Go Back

Vegan Nanaimo Bars

This no-bake square is perfect for a summery dessert because it doesn't heat up the house - but it is also decadent enough to adorn your Christmas baking platter as well!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Base Layer
  • 1 tbsp ground flax
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups vegan graham crumbs or other cookie crumbs
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Custard Buttercream
  • 1/4 cup vegan margarine or butter
  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 2 tbsp custard powder
  • 2 tbsp plant milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt
For the Chocolate topping layer
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips melted
  • 1/2 tbsp vegan butter/margarine

Method
 

  1. First, prepare the base to allow it time to chill a bit.
BASE LAYER
  1. In a small bowl, mix the water and the flax and set aside for a few minutes and it will become thickened, like an egg.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the butter, sugar, and cocoa until all melted and smooth.
  3. Stir in the flax mixture and the vanilla
  4. Add in the graham crumbs, coconut, and pecans. If not thick enough, add up to a half cup more graham crumbs.
  5. Press into the bottom of a parchment lined 8x8 pan.
  6. Chill about 30 minutes or until somewhat set.
CUSTARD BUTTERCREAM
  1. While the crust is in the fridge, stir the milk, custard powder and vanilla together in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Cream the 1/4 cup butter and icing sugar together.
  3. Add in the milk mixture and the pinch of salt and beat together until well mixed.
  4. Spread this mixture over the crust.
  5. Return to the fridge to chill for an hour.
CHOCOLATE TOPPING
  1. Melt the chocolate and butter together.
  2. Gently spread this mixture in a thin layer over the set custard mixture. There may be more than enough chocolate for this. This can be a bit tricky as the warm chocolate can melt the buttercream.
  3. Chill or freeze the completed pan until firm and set.
  4. Cut into small squares and ENJOY!! :)