Have you ever had Nanaimo bars?  This iconic Canadian dessert comes straight from the heart of Nanaimo, B.C. It’s a no-bake treat consisting of three layers: a coconut crumb base, a custard butter icing in the middle, and a layer of chocolate ganache on top.

I first tried Nanaimo bars at a potluck party not long after I’d moved to Canada and still remember how blown away I was! The coconut base, that soft, sweet and buttery custard center covered by a luscious bittersweet chocolate frosting was a dreamy combo I couldn’t resist! I nearly polished off the entire batch and ended up with a terrible headache because of all the refined sugar!

Ever since adopting healthier eating habits, my taste buds have changed drastically and I can’t stand overly sweet treats anymore! That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a healthier version of this Canadian classic using a handful of nutritious ingredients.

Nanaimo Bars Healthy Vegan Gluten-free No-Bake #Nutriholist

These healthy Nanaimo bars are no-bake, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, super easy to make, and taste just as delicious, if not more (imho)!

The base includes ingredients like walnuts, coconut flakes, oats, dates, and my favorite chocolate superfood powder, Detox Organics*. This amazing superfood contains detoxifying and alkalizing ingredients like dandelion, broccoli leaf, kale, chlorella, wheatgrass, aloe vera, turmeric, and more in each scoop, but it still tastes like chocolate! These plants and superfoods help the body detoxify naturally, provide digestive support, and relieve bloating and constipation.

I used Detox Organics to make the chocolate ganache as well, mixed with some coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and raw cacao powder, for a more intense chocolate flavor. But, feel free to use melted dark chocolate instead if you prefer. Layered it on top of a custard center that’s mainly made up of tahini, coconut milk, and pure maple syrup instead of butter, cream, and icing sugar.

Hope you try and enjoy this healthified version of my favorite Canadian treat! Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you do, or tag me on your creations on Instagram or Facebook @nutriholist #nutriholist. XO

Nanaimo Bars Healthy Vegan Gluten-free No-Bake #Nutriholist

Healthy Nanaimo Bars

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1 cup raw walnuts
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/4 cup dates (4 small)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut milk
  • 1 scoop Detox Organics Chocolate Superfoods Powder {See Note}
  • Pinch of sea salt

Custard:

  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 2 scoops Detox Organics Chocolate Superfoods Powder {See Note}
  • 4 tablespoons raw cacao powder
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • Pinch of sea salt

Directions

  1. For the Base: Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until you get a sticky dough that holds its shape when pressed between two fingers. Line a baking dish with parchment paper (I used a 4×9 inch, but 6×6 also works) and press the dough into the bottom of the dish. Place in the freezer while you prepare the custard
  2. For the Custard: Wipe down the food processor and add in all the custard ingredients. Process until smooth. Pour over your base and place back in the freezer to set (about an hour)
  3. For the Chocolate Ganache: Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until there are no clumps left. Pour over your custard layer and place in the fridge for about 5 minutes to firm up. Slice into bars and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge

NOTE: To make these treats without Detox Organics, use 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder instead for the base. For the ganache, you can use 1/2 cup raw cacao powder, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt.

* As a Detox Organics Ambassador, I am happy to offer you a 15% discount on all your purchases from the Detox Organics website! Just make sure you enter the discount code “nutriholist” at checkout.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are 100% my own. I would never promote a product that I don’t personally use and love.