Nanaimo Cheesecake Bars (video)
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.
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.
Nanaimo Cheesecake Bars
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) granulated sugar
- 4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup (75g) melted unsalted butter
Filling
- 16 oz (2pkgs/250g each) cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp (20g) custard powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar
Topping
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (125ml) whipping cream
Instructions
Base
- Line a 9x9" square baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Toss together the first 5 ingredients.1 cup (95g) graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/3 cup (35g) finely chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, 4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Then add in the melted butter and stir until mixture is moist. Press onto prepared baking pan and place in freezer.1/3 cup (75g) melted unsalted butter
Filling
- Combine all the filling ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth and spread on top of cookie crust. Place back into freezer.16 oz (2pkgs/250g each) cream cheese, 2 Tbsp (20g) custard powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 & 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar
Topping
- 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.8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup (125ml) whipping cream
I’ll be sharing this recipe at Fiesta Friday #125.
Hello Lily! I’m a new subscriber and look forward to trying your recipes.
I’ve had Nanaimo Bars in a couple of places on Vancouver Is. and agree they’re too sweet(at least for my taste), and would love to try your recipe. However, I live in the USA(So. California)and don’t know what the equivalent of your “custard powder” would be down here. Can you help? Hope so!
Be well and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Marcie
Hi Marcie,
Thank you for subscribing. You can find Bird’s custard powder at most grocery stores and Walmarts in the US or you can order it from Amazon. You can also use instant vanilla pudding if that’s easier. The taste won’t be exactly the same. I hope that helps and please let me know if you have any further questions. Enjoy and be safe as well!
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
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.
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!
This looks phenomenal! So rich and decadent!
Oh Yum Lily. I have never heard of Nanaimo bars but they sound good. Thanks for sharing with us at Fiesta Friday. Happy FF!
These bars look delicious Lily! They look so cool and perfect for a nice treat on these too hot days.
Whoa! These sound awesome!! I’ve never heard of nanaimo bars before, but this combination sounds heavenly! Btw, awesome video! Keep them coming 🙂
Aww, thanks Justine xx
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
Better than the original Nanaimo Bar!! Thanks Lily!
You’re too kind Natalie. Anytime:)
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?
Yes, you can substitute the same amount with instant vanilla pudding powder. Thank you for your question and enjoy:)
Thank you!
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!