 2008 my husband and I started a new adventure. We'll be living in a 37 foot RV while our new home is under construction. Its out in the country on a dead end dirt road with lots of trees. For the next 4 months or so, most meals will be cooked on the BBQ and life will be full of challenges! We love spending quality time with our friends & family - especially the grandkids!! The photo is 4 generations - my 84 year old mother, myself, my daughter & my youngest granddaughter - taken at the end of 2006. I've participated in many contests & events here on Zaar but this is the first banner that I've posted. My thanks to Dreamgoddess for hosting the contest & SusieD for the banner design! <img src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f249/Dreamgoddess555/Narrow1-1.jpg">
 
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