A classic of Canada’s west coast comes to Tree Town
When it comes to Nanaimo Bars in the U.S., most Americans know them not. In Canada, by contrast, they’re a classic.
If you, like most Americans, haven’t had one, broadcaster Karin Larsen described them in the CBC News as a “grahamy-coconutty-custardy-chocolate-no-bake treat.” I brought one home the other evening and Tammie devoured it! The next morning, she asked, “What was that? It was so good!”
Nanaimo Bars were first recognized in a print recipe in 1953, but, by definition, they were being made for quite a while without an actual written recipe. Over the years, they’ve been served at state dinners and probably well over half the homes in Canada. In 2019, they even earned a postage stamp—Larsen reported, “Now here’s a stamp you wouldn’t mind licking if stamps were still lickable!” (Me, being me, I found one of the stamps online and ordered it!) Restaurateur George Kulai, who moved to the town of Nanaimo in British Columbia 20 years ago, says, “It’s a piece of Canadiana and a wonderful honour for anyone who’s ever made Nanaimo bars here in Nanaimo and contributed to the legend.” Nanaimo Bars are so iconic in Canada that in 2022, the National Post ran this headline about national election tension: “Conservative leadership race descends into argument over Nanaimo bars!” Back in the spring of 2006, The National Post headlined an article entitled, “Democracy never tasted so delicious!”
Canadians have spoken, and they’d like you to pass the Nanaimo Bars. Thanks in part to a heartwarming display of civic pride, the little dessert bar that could can now proudly call itself Canada’s Favourite Confection.
That’s right—a national confection election chose Nanaimo Bars as the country’s favorite.
At the Bakehouse, Nanaimo Bars are a) delicious and b) a salute to co-managing partner Amy Emberling’s (just back from a culinary exploration trip to Turkey—stay tuned) Canadian roots (she comes from Nova Scotia). The Bakehouse version has a chocolate-coconut base, a filling made with the British Commonwealth favorite, Bird’s Custard, and a really luscious chocolate ganache! Chilled and sliced into good-looking layered treats!
We have a little over a week to work our way over to the Bakehouse and grab some while we’re making them for the rest of the month! Score some Nanaimo Bars soon! As Amy says, “No celebration spread would be complete without them!”
