Nanaimo bars: Yum. Is this Canadian dessert treat popular in Seattle?

[Prince Mongo]

I've seen them at QFC and Safeway in West Seattle.

[mrsengle]

This Tasty video was just published a couple of weeks ago (love these Tasty videos!):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eA48vrLFkQ

[bostonguy1960]

Originally Posted by mrsengle

This Tasty video was just published a couple of weeks ago (love these Tasty videos!):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eA48vrLFkQ

The style I recognize is most like the pic in the lower left but no coconut, peanuts or anything else...just plain.

In my memory, the ganache seems to be shiney and in a bit of a pattern from the knife or spatula -- or is it a shiney smooth surface? Can't recall!

Either way, they almost melt in your mouth.

As far as a comment above regarding any cream cheese filling, well I don't recall that: it's more of a vanilla flavor if the filling is the traditional cream color. (Made with a boxed vanilla pudding mix, I think.)

Thanks, everyone, for the feedback!

[Aery11]

They are easy to make, if a bit fiddly. The base must contain coconut (and crushed graham crackers), may contain nuts if you want (but I don't think they are necessary - the real goodness and texture come from the coconut) and uses cocoa. The middle uses custard powder (Byrd's - which is British in origin, comes in a red and yellow 'tin', and easily findable all over Canada, can be found in the UK sections of some grocery stores in the US or online). Never heard of one with cream cheese in it - that doesn't sound like the right bar at all. No pudding either - it is custard (which you could make yourself but it is easier with the powder). The top is essentially just chocolate.

[Powered_by_Espresso]

I never saw them in many years of living in Seattle.

[laurabf]

Hey All!

My Grandma lived in Nanaimo BC for a bit when I was young. That was the first time I had a Nanaimo bar, and loved it! My husband gets me one for my b-day instead of anything else. They are amazing, and there are quite a variety.

I have lived from Redmond WA to Bellingham WA. The easiest place to find them is Fred Meyer. There are some local places that sell them. Bellingham, WA Graces Café is spectacular. Also the Tulalip Casino offers them at their desert bar at the buffet. (Actually made by the same company as the ones in Fred Meyer.) Which leads me to believe there is a local baker, but I have never been able to find them.

From my impression of the commercially baked bars I think the middle is Birds custard or something similar. I'm sure they can be made with pudding and there are many interpretations. Additionally, most 'original' varieties I have tried have coconut in the bottom chocolate crumble layer. Now I want one!

OP, have you ever tried to make them? I haven't tried, I'm not too useful in the kitchen lol.