This no-bake dessert is made up of a creamy layer of vanilla custard-flavored cheesecake sandwiched between a chocolaty coconut cookie crumb base, and semi-sweet chocolate ganache. It is a cheesecake twist to one of Canada’s best known confections.
To celebrate Canada Day next week, I thought I would share my own spin on one of Canada’s best known desserts: Nanaimo Bars, which originated from Nanaimo, British Columbia back in 1953.
I’ve always enjoyed Nanaimo Bars, but there are times when I find myself scraping out the buttercream filling because I find it too sweet. However, I do love the chocolate topping and the cookie base, so that’s why I decided to switch up the buttercream with a cheesecake filling. I kept all the flavorings the same and pretty much just substituted the butter for cream cheese. Now you get the best of both worlds; the look and flavor of a Nanaimo Bar and the taste of a cheesecake all in one dessert. Whoo hoo! (happy dance)
The taste is of a creamy vanilla custard with a little tang. There is a hint of coconut with a bold chocolate finish. The texture is soft, smooth and crumbly at the same time.
Whether you’re Canadian or not, you’re going to love this layered dessert bar. See how easy it is to whip up this delicious treat.
Recipe adapted from Canadian Living Magazine.
PrintNanaimo Cheesecake Bars
This no-bake dessert is made up of a creamy layer of vanilla custard-flavored cheesecake sandwiched between a chocolaty coconut cookie crumb base, and semi-sweet chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-16
- Category: dessert
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup (95g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup (35g) finely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1/3 cup (75g) melted unsalted butter
Filling
- 2 – 250g pkgs of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp (20g) custard powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract
- 1&1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar
Topping
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (125ml) whipping cream
Instructions
- Line a 9×9″ square baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Toss together the first 5 ingredients, then add in the melted butter and stir until mixture is moist. Press onto prepared baking pan and place in freezer.
- Combine all the filling ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth and spread on top of cookie crust. Place back into freezer.
- Melt the chocolate and whipping cream over a double broiler. Pour overtop of filling. Spread to cover evenly and chill in the refrigerator until chocolate is set. Cut into 12 or 16 pieces.
Keywords: nanaimo bar recipe, nanaimo cheesecake bars
I’ll be sharing this recipe at Fiesta Friday #125.
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Maddy says
I have never tried nanaimo bars before so I decided to try this recipe out and I loved it! The taste is so rich and really appeals to the taste buds. Thank you
★★★★★
Melissa Penner says
I love the cream cheese filling idea and can’t wait to try this recipe. I’d like to say though… Because it is a super sweet treat I’ve lways known it to be topped with un sweetened chocolate to offset the sweetness.
★★★★★
Lily Ernst says
The cheesecake filling is not nearly as sweet as the traditional buttercream filling, so the semi-sweet chocolate works well with this recipe. I hope you enjoy it and happy holidays!
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
This looks phenomenal! So rich and decadent!
Quinn Caudill says
Oh Yum Lily. I have never heard of Nanaimo bars but they sound good. Thanks for sharing with us at Fiesta Friday. Happy FF!
Julie says
These bars look delicious Lily! They look so cool and perfect for a nice treat on these too hot days.
Justine @ Born and Bred in Brooklyn says
Whoa! These sound awesome!! I’ve never heard of nanaimo bars before, but this combination sounds heavenly! Btw, awesome video! Keep them coming 🙂
Lily Ernst says
Aww, thanks Justine xx
Michelle says
Lily- I saw these @ Fiesta Friday and had to see what exactly a Nanaimo Bar was. Looks delicious! My sister lives in Victoria BC and talks about Nanaimo often. I’ll have to share this with her!
Thanks!
Michelle
Natalie says
Better than the original Nanaimo Bar!! Thanks Lily!
★★★★★
Lily Ernst says
You’re too kind Natalie. Anytime:)
Laurie says
Lily, these look so good I can’t wait to make them! If I can’t find custard powder, is there a subsitute and how much would I use?
Lily Ernst says
Yes, you can substitute the same amount with instant vanilla pudding powder. Thank you for your question and enjoy:)
Laurie says
Thank you!
CakePants says
These look phenomenal, Lily! I’ve never heard of Nanaimo bars, but I love that you switched out the buttercream for cheesecake – it sounds far more flavorful and enticing!