Easy Birthday Cake Nanaimo Bars recipe. The perfect quick and simple no bake dessert idea to celebrate any event.
It’s my husband’s birthday on Tuesday!
And while he is not very big on birthdays, he is big on eating Nanaimo Bars. So I thought I would make him some.
Especially because they are no bake. I don’t think you will catch me turning on the oven any time soon.
These Birthday Cake Nanaimo Bars are a fun twist on John’s favourite dessert.
If you don’t know what Nanaimo Bars are, they are Canadian treats consisting of three layers: the bottom layer is a coconut, almond, chocolate base. The middle is usually a custard or solid pudding. And the final layer is a chocolate coating.
If you are from Canada, you will surely know what a Nanaimo Bar is. They even sell them at Starbucks in Canada! But if you have never tried them, here is your sign to give them a go.
What you need to make Birthday Cake Nanaimo Bars
The list of ingredients isn’t short, but it isn’t really long either. Most of the ingredients you need are probably already in your pantry.
This is what you will need:
- sliced almonds
- butter
- white sugar
- egg
- graham cracker crumbs
- heavy cream
- instant vanilla pudding powder
- powdered sugar
- chocolate chips
- coconut oil
- sprinkles!
Tuesday will be a day of birthday cake themed recipes. Starting with my Birthday Cake Oatmeal. Maybe followed by a Funfetti Mug Cake. Then these Nanaimo Bars all throughout the day.
Birthdays are all about eating in my opinion. Don’t you agree??
If you try this recipe, let me know! Rate it, leave a comment and tag me with #atasteofmadness on Instagram! I always love seeing what you are creating!
Birthday Cake Nanaimo Bars
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Middle Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp instant vanilla pudding powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Chocolate Layer
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- additional sprinkles
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they look like fine crumbs. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup butter in the microwave. Mix in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Allow to cool slightly. Mix in the egg.
- Fold in the graham cracker crumbs and almonds until combined. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9 inch square pan.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and heavy cream until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla pudding powder and powdered sugar until combined. Fold in the sprinkles. Spread this layer on top of the bottom layer and place in the fridge to cool.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate layer ingredients in the microwave in 30 second intervals, mixing until smooth. Pour on top of the middle layer. Sprinkle top with additional sprinkles.
- Place in the freezer for 1-2 minutes. Remove and score on top where you want to cut into bars. Return to the freezer (or fridge) until hardened. Cut along the scores into bars and enjoy.
Notes
- These are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Switch up the sprinkles for any holiday or celebration you like!
Nutrition
This looks yummy! I don’t see “cocoa powder” listed in the ingredients for the bottom layer. I would love to make this recipe. Thank you
Oops! Thanks for catching that! I updated it with the cocoa powder included 🙂
Well isn’t this a fun little twist on the Canadian classic dessert? I would love this for any celebration!! Who can resist Nanaimo bars? Not me!!
Gotta love Nanaimo Bars 😉
Yum! This Birthday Cake Nanaimo Bars looks absolutely mouthwatering! It will be perfect for any celebrations for sure. The flavor is mouthwatering.
I can’t stop making them!!
These look so fun! Love how the sprinkles add a pop of color!
Definitely my favourite way of enjoying Nanaimo bars now 🙂
Any birthday will be special with a delicious cake like this. And it looks absolutely stunning… well, just how a Birthday cake should look like! 🙂
Aww thanks so much for your kind comment 🙂
What a fun treat! I’ve never had nanaimo bars, but they sound really good! I think I’ll have to make a batch for my kids (and me!!)
Yay! Let me know if you give them a go, they are a Canadian classic 😉
These were so fun to make! I can’t wait to make them again!
Yay! I’m so glad you liked them 🙂
This is such a cute dessert! It will be great for any celebration and easy to serve!
Agree! It’s so much fun! Thanks Veronika 🙂
These are SOOO good and my daughter especially loved the sprinkles. We will be making them again soon!
Yay, I am so glad your daughter liked it! 🙂
I love everything about this! Chocolate and vanilla are one of my favorite combos. The three layers look so decadent. Definitely going to give it a go, thank you so much for the recipe!
It’s so good! Let me know how it goes 🙂
These bars turned out delicious! I just love chocolate and coconut together, and the custardy filling was so decadent.
Yay, I am so glad you liked it!!
Question – raw eggs in bottom layer? Or do they “cook” in warm melted butter? If raw – can bottom later be baked and cooled?
Sorry for the late reply! Yes, the eggs are raw. I wouldn’t suggest baking it, but I DO have a recipe for vegan Nanaimo bars here:
https://www.atasteofmadness.com/2021/11/vegan-nanaimo-bars.html