Vanilla Nanaimo Bars Recipe – Easy No-Bake Canadian Dessert with Custard Layer

A vanilla Nanaimo bar is a sweet, three-layer Canadian treat featuring a chocolate-coconut base, a thick vanilla custard filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache on top. For the most authentic flavor, use Bird’s Custard Powder for the middle layer, though vanilla instant pudding mix is a common substitute. 

Ingredients

Base Layer	Vanilla Filling	Chocolate Topping
• ½ cup unsalted butter	• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened	• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• ¼ cup granulated sugar	• 2 cups icing sugar	• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 tbsp cocoa powder	• 2 tbsp custard powder (or vanilla pudding mix)
• 1 large egg, beaten	• 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs	• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts

           

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Melt: In a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water, combine the butter, sugar, and cocoa. Stir until smooth.

Thicken: Whisk in the beaten egg and continue stirring until the mixture thickens (about 1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.

Combine: Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts until well combined.

Press: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

2. Make the Vanilla Filling

Cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, cream (or milk), custard powder, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Sweeten: Gradually add the icing sugar and beat until smooth and spreadable.

Layer: Spread the filling evenly over the chilled base. Return to the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to set.

3. Add the Chocolate Topping

Melt: Melt the chocolate and butter together in a microwave (30-second bursts) or over low heat until smooth.

Finish: Pour the chocolate over the set custard layer and spread quickly with an offset spatula.

Set & Slice: Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until completely firm. For clean cuts, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing with a hot, sharp knife.