Introduction
At Pascha, we love putting our own spin on classic desserts, especially when we can make them more inclusive without sacrificing the flavors people know and love. These Coconut Sugar Nanaimo Bars take everything we love about the iconic Canadian treat—a rich chocolate base, creamy filling, and decadent chocolate topping—and reimagine it using gluten-free ingredients, plant-based alternatives, and our 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar.
Our coconut sugar chocolate adds deep cocoa flavor with subtle caramel notes that pair beautifully with the coconut-filled crust and creamy center. The result is a dessert that's every bit as indulgent as a traditional Nanaimo bar while offering a delicious option for gluten-free and vegan baking.
Whether you're making them for the holidays, sharing them at a family gathering, or simply enjoying a taste of home with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Context
Named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Nanaimo Bars have become one of Canada's most recognizable no-bake desserts. Traditionally made with graham crackers, custard filling, and chocolate, they've been enjoyed at celebrations and holiday gatherings for generations.
For this Pascha version, we wanted to stay true to the dessert's signature layers while using ingredients that align with our approach to allergy-friendly baking. Our 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar bring rich chocolate flavor to both the crust and topping, while a flax egg, vegan butter, and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs create a plant-based version that's just as satisfying as the original.
If you're looking for more Pascha Chocolate inspiration, you'll also enjoy our Vegan Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bars, Salted Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream, Frosted Chocolate Berries, No Bake Banana Candy Bites, and Dark Chocolate Energy Bites.
Why We Love This Recipe
A Canadian Classic, Reimagined
This recipe keeps the signature layers of a traditional Nanaimo Bar while making it gluten-free and vegan.
Rich Chocolate Flavor
Using our 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar in both the crust and topping creates a deeper chocolate flavor with subtle caramel notes.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Desserts
These bars taste even better after chilling, making them ideal for entertaining and holiday baking.
No Oven Required
Aside from melting the chocolate, this recipe comes together without baking, making it a simple dessert for any season.
Great for Sharing
Cut into bite-sized squares for parties, cookie trays, or gifting during the holidays.
How to Serve Coconut Sugar Nanaimo Bars
These bars are perfect for:
- Holiday dessert trays
- Afternoon coffee breaks
- Family gatherings
- Potlucks
- Bake sales
- Birthday celebrations
- Canadian-themed dessert tables
For an elevated presentation, garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate curls, or toasted coconut.
Store chilled until ready to serve.
How We Developed This Recipe
As a Canadian company, Nanaimo Bars have always held a special place in our recipe collection. When we set out to create a Pascha version, we wanted to preserve everything people love about the original while showcasing one of our favorite products—our 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar.
The team experimented with several crust combinations before finding the perfect balance of gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, oats, shredded coconut, and chopped chocolate chips. For the filling, arrowroot starch creates a smooth texture, while a touch of turmeric gives it the classic golden color traditionally associated with Nanaimo Bars.
The final layer of melted Pascha chocolate brings everything together with a smooth finish that's rich, satisfying, and unmistakably chocolate.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup oats
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup Pascha 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar, chopped
Filling
- 6 tbsp vegan butter
- 6 tbsp coconut milk
- 1½ cups organic icing sugar
- 6 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tsp coconut extract or vanilla extract
- Turmeric, for color
Topping
- 1 cup Pascha 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
Ingredient Breakdown
Flax Egg
A simple plant-based substitute that helps bind the crust together.
Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crumbs
Create the classic Nanaimo Bar texture while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
Coconut Sugar
Adds subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.
Arrowroot Starch
Creates a smooth, creamy filling without traditional custard powder.
Pascha 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar
Used in both the crust and topping, our chocolate chips deliver rich cocoa flavor with notes of caramel from organic coconut sugar, making them the perfect choice for this Canadian classic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
Combine the ground flax and water in a small bowl.
Set aside for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Using a double boiler, melt the vegan butter.
Whisk in the cocoa powder and coconut sugar.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in:
- Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
- Oats
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped Pascha 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar
- Prepared flax egg
Mix until fully combined.
Press firmly into a parchment-lined 9-inch square pan.
Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine:
- Vegan butter
- Coconut milk
- Organic icing sugar
- Arrowroot starch
- Coconut or vanilla extract
Once smooth, add a pinch of turmeric until the desired golden color is reached.
Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Return to the refrigerator until firm.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping
Using a double boiler, melt together:
Stir until smooth.
Pour over the chilled filling.
Spread evenly.
Before the chocolate fully sets, lightly score the surface with a knife or toothpick to make cutting easier later.
Return to the refrigerator until completely set.
Slice into squares and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Chill each layer before adding the next for clean, defined layers.
- Score the chocolate topping before it hardens to prevent cracking.
- Use a warm knife for perfectly clean slices.
- Store chilled for the best texture.
- Freeze leftovers for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Nanaimo Bars vegan?
Yes. This recipe uses a flax egg, vegan butter, and dairy-free Pascha chocolate.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, when using certified gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and oats.
Can I freeze Nanaimo Bars?
Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
Why use coconut sugar chocolate?
Our 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar add natural caramel notes that pair beautifully with the coconut and chocolate flavors throughout the bars.
Why add turmeric?
Turmeric gives the filling its signature golden color without affecting the flavor.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. They're an ideal make-ahead dessert and are often even better after chilling overnight.
Additional Pascha Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed these Coconut Sugar Nanaimo Bars, you'll also love:
- Vegan Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bars
- Salted Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream
- Frosted Chocolate Berries
- No Bake Banana Candy Bites
- Dark Chocolate Energy Bites.
More from The FIX
Continue exploring chocolate inspiration with these articles:
- Best Chocolate Chips for Baking
- Is Chocolate Gluten Free?
- 5 Simple Reasons Buying Sustainable Chocolate Matters
- Slow Summer Chocolate Rituals
-
Why Buying Bulk Chocolate Makes Sense
At Pascha, we're passionate about creating organic chocolate that makes baking more inclusive without compromising on flavor. From everyday desserts to cherished family recipes, our products are thoughtfully crafted to help everyone enjoy exceptional chocolate.
Our Sustainability Commitment
We believe that every great dessert starts with responsibly sourced ingredients. That's why Pascha is committed to ethical cacao sourcing, transparent supply chains, and creating organic chocolate products that support both people and the planet.
To learn more, explore 5 Simple Reasons Buying Sustainable Chocolate Matters on The FIX.
Certifications
Many Pascha products proudly feature certifications including:
- USDA Organic
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified Vegan
- Top 9 Allergen Free
- Gluten-Free
Please refer to individual product packaging for the latest certification information.
