Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (2024)

I love Nanaimo Bars. I love Canada. In fact, my husband will often say, “I kinda feel like a Timbit right now” and next thing I know we’re heading for the border.

But can you guess what I love even more than Tim Horton’s white hot chocolate? I love Nanaimo Bars. And I’ve come up with the BEST gluten-free Nanaimo Bar recipe ever. AND it’s so easy to make!

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Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (1)

These Nanaimo Bars are gluten-free and you can certainly use regular graham crackers if you don’t need to be gluten-free, but I do prefer the gluten-free ones by Schär – they are amazing! And no I’m not sponsored by them, I just seriously love them.

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (2)

MY AMAZON PICKS (affiliate links):

You will need:

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (3)

For the base:

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup granulated sugar

5 T cocoa powder

1 ½ cups finely crushed graham crackers (I love Schär gluten-free)

½ cup finely chopped nuts (I prefer pecans)

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 beaten egg

1 cup shredded coconut (optional) – I’m not a coconut fan

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (4)

For the filling:

2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

½ cup softened butter

3 T instant vanilla pudding powder

3-4 T heavy cream

½ tsp vanilla extract

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (5)

For the Topping:

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 T butter

Line a 8×8 pan with parchment paper, letting the parchment paper hang over the side for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, mix together the finely crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, granulated sugar and finely chopped nuts (and coconut if desired)

Add the egg, vanilla and melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the parchment lined pan.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

To make the filling, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer and slowly add the sifted powdered sugar. Beat in the heavy cream, vanilla and the pudding powder until smooth and frosting like consistency.

Smooth on filling on top of the base layer with an offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

For the topping, melt together the chocolate chips and the butter over a double boiler or in the microwave at 15 second intervals, stirring between intervals until smooth.

Pour over the filling layer and smooth with an offset spatula.

Return to refrigerator for at least an hour.

Carefully cut into bars (it helps to score the top layer first with a knife before cutting so the top layer doesn’t crack).

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (6)
Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (7)

I know that that the traditional Nanaimo Bars have walnuts and shredded coconut in them and if you want to use those ingredients, that’s perfectly fine. I substituted pecans and omitted the coconut altogether with no adjustments for my batch (yes I made an entire batch for myself) and it turned out amazing!

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (8)

Everyone will just rave about these bars, they are so good!

Yield: 16

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (9)

These are the best Nanaimo Bars ever! They are so easy to make AND they are gluten-free!

Prep Time20 minutes

Cook Time15 minutes

Additional Time4 hours

Total Time4 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the base:
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 T cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham crackers (I use gluten-free)
  • ½ cup finely chopped nuts (I prefer pecans)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (optional) – I’m not a coconut fan
  • For the filling:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 3 T instant vanilla pudding powder
  • 3-4 T heavy cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Topping:
  • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 T butter

Instructions

  1. Line a 8x8 pan with parchment
    paper, letting the parchment paper hang over the side for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the finely crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, granulated sugar and finely chopped nuts (and coconut if desired)
  3. Add the egg, vanilla and melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.
  4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the parchment lined pan.
  5. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
  6. To make the filling, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer and slowly add the sifted powdered sugar. Beat in the heavy cream, vanilla and the pudding powder until smooth and frosting like consistency.
  7. Smooth on filling on top of the base layer with an offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  8. For the topping, melt together the chocolate chips and the butter over a double boiler or in the microwave at 15 second intervals, stirring between intervals until smooth.
  9. Pour over the filling layer and smooth with an offset spatula.
  10. Return to refrigerator for at least an hour.
  11. Carefully cut into bars (it helps to score the top layer first with a knife before cutting so the top layer doesn’t crack)

For more great dessert recipes, click here

Nanaimo Bars, best nanaimo bar recipe, gluten-free Nanaimo Bars (2024)

FAQs

Do Nanaimo bars contain gluten? ›

Unfortunately, Nanaimo bars are not gluten-free when made with traditional ingredients. Classic recipes call for all-purpose flour & graham crackers. Our keto Nanaimo bars use almond flour and no graham crackers making it a perfect gluten-free no-bake dessert.

What are Nanaimo bars called in the USA? ›

The Legendary Nanaimo Bar. This creamy, chocolatey treat's origin is elusive, shrouded in mystery, and claimed by many as their own. Of course, we know that Nanaimo Bars originated in Nanaimo, or they would be called New York Bars, or New Brunswick Bars.

Do Nanaimo bars go bad in the fridge? ›

Seeing them in my fridge when I'm craving something sweet has been a miracle, honestly. In the Refrigerator: Nanaimo bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Serve straight from the fridge. In the Freezer: You can also keep your Nanaimo bars in the freezer for 2-3 months in an airtight container.

What is a fun fact about Nanaimo bars? ›

It is named after Nanaimo, British Columbia, where it was popularized in the years following the Second World War. It subsequently rose to wider prominence after Expo 86. In 2006, the Nanaimo bar was declared Canada's favourite confection by a reader's poll in the National Post.

Which custard powder is gluten-free? ›

20% OFF! Well & Good Vanilla Custard Powder is a plant based wonder that tastes just like regular custard, but it's made with no eggs and no dairy! This delicious custard dessert is also gluten free and free from nuts and soy.

What to order at bar if gluten-free? ›

If you're looking for mixed drinks to order out, it's generally best to stick to classic combinations made with vodka, rum, or tequila and gluten free mixers. Vodka orange juice (a “Screwdriver”), rum and cola, and tequila sunrise are simple gluten free options you can order at any bar.

What is the old name for Nanaimo? ›

Letters for the settlement, previous to 1859, were usually addressed "Colville Town, Nanaimo, V. I." After that date the first name was gradually discontinued and has not been used since 1860.

Why are Nanaimo bars so good? ›

The trifecta of sugary deliciousness in the original Nanaimo bar is what gives it its unmistakable appearance and buttery-chocolate flavour explosion, but its eye-catching triple-layer design and no-bake assembly also make it an excellent springboard for tasty variations and original creations.

What can I use instead of custard powder? ›

The following is our list of the top substitutes for custard powder.
  • #1. Cornstarch And Vanilla Extract.
  • #2. Arrowroot Powder.
  • #3. Wheat Flour.
  • #4. Cornflour.
  • #5. Instant Pudding Mix.
  • #6. Tapioca Powder.
  • #7. Water Chestnut Flour.
Mar 18, 2024

Does chocolate go bad faster in the fridge? ›

It's still edible, and it won't “go bad” just because it's refrigerated. However, you should know that chilling it will change the taste and texture of even the highest quality chocolate. Cocoa solids and cocoa butter need a consistent temperature to remain stable.

What is another name for Nanaimo Bars? ›

Other names for Nanaimo Bars include but are not limited to New York Slice, New York Special, Mississauga Bars, Edmonton Esks, Georgia Street Slices, Georgia Strait Smog Squares, London Fog Bars and London Smog Bars — coincidentally the London Fog (a hot drink consisting of steamed milk, vanilla syrup and Earl Grey Tea ...

Do Nanaimo Bars expire? ›

Nanaimo bars keep well at room temperature for a couple of days, in the refrigerator for 5 days, or in the freezer for up to a month. You get the best mouthfeel if served at room temperature, but I am personally partial to an occasional frozen bar.

What is the worlds largest Nanaimo bar? ›

With help from their parents, who own the Northwest Fudge Factory in Levack, Ella, 10, and Austin, 5, have constructed a Nanaimo bar that weighs a whopping 530 pounds. "It probably took us about 10 hours in total," Ella said.

What Nestle bars are gluten-free? ›

So you can enjoy Aeros dreamy aerated chocolate bars or balls without any worries. The following Nestle chocolates are also gluten-free: Milkybar Buttons (may contain), Milkybar Giant White Buttons, Quality Streets, Quality Streets Matchmakers (Orange/Mint/Honeycomb/Salted Caramel).

What is a Nanaimo bar made of? ›

The Nanaimo bar (/nəˈnaɪmoʊ/ nə-NY-moh) is a bar dessert that requires no baking and is named after the Canadian city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It consists of three layers: a wafer, nut (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), and coconut crumb base; custard icing in the middle; and a layer of chocolate ganache on top.

Is there gluten in zone bars? ›

All ZonePerfect Keto products contain MCTs to give you optimal nutrition for a keto lifestyle. + Q: Are ZonePerfect products gluten free? A: We offer many gluten free products!

Which zone bars are gluten-free? ›

Applies to all Gluten-Free Zone Perfect Bars containing no problematic ingredients, including Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar, Chocolate Almond Raisin Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar, Double Dark Chocolate Bar, and Fudge Graham Bar.

References

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