Oh Canada! Classic Nanaimo Bar Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are Nanaimo bars called in the USA? ›

But neither Nanaimo's historical miners nor current residents have an exclusive relationship with the dessert; over the last century, similar sweets have popped up across North America, going by names like “New York slice,” “London fog bar” and “prayer bar.” Still, when it comes to branding, Nanaimo is the winner, bar ...

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.

Find this and other desserts—including tuxedo cake, dessert bars, raspberry crumble cookies, fruitcake, Nanaimo bars, tiramisu cake and chocolate celebration cake—in Costco warehouses.

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.

When the British Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) established a settlement here in 1852, they named it Colvile Town after HBC governor Andrew Colvile. In 1858 it was renamed as Nanaimo, after the local indigenous people. The city has been called "The Harbour City" since the lead-up to Expo 86.

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.

But in reasonable doses (or not), Nanaimo bars are wonderfully luxurious, satisfying treats; the shredded coconut and nut counterpoint to the thick velvety texture of the icing and ganache has been winning the hearts of sweet-toothed Canadians and visitors for decades.

There are some theories that 1800s coal miners in Nanaimo immigrated from the UK with slabs of Nanaimo Bars in their trunks or received them in the mail from their wives who stayed behind to manage the home and family. In some parts, they are known there as London Smog Bars.

Built on the traditional lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nations, our community is over 100,000 people and growing; people who live, work, play and thrive here. Since Nanaimo incorporated in 1874, we've been a coal town, a timber town, a mill town and a tourist destination.

After that, the Nanaimo bar began to be sold on BC Ferries and spread in popularity across Canada. It can now be found in Costco, Starbucks and countless cafes in Canada and the United States. A variation known as “prayer bars” is also popular in the American Midwest.

Do Nanaimo bars need to be refrigerated? ›

To Store: The bars will last about a week and a half in the fridge in a sealed container. The filling softens at room temperature so they're best chilled. To Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months - Nanaimo bars freeze perfectly!

The Nanaimo bar. It's a sweet treat made from chocolate, custard, coconut and walnuts. Love it or hate it, it's uniquely British Columbian.

Add softened butter, sugar, cocoa and whisked egg to a saucepan and mix. Heat over medium-low heat and mix until smooth and the consistency of custard. Add vanilla and stir well. Remove from heat and stir in walnuts, coconut and wafer crumbs.

After that, the Nanaimo bar began to be sold on BC Ferries and spread in popularity across Canada. It can now be found in Costco, Starbucks and countless cafes in Canada and the United States. A variation known as “prayer bars” is also popular in the American Midwest.

The more common name is Nanaimo bars. Interestingly, they have also been called prayer bar, London Fog bar and New York slice. What's more, they now come in a variety of flavours such as mint, cappuccino, peanut butter, and more in addition to the original vanilla.

The Nanaimo bar. It's a sweet treat made from chocolate, custard, coconut and walnuts. Love it or hate it, it's uniquely British Columbian.