Chocolate Bailey's Nanaimo Bars


You know how one day you’re just living life and then something happens that changes your life forever? And it makes you wonder how you ever lived before?

That’s exactly how I felt after I tried my first Naniamo bar. How did I live before these bars came into my life? They are the best no-bake bars I have ever had.

If you don’t know what a Naniamo Bar is, it’s a bar that has a nutty, coconut, biscuit base topped with a creamy custard like filling and a layer of chocolate. They are named after a town in Canada. There is some debate about where they originated, but does it really matter after the first bite. All that matters is where and when you will get more!

When I went in search for a recipe most of the ones I found were in American cup measurements. It’s not a problem, but since I've been baking in the UK for some long I have just gotten used to using scales. For these no-bake bars cups just make sense as there is a lot of throw this or that together! 

OXO now have a 7 Piece Measuring Cup set available which is exciting to me because it includes a 1 and a ½ cup as well as a ¾ cup! They also have a matching 7 Piece Measuring Spoon set of measuring spoons. If you would like a chance to win a set of each including a Baking Spatula and a magic Baker’s Dusting Wand please follow the instructions in the widget below!

The best part of these bars is that the creamy custard middle can be adjusted in many ways. In this one I have added some Chocolate Baileys! They are one of the most addicting things I have ever made and here’s how I made them... 


Chocolate Bailey’s Nanaimo Bars

the base:

½ cup (114g) butter
¼ cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 large egg, beaten
1 ½ cups rich tea biscuits, crushed
½ cup chopped mixed nuts
1 cup sweet and tender shredded coconut

Line an 8x8inch square pan with greaseproof paper. Make sure there is some over hang for easy removal. Melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Then add in the beaten egg and whisk quickly until it’s a thick glossy chocolate. Remove from the heat before adding in the crushed tea biscuits, chopped nuts, and coconut. Fold until combined and then press down into the prepared pan. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. About 15 minutes in start the middle layer.

middle layer:

½ cup (114g) butter, softened
2 tablespoons & 2 tsp Chocolate Bailey’s
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 cups icing sugar

Beat the butter for a few minutes in a freestanding mixer until soft. Then add the Chocolate Bailey’s, custard powder, and icing sugar and beat until lighter in color and fluffy. It can take around 5 minutes. Then spread over the base layer, try to get it as flat as possible. Then chill while you make the top layer.

top layer:

114g dark chocolate
1 ½ tablespoons butter

Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water. Once it’s completely melted very gently spread it over the middle layer. Place in the fridge for about an hour before cutting into squares.


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How to enter: 

OXO GOOD GRIPS Giveaway

notes: in association with OXO please see contact/policy page for more information. I bought the Bailey’s they are in no way promoting this post. Recipe adapted from Cakespy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life by Jessie Oleson.

85 comments:

  1. No I've never had a Nanaimo Bar or been to Canada xxx

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  2. No to both but now I HAVE to make those bars!!!

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  3. No to both! I'd never heard of them before but they sound quite yummy!!!!

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  4. no id never heard of them but the cakes look delish, fattening very fattening but look yummy

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  5. these nanaimo bars look amazing. We tried to make some once but turned out a disaster!

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  6. neither, but I'd like to

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  7. no to both but always wanted to go to Canada.

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  8. No I haven't either!

    Ashleigh

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  9. no to both, would love to go to canada though :)

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  10. Necer and no, but there always a first time

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  11. No I haven't but would love to x

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  12. Nope never had a Nanaimo Bar or been to Nanaimo, Canada

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  13. I live in Brixton (London) and there is a Canadian run vegan cupcake shop here that has them! Very yummy. Never been to Canada but would love to try it out.

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  14. No I have never had one and never been to that part of Canada but have been to Canada and it is a beautiful place.

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  15. No I haven't to both, but would love to try both :)

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  16. No, never

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  17. Pam Francis Gregory31 December 2014 at 13:54

    No never tried or been

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  18. No - although have been skiing in Canada

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  19. No and no, but Im going to have a go at making them, they look delicious

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  20. No, I've never had a Nanaimo Bar or been to Nanaimo, Canada

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  21. I can't enter the contest because I'm IN Canada! LOL.

    But Lisa - I just wanted to say that if you ever wanted to come visit - we are here and so are our pastries! Unfortunately, I live in Toronto, ON, which is about a 4 1/2 hr flight to Nanaimo, BC, but I've been eating Nanaimo bars for years (it's one of hubby's favourite desserts!)

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  22. yep they're lovely - leanne w

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  23. I've not :(

    @oneisjamie

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  24. Neither unfortunately, but I'd like to do both!

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  25. No ! Neither - all very interesting though !

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  26. No to both. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

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  27. nope, but wanted to make them for ages!

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  28. No I Haven't
    Claire D

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  29. No and no - but they look gorgeous!!

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  30. No I haven't - they look lush though !

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  31. No to both questions...but those bars look so good!

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  32. No I've never had a Nanaimo Bar or been to Canada but I am going to try your recipe.

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  33. Never tried

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  34. No I've never had a Nanaimo Bar or been to Canada

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  35. No but I'd love to go to Canada :D

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