Nanaimo Bars Reinvented: A Healthier Version

Nanaimo Bars Reinvented: A Healthier Version

If you’ve ever had a Nanaimo bar, you know they’re next-level delicious—decadent layers of chocolate, creamy custard, and a coconut-graham crust that somehow feels nostalgic and luxurious at the same time. But traditional Nanaimo bars can be heavy on the butter, sugar, and processed ingredients.

Good news: I’ve created a healthier twist on this Canadian classic—one that doesn’t sacrifice taste or that dreamy texture. These bars are refined sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy free, egg free, and vegan. Perfect for when you’re craving a treat that loves you back.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Nanaimo Bars:

• No baking required!

• Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup 

• Made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, almonds, and cocoa 

• Easy to store (if you don’t eat them all first 😋)

                                                                                                           

Ingredients:

• 1 cup medjool dates (or any soft and chewy dates) - about 15 dates
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut 
• 1/4 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup natural liquid sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips 
• 1 tbsp coconut oil 

Instructions:

1. Make the Base:

   • In a food processor, blend together the dates, almonds, walnuts, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, until a sticky dough forms.

   • Press firmly into a parchment-lined or plastic wrap lined loaf pan. Keep this aside while you prep the next layer.

2. Make the Cream Layer:

   • Now using the food processor again take the shredded coconut, maple syrup (liquid sweetener of choice), coconut cream, and salt, and blend until smooth and creamy.

   • Spread over the base layer and place in the fridge while you work on the last step.

3. Make the Chocolate Topping:

   • Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together (microwave or double boiler).

   • Pour over the chilled cream layer and spread evenly.

   • Let this set in the fridge for about 20 minutes. 

4. Slice & Serve:

   • Let the bars sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

   • Store in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for a month (if they last that long!).

Make it your own:

• You can substitute the nuts used in this recipe for any nuts you have on hand or prefer. 
• Add a little bit of espresso powder to the date layer of this dessert for a mocha chocolate vibe!
• TIP: if you do not have soft medjool dates then soak your dates in hot water for 30 minutes to help soften them up before blending. 

 

These healthy Nanaimo bars are everything I love in a dessert: simple, satisfying, and sneakily wholesome. They’re perfect for afternoon pick-me-ups, post-dinner treats, or impressing your friends with your upgraded snack game.

If you try them, tag me—I’d love to see your recreations!