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.

A creamy layer of vanilla custard flavored cheesecake sandwiched between a chocolatey coconut cookie crumb base and semi-sweet chocolate ganache. A twist to one of Canada's best known desserts. {Video Recipe}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.

A creamy layer of vanilla custard flavored cheesecake sandwiched between a chocolatey coconut cookie crumb base and semi-sweet chocolate ganache. A twist to one of Canada's best known desserts. {Video Recipe}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.

A creamy layer of vanilla custard flavored cheesecake sandwiched between a chocolatey coconut cookie crumb base and semi-sweet chocolate ganache. A twist to one of Canada's best known desserts. {Video Recipe}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.

A creamy layer of vanilla custard flavored cheesecake sandwiched between a chocolatey coconut cookie crumb base and semi-sweet chocolate ganache. A twist to one of Canada's best known desserts. {Video Recipe}
5 from 3 reviews

Nanaimo 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.

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
Calories: 297kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 28mg, Sodium: 277mg, Potassium: 233mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 254IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 128mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @littlesweetbaker on Instagram and hashtag it #littlesweetbaker.

I’ll be sharing this recipe at Fiesta Friday #125.

A creamy layer of vanilla custard flavored cheesecake sandwiched between a chocolatey coconut cookie crumb base and semi-sweet chocolate ganache. A twist to one of Canada's best known desserts. {Video Recipe}