Easy No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Recipe: Dreamy Layers of Joy

Creamy Nanaimo bar cheesecake brings together two Canadian dessert legends in one irresistible treat.

Layers of smooth chocolate, custard, and graham cracker crumbs create a dreamy no-bake sensation.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this decadent fusion of classic flavors.

Rich and indulgent, each bite promises a perfect balance of textures.

Our recipe cuts through complicated baking techniques with simple, straightforward steps.

Chilled to perfection, this dessert guarantees smiles around the table.

You cannot resist diving into this extraordinary sweet creation that celebrates pure culinary magic.

No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Overview

• Craft a No-Stress Dessert: Skip the oven and whip up this delightful cheesecake with simple mixing and chilling steps that anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine the beloved Nanaimo bar taste with creamy cheesecake, creating a dessert that will wow friends and family at gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra coconut or different chocolate types to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance, letting it chill while you focus on other party preparations or enjoy a stress-free evening.

Ingredients for No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the crust.
• Shredded Coconut: Brings a tropical texture and nutty taste to the base.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy cheesecake texture.
• Butter: Enhances the richness of the filling.
• Custard Powder: Provides a traditional Nanaimo bar flavor and helps stabilize the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the filling.
• Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and volume to the cheesecake layer.

• Chocolate Chips: The main ingredient for creating a glossy chocolate ganache topping.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and silky chocolate ganache.

How to Make No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

Step 1: Craft The Chocolatey Crumbly Base

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine, delicate crumbs.

• Cocoa powder
• Shredded coconut
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

Press this rich mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a compact and sturdy foundation.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator to let the base set and become wonderfully firm.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Custard powder
• Powdered sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and completely lump-free.

Gently fold in freshly whipped cream, creating a light and airy texture.

Spread this luxurious filling evenly over the chilled crust, ensuring a perfectly smooth surface.

Step 3: Drizzle The Decadent Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and completely combined.

Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the cheesecake, allowing it to cascade smoothly across the surface and create an elegant finish.

Step 4: Chill And Set The Masterpiece

Place the assembled cheesecake in the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for a minimum of 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight.

This waiting period allows all the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly set.

Helpful Tips for Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Use a food processor or place graham crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a consistent crust texture.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling without overbeating.
• Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before pouring to prevent breaking or running off the cheesecake surface, creating a clean, glossy finish.
• Refrigerate cheesecake overnight to develop deeper flavor profiles and allow layers to set completely for clean, precise slices.
• Replace regular graham crackers with gluten-free versions for a celiac-friendly dessert, maintaining the same delicious texture and taste.

Flavor Variations for Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free cocoa powder for the base.
• Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Sugar Wellness: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Replace regular chocolate chips with sugar-free dark chocolate chips. Reduce overall sweetener content.
• Tropical Paradise: Add crushed macadamia nuts to the crust. Include a layer of fresh mango puree between filling and ganache. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Serving Suggestions for Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Dessert Companion Delights: Complementary pairings that elevate this rich, creamy cheesecake experience.
• Fresh Berry Burst: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the plate to cut through the dessert's decadent sweetness and add bright color.
• Coffee Corner Companion: Serve alongside a steaming espresso or smooth cappuccino to balance the cheesecake's rich chocolate and creamy texture.
• Whipped Cream Wonderland: Top each slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage Advice for Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Never leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
• Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water between each cut to create perfect, clean slices. Wipe blade dry after each cut for pristine presentation.

FAQs

• What are Nanaimo bars?

Nanaimo bars are a no-bake dessert originating from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. They traditionally consist of a chocolate crumb base, custard-flavored middle layer, and chocolate ganache topping.

• Is custard powder necessary for the recipe?

Custard powder is a key ingredient that gives the classic Nanaimo bar flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with vanilla pudding mix or make a homemade custard powder blend.

• Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making in advance. It needs 4-6 hours of chilling, so you can prepare it a day before serving, which allows flavors to meld and set properly.

No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy nanaimo bar cheesecake blends Canadian dessert magic with classic cheesecake elegance. Layers of chocolate, custard, and rich cream create a dreamy no-bake treat that delights palates with each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers and blend with cocoa, coconut, melted butter, and sugar to create a rich, textured base. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the foundation.
2. In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until velvety, incorporating custard powder, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Gently fold in whipped cream to maintain a light, airy consistency. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chilled crust, creating a smooth surface.
3. For the decadent chocolate topping, melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a double boiler, stirring until glossy and fully combined. Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then carefully pour over the cheesecake layer, tilting the pan to ensure complete coverage.
4. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4-6 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the layers to set and flavors to meld, resulting in a luxurious, slice-worthy treat.
5. Before serving, release the springform pan’s sides and transfer to a serving plate. Slice with a warm knife for clean, precise cuts that showcase the distinct layers of this indulgent no-bake cheesecake.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Crush graham crackers finely for a more compact and even crust that holds together beautifully.
• Substitute coconut with crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Experiment with different chocolate types for the ganache topping, such as dark chocolate for a richer taste or white chocolate for a sweeter finish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg