Best Vegan Nanaimo Bar Recipe for Easy Delicious Treats

Looking for a decadent, no-bake treat that’s completely plant-based and irresistibly delicious? Vegan Nanaimo bars are a perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without any animal products.

These Canadian classic bars feature a rich, layered structure with a crumbly base, a creamy middle, and a luscious chocolate topping. This recipe reinvents the traditional Nanaimo bar using wholesome vegan ingredients, ensuring every bite is smooth, creamy, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply craving an indulgent dessert, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also simple to make with common pantry staples and require no baking. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a weekend treat, these vegan Nanaimo bars bring a nostalgic comfort with a compassionate twist.

Plus, they are sure to impress all your guests—vegan or not!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Nanaimo bar recipe combines classic texture and flavor with plant-based ingredients, making it accessible for everyone. It’s:

• No-bake: Ready in under an hour without heating up your kitchen.
• Rich and creamy: The custard layer is made with dairy-free butter and coconut cream, delivering authentic flavor.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different nuts, sweeteners, or toppings.
• Perfect for all occasions: Great for potlucks, celebrations, or just a cozy night in.
• Nut-free option available: Swap almonds with sunflower seeds if needed.

It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that you can feel good about serving!

Ingredients

• For the Base:
• 1 cup vegan graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• For the Custard Layer:
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp custard powder (or cornstarch + vanilla extract)
• 2 tbsp coconut cream (the thick part from canned coconut milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Topping:
• 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp coconut oil

Equipment

• 8×8 inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls (at least two)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Refrigerator space for chilling

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and cocoa powder. Stir well to evenly distribute.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly until the mixture sticks together when pressed.
3. Press the base into the pan: Transfer the crumb mixture into the lined baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press down firmly and evenly. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the custard layer.
4. Make the custard layer: In a clean bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with powdered sugar and custard powder until smooth and fluffy. Add the coconut cream and vanilla extract, then continue whisking until fully combined and creamy.
5. Spread the custard layer: Remove the base from the fridge and evenly spread the custard mixture over it. Return to the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes.
6. Prepare the chocolate topping: Melt the vegan dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
7. Top the bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the set custard layer. Smooth out with a spatula to cover completely.
8. Chill to set: Place the pan back in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm.
9. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts. Serve chilled and enjoy your vegan Nanaimo bars!

Tips & Variations

Always chill each layer thoroughly to ensure clean, defined layers when slicing your bars.

• Nut-free option: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Sweetener swap: Use brown rice syrup or date syrup if maple syrup isn’t available.
• Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the chocolate topping for a mocha flavor.
• Decorative touch: Sprinkle toasted coconut or crushed nuts on top of the chocolate before chilling.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crumbs or gluten-free cookies for the base.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Nanaimo bars are best served chilled, making them a refreshing treat for warm days or after a hearty meal. Pair these bars with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy vegan chai latte for a perfectly balanced dessert experience.

For a festive occasion, plate them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares to serve at parties or potlucks for easy, mess-free snacking.

Conclusion

With their delightful layers and rich flavors, vegan Nanaimo bars are a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Canadian dessert without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. This recipe is approachable, flexible, and yields bars that are creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly sweetened.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars will impress even the most skeptical dessert lovers.

Experiment with the variations and share your creations with friends and family. Don’t forget to explore more vegan recipes such as Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for savory inspiration or sweet treats like the Magic Dough Recipe for your next baking adventure.

For a creative holiday bread, check out the Marzipan Challah Recipe. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

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