Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars
I first began hearing about Nanaimo Bars a few years ago, when they started popping up on some food blogs and all over Pinterest. They were new to me, and I quickly learned that they are a Canadian dessert, made popular in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, by a local housewife who submitted the recipe for a cookbook back in the 1950’s. The original bars were made of a chocolate crumb base, topped with a vanilla custard filling and then a chocolate ganache. I’ve been wanting to try them for some time now, and then received an email from a sweet reader who offered me a peanut butter version of the famous bar. It took me all of two seconds to respond with an enthusiastic, “yes, please!” You know I can’t turn down peanut butter recipes!
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It probably comes as no surprise that I absolutely LOVED these bars. The base is a wonderfully dense and chewy chocolate mixture that includes coconut and graham cracker crumbs. The base is topped with a peanut butter filling that reminds me of a Reese’s peanut butter cup, and then a final layer of chocolate ganache is spread over top. Aside from the base, the rest of the bar tastes very similar to the Buckeye Brownies that I made earlier this year. The base of these aren’t as rich as a traditional brownie, but the combination of flavors is phenomenal.
Now I can’t wait to make traditional Nanaimo bars!
One year ago: Hamburger Buns and Mojito Cupcakes
Two years ago: Sweet and Salty Brownies
Three years ago: Pea in a Pod Baby Shower Cookies
Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars
Ingredients
For the Base:
- ¾ cup (170.25 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2½ cups (210 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup (67.5 g) shredded sweetened coconut
- ⅓ cup (28.67 g) cocoa powder
For the Filling:
- 1¼ cups (322.5 g) creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup (75.67 g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup (81.33 ml) milk
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces (226.8 g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.
- Make the Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar and eggs. Use a large wooden spoon to stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and cocoa powder until completely combined. Transfer to prepared baking pan and press evenly into pan. (The mixture will be a little sticky, so you may need to wet your fingers a bit and then press it in.) Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until firm and no longer shiny. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling: Microwave the peanut butter and butter in a large bowl until completely melted and smooth. Whisk in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk in two additions, whisking until smooth. Spread evenly over the base and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Make the Topping: Using a double boiler (or a microwave on 50% power), melt the chocolate and butter. Spread over the filling and allow to set at room temperature (or refrigerate to speed up the process) before cutting into bars and serving. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Notes
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Never had these, but they look fantastic! One of my favorite combos.
Living in Vancouver these are a staple. PB is an awesome twist!
These look wonderful! I’ve seen a lot of variations on Nanaimo Bars and will definitely be trying your recipe.
You need to try the original Nanaimo Bars… they really are out of this world amazing!
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(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤… Jennifer
Jenn’s Random Scraps
I am Canadian and I hate Nanaimo bars (Sshh! Don’t tell “my people”!) THESE however, look amazing. Will be trying very soon!
Classic Nanaimo bars are one of my all-time favourite treats! These look like they’ll definitely give them a run for their money – can’t wait to try them!
Can’t wait to try these! Love peanut butter! :)
I think I just died and went to heaven! Peanut Butter in Nanaimo Bars… you are brilliant!
I’m Canadian and I grew up with Nanaimo Bars. You’ve reminded me that I haven’t made these in far too long. Yours look absolutely delicious!
I have yet to try a Nanaimo bar but I bet this would be a great way to start!
Holy moly, do these look good! I love anything peanut butter and chocolate. These must be to die for.
Yum! This is like millionaires shortbread with peanut butter instead of caramel? (http://thewayfaringbaker.com/2013/05/26/monaco-grand-prix-billionnaires-shortbread/)
No, the base is more tasty and the traditional Nanaimo bars have a creamy middle layer. I just made the Millionaire’s shortbread stuff yesterday and think Nanaimo bars are waaaay better; if the effort is the same (and it is) these are better.
HI, these sound great. My question, would I need to change anything for the bottom layer if I leave out the coconut? Thank you!
Hi ShaNae, I don’t think so. You could add a little more graham cracker crumbs if you’d like, but I don’t think it should be a problem.
How did the squares turn out without the coconut added?
Definitely just pinned this! I heard of Nanaimo Bars years ago and I was really intrigued by them. I gotta confess, I have no clue how to actually pronounce the name so that’s been a deterrent for me!
Na-nI-mo The name of the town they were invented in
How have I never heard of Nanaimo Bars before? They look amazing!
These have been on my must make list for a while now. Your peanut butter version sounds delicious!
These look like absolute heaven! I had never even heard of these bars before!
As a Canadian, these are definitely one of my all-time favourite desserts! I love the traditional variation as well as mint and coffee ones, and for Christmas last year I made my first attempt with cherry Nanaimo Bars…they were amazing! I’ve never seen a peanut butter version but I can’t wait to try this!! Thank you!
Those look so delish! I love any bar where peanut butter is the star.
never will there ever be a combination more amazing than chocolate peanut butter. never!
Wow…these look great! PB and chocolate is the BEST! I know my family would go crazy for these. Can’t wait to try them out!
These look great! Peanut butter anything is delicious, but peanut butter with chocolate just rules!
Nanaimo Bars are the best. I grew up in that general area and we even had movie theatres that served Nanaimo bars which was totally awesome. The original recipe with the custard based filling is very good. I’ve also seen coffee, mint, and other flavorings as well. I agree, the star of this bar is the base. Yummy.
Nanaimo bars are my absolute favorite, so naturally I LOVE this idea! Can’t wait to try!
You just took one of my favorite desserts and put my favorite food into it. I am in heaven..
The filling options are very exciting. I’ve had cappuccino, mint, orange ….. but my favorite is the cappuccino.
LOL! Michelle, I absolutely LOVE the fact that you rushed into the kitchen to make PB Nanaimo Bars–before even making the original version first! It’s the very same thing I would do if I received the PB recipe. Sometimes recipes with a new twist beat the originals. I’m with Averie…your PB version probably “trumps” the original! Beautiful photography here, too, girl. Thanks so much for sharing! Pinning to group boards at Pinterest! xo
These are not for those on a diet! Everything that can make fat is in them ;-DS But they look só good!!
Regards
Johlene
Flavours&Frosting
Looks good to me
I’ve actually never heard of nanaimo bars before! I have no doubt I’d love these!
Wow! They look incredible!
I blogged about Nanaimo Bars about 6 mos ago. I made them in the fairly traditional way, I adapted a Saveur recipe as well as some I saw online. While the custardy filling was great, I have a feeling your PB idea trumps all! The one thing I did love about mine was the base/crust. That layer alone could be stand-alone bars. I love them. But…your graham cracker idea, again, wow! Super delish looking! Can’t wait to see if you try your the orig and see what version you like better! PB or orig! :)