Nanaimo Bars

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published July 12, 2021 • Updated February 3, 2026

Reader Rating
5 Stars (2 Reviews)

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Nanaimo bars are my favorite no-bake dessert when I don't want to heat up the kitchen. Three layers: chocolate-coconut crust, buttercream custard, and chocolate ganache. Perfect for summer.

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Nanaimo Bars

5 (2) Prep 85m Total 85m 9 servings

Chocolate Nutty Crust Ingredients

Custard Buttercream Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 (1.7 oz) package sugar free vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered erythritol blend sweetener

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Make the crust

Add almond flour, coconut flakes, sweetener, butter, Cacao Bliss or cocoa powder, sugar free maple syrup and salt a food processor. Pulse until combined.

butter and cacao bliss and other ingredients in a glass bowl
2
Press crust into a dish

Line a square baking dish with two sheets of parchment paper. Press crust into the dish using a greased spatula (to prevent sticking). Freeze for 20 minutes to set.

pressing down chocolate crust with a spatula
3
Make buttercream custard filling

In a medium bowl, cream softened butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add in heavy cream and pudding mix and continue to beat until combined. Slowly add in powder sweetener and continue mixing until fluffy.

mixing buttercream with an electric mixer
4
Spread custard layer

Spread buttercream custard layer on top of the crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

spreading a butter cream custard layer in a square baking dish with a spatula
5
Make chocolate ganache

Add sugar free chocolate and butter to a small bowl. Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.

chocolate chips and a slab of butter in a small glass bowl
6
Spread ganache layer

Pour melted chocolate all over custard layer and spread evenly. Place back in the refrigerator to harden for 25 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

dark chocolate layer on a baking dish
Nutrition Per Serving
413 Calories
38.2g Fat
4.7g Protein
6g Net Carbs
22.6g Total Carbs
9 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Nanaimo Bars

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, hazelnut or cashew flour work fine. The flavor will shift slightly depending on the nut.

What can I use instead of monkfruit sweetener?

Erythritol or any keto-friendly sweetener works. Adjust the amount based on how sweet your brand is.

How do I store leftover Nanaimo bars?

Store leftover Nanaimo bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.

Can I omit the coconut flakes?

Yes, but they add crunch. Try crushed pecans or walnuts instead if you don't like coconut.

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Keto Nanaimo Bars Recipe

nanaimo bars stacked on each other on a marble slab with more bars next and crumbs

I partnered with Cacao Bliss to make this classic Canadian dessert. The crust mixes almond flour, coconut flakes, monk fruit, butter, Cacao Bliss, and sugar-free maple syrup. For the custard layer, I use sugar-free vanilla pudding mix instead of traditional custard powder (which is loaded with sugar). I beat it with butter, heavy cream, and powdered erythritol until it’s light and fluffy. The ganache on top is just melted sugar-free chocolate and butter.

a stack of three nanaimo bars on a marble slab

What is a Nanaimo Bar?

A Nanaimo bar is a three-tiered dessert bar that does not require baking. It was invented and popularized in Nanaimo, British Columbia, giving the bar its name. The traditional layers in a Nanaimo include a wafer, type of nut, and coconut base, custard filling, and chocolate ganache. Some people also change up the recipe to have different flavored fillings, bases, and chocolate. Nanaimo bars were so popular that they were voted ‘Canada’s Favorite Confection’ and considered a classic Canadian dessert.

What Makes This Recipe Keto?

I use almond flour and coconut flakes for the crust instead of graham crackers. I swap custard powder for sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, which gives the same creamy texture without the carbs. Monk fruit and erythritol replace regular sugar. The ganache is made with ChocZero chocolate (sugar-free and sugar alcohol-free).

a bag of cacao bliss next to three nanaimo bars and a glass of milk

Cacao Bliss

These keto Nanaimo bars use just a bit of Cacao Bliss to add a touch of chocolate to the crust. Cacao Bliss is a healthy and delicious blend of raw cacao powder, cinnamon, lucuma, MCT powder, turmeric, and black pepper that is used to replace traditional cocoa powder in this no-bake keto recipe. This blend of superfoods can help with  controlling inflammation and blood sugar levels. Cacao Bliss is also sweetened with monk fruit sweetener, making it taste better and more like chocolate than other low-carb cocoa powders.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Nanaimo bars can take a bit more time to make than, say, a brownie since you need to make each layer and chill each layer. But the good news is that each layer can be made in stages ahead of time. Since there aren’t any raw ingredients, Nanaimo bars can stay fresh for a long time. They are freezer-safe and can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. With a long freezer life, you can make larger batches at a time!
About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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  1. B
    Brandi Jun 13, 2022

    These are so yummy! They definitely use a lot of butter! One thing I might try next time is to cook the bottom layer like I have seen in traditional recipes. Don't know if it would make a huge difference but may at least cut the crunchiness of the raw sugar substitute.

  2. M
    Maureen Moore Aug 6, 2021

    2nd time making these and they are Awesome! Thank you for the recipe ?

  3. M
    Monika Jul 12, 2021

    These look so yummy can't wait to try it! What are total carbs however? Thanx!! xo

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Jul 18, 2021

      Thank you! The total carbs are 22.6 g per serving.

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