Gluten Free Nanaimo Bars: A Canadian Tradition

Nanaimo bars are a beloved Canadian treat, traditionally made with a rich chocolate base, a creamy custard layer, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping. While the classic recipe contains gluten, there are ways to modify it for a delicious gluten-free version.

What are Nanaimo Bars?

These bars are named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, Canada. They are a no-bake dessert, making them a quick and easy treat to prepare. The traditional recipe consists of three layers:

Base: A mixture of graham cracker crumbs, nuts, and melted chocolate.
Custard: A creamy layer made with butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla custard powder.
Ganache: A rich chocolate topping made with melted chocolate and cream.

Gluten-Free Nanaimo Bars: A Delicious Alternative

The good news is that you can still enjoy Nanaimo bars even if you follow a gluten-free diet. By substituting the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative, such as Schar Honeygrams, you can create a delicious and satisfying gluten-free version.

Gluten-Free Nanaimo Bars Recipe

Here is a recipe for Gluten-Free Nanaimo Bars, adapted from What the Fork Food Blog and MI Gluten Free Gal:

Ingredients:

Base:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
5 tablespoons (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups (150g) gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (such as Schar Honeygrams)
1 cup (100g) unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup (75g) finely chopped almonds

Custard:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons (14g) vanilla pudding mix (such as Jell-O Simply Good Vanilla Bean Pudding Mix)
3 tablespoons (45ml) milk
2 cups (250g) powdered sugar, sifted

Ganache:

6 oz (170g) semi-sweet dark chocolate chunks
3 oz (85g) coconut cream (such as Thai Kitchen)

Instructions:

Base:

Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to easily remove the bars later.
In a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder (if using) together, stirring until smooth and well combined.
Remove from heat and whisk in the beaten egg until incorporated.
Stir in the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, forming an even layer.
Refrigerate the base while preparing the custard layer.

Custard:

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, vanilla pudding mix, and milk until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
Spread the custard layer evenly over the chilled base.
Refrigerate the bars again while preparing the ganache.

Ganache:

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the coconut cream for 30 seconds.
Add the chocolate chunks and let them sit for 2-3 minutes to soften.
Stir the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy.
Pour the ganache over the custard layer and spread evenly.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is set.
Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making Gluten-Free Nanaimo Bars:

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t overmix the custard layer, or it will become tough.
Refrigerate the bars between each layer to ensure they set properly.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do Nanaimo bars contain gluten?

Traditional Nanaimo bars are not gluten-free because they contain graham crackers. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative, such as Schar Honeygrams.

What is custard powder?

Custard powder is a mixture that thickens when cooked, creating a custard-like texture. It is a traditional ingredient in Nanaimo bars.

Can I use vanilla pudding mix instead of custard powder?

Yes, you can use vanilla pudding mix as a substitute for custard powder in Nanaimo bars. Use the same amount of pudding mix as you would custard powder.

How long do Nanaimo bars last?

Gluten-free Nanaimo bars will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Conclusion:

Gluten-free Nanaimo bars are a delicious and easy treat that everyone can enjoy. By following this recipe and using the tips provided, you can create a batch of these decadent bars that are sure to impress.

Anyway, these are (mostly) no bake. Its all, make a layer, chill. Make the next layer, chill. That sort of thing. Im usually pretty suspicious of no-bake. It tends toward the grody. But its okay. Ive totally got this. Not grody at all.

To find out how I handled this particular issue, you’ll just have to wait for the printy recipe. Suspenseful!.

So, you know. Not that I dont love our talks. I do. But its time to get down to bidness. Recipe Type:

Immediately, one distinction is that I regret passing legislation that forbids nuts in dessert bars. But I know you, and I know youre pretty swift. For the sake of argument, let’s say that I added nuts to the ingredients of these Na•nai•mo Bars. You would immediately realize that something wasn’t quite right. You would be saying in a heartbeat, “Hey blog lady, there are nuts in the ingredients but not in the picture.” What up?.

Nanaimo bars. It is not pronounced na-na-ee-mo bars, not that I ever walked around my house muttering that—trust me, I know things like this because I am a lawyer, and you absolutely cannot prove it would not hold up in court. And when I discovered how pronounced it is, I might or might not have been a little depressed. Ill never tell.

We all need simple, no-bake desserts to add to our list of “I Can’t Even” things because life happens. Even the most enthusiastic bakers occasionally need to put their feet up and take a break. You are aware of the situations that can arise when your child informs you that they must bring dessert to an event, a friend unexpectedly stops by, or you are overcome with cravings for late-night food.

Gluten-free and ideal for any “no-bake” scenario, these Nanaimo Bars are a family favorite that I think you’ll love and find to be just as delicious—and, to be honest, addictive—as we do.

You’ve just discovered a dessert recipe that is gluten-free and will change your life during those hectic days. Every layer of these Nanaimo Bars is pure bliss. Sweet, nutty, chocolaty, and oh so loveable!.

These classic Nanaimo Bars are a Canadian staple. This gluten-free version was modified from the official Nanaimo recipe. They’re an easy no-bake dessert recipe that everyone loves!.

Put on an apron, tie your hair in an untidy bun, and let’s begin preparing this simple dessert that doesn’t require baking.

Nanaimo Bars Recipe- gluten free

FAQ

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.

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 …

Why are Nanaimo bars a must try Canadian food?

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.

Do Nanaimo bars contain dairy?

They are amazingly decadent bars, but typically loaded with dairy, and perhaps an egg or two. Bryanna not only veganized the original Nanaimo bar recipe, she also made it a bit healthier and a bit less sweet.

Are nanaimo bars gluten free?

The answer to this question is yes! This Gluten free Nanaimo bar tastes the same as regular bars but without gluten. The main difference between the two types of bars is that gluten free Nanaimo bars are made with gluten free cookie base and gluten free custard powder. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can you make gluten free Nanaimo bars without corn starch?

If you need powdered sugar WITHOUT corn starch, you can order it from Better Batter. Possibly my biggest difference in my Gluten Free Nanaimo Bars from the original is the ganache. The original recipe calls for adding butter to the melted chocolate to make ganache. However, when I hear the word “ganache,” I automatically think cream.

What are nanaimo bars?

Nanaimo Bars are named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Nanaimo Bars are made of three layers: a wafer, nut, and coconut crumb base; custard icing in the middle; and a layer of chocolate ganache on top. If you’re a fan of balanced sweet and salty then you’ll love this no-bake dessert!

Are nanaimo bars a no-bake treat?

This iconic Canadian dessert comes straight from the heart of Nanaimo, B.C. It’s a no-bake treat consisting of three layers: a coconut crumb base, a custard butter icing in the middle, and a layer of chocolate ganache on top. I first tried Nanaimo bars at a potluck party not long after I’d moved to Canada and still remember how blown away I was!