Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars Recipe

If you love a good cup of coffee and you have a soft spot for sweet treats, then you’re in for a real treat with these Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars! Just imagine the creamy, coffee-infused layers on top of a crunchy, buttery base, all coming together in one delicious bar. It’s like the best of both worlds—your favorite coffee flavor combined with the richness of a classic Nanaimo Bar. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want to have on hand for when those coffee cravings hit (and they will).

These bars are perfect for sharing at get-togethers or serving as an after-dinner treat. They’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also give you that little pick-me-up you need from the coffee flavor. Plus, there’s no baking required, so you can make them even on the busiest of days!

Why You’ll Love Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars

No-Bake Goodness:

This recipe is super easy because it’s a no-bake dessert. Just layer everything, chill, and you’re done! It’s perfect for those times when you want a delicious dessert but don’t want to deal with the oven.

Coffee and Chocolate Combo:

The coffee flavor in the creamy filling adds a rich, aromatic depth to the classic Nanaimo Bars. Paired with the chocolatey topping, it’s a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.

Sweet & Decadent:

With a crunchy base, a smooth coffee-flavored filling, and a chocolate topping, these bars strike the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Each bite is a little bit of heaven!

Customizable:

You can easily adjust the coffee flavor to suit your preferences. Want a bolder coffee taste? Just add a little more instant coffee. Prefer something milder? You can tone it down by reducing the coffee. Either way, these bars will be delicious.

No Messy Baking:

Since there’s no baking involved, these bars are easy to make with minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy them!

Ingredients in Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible bars. The ingredients are simple but come together for a rich, coffee-flavored treat.

For the Base:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the foundation of the base and add a bit of sweetness and crunch.
• Shredded Coconut: A little coconut adds texture and flavor to the base.
• Chopped Walnuts: Optional, but they add a nice nutty crunch to the base. Feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
• Butter: The butter helps bind the base together and adds a rich flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: For a subtle chocolate flavor that enhances the base.

For the Coffee Layer:

• Butter: Adds richness to the coffee layer and helps it stay smooth and creamy.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the coffee layer to balance the bitterness of the coffee.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness to the filling.
• Instant Coffee Granules: The star of the show! This is what gives the bars that delicious coffee flavor.
• Egg: This will bind the filling together and help create a smooth texture. (If you’re concerned about using raw eggs, you can substitute with a pasteurized egg or egg substitute.)

For the Chocolate Topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This makes for a smooth, glossy topping that’s rich without being overly sweet.
• Butter: Just a little butter helps make the chocolate topping shiny and easy to spread.

Instructions

Ready to make these delicious Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts (if using), cocoa powder, and melted butter. Stir everything together until well mixed. The mixture should be slightly crumbly but stick together when pressed.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out evenly. Once it’s pressed down, set it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the coffee layer.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules together until smooth. The coffee should dissolve well into the butter and sugar, creating a creamy, coffee-flavored filling.

Once the mixture is smooth, add the egg and beat until everything is well combined. Be sure to beat the mixture thoroughly to ensure it’s smooth and creamy, without any lumps. Spread the coffee filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.

Return the pan to the fridge and let the coffee layer set for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Topping

While the coffee layer is setting, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and butter together. You can do this in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture over the coffee layer and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Return the pan to the fridge and let the bars chill for about 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm and the layers have set. This step is essential to make sure everything holds together when you slice it.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are set, slice them into squares or rectangles. Serve them chilled and enjoy the delicious layers of coffee, chocolate, and crunch!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: ~200-250 (varies depending on size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars

These bars are a great standalone treat, but they’re also perfect when paired with:

A Cup of Coffee:

Enjoy these bars with your favorite coffee or espresso to really amp up the coffee flavor and make it a true coffee lover’s dream.

A Scoop of Ice Cream:

Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

A Fresh Fruit Salad:

Balance out the richness of these bars with a light and refreshing fruit salad for a complete dessert experience.

Additional Tips

• Use a Good Quality Chocolate: Since the chocolate topping is such a big part of these bars, make sure to use a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor.
• Chill Properly: Letting each layer set in the fridge is key to getting that perfect, firm texture. Don’t rush it—patience pays off!
• Customize the Coffee Flavor: If you love a bolder coffee flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of instant coffee to the filling for more intensity.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut in the base?
A1: Yes, you can use any nuts you prefer, like pecans or almonds, or leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

Q2: Can I make these bars without the egg?
A2: If you prefer not to use an egg, you can substitute it with a pasteurized egg or use an egg substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still work.

Q3: How should I store these bars?
A3: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q4: Can I freeze Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars?
A4: Yes! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I use decaffeinated coffee?
A5: Absolutely! If you prefer decaf or just want a lighter coffee flavor, decaffeinated instant coffee works perfectly here.

Q6: Can I make the coffee layer more or less strong?
A6: Yes! You can adjust the amount of instant coffee depending on how strong you like the coffee flavor. Add more for a bolder flavor or less for a milder taste.

Q7: Can I use dark chocolate for the topping?
A7: You can, but dark chocolate will give the bars a slightly different flavor profile. If you love dark chocolate, go for it!

Q8: What size pan should I use for this recipe?
A8: An 8×8-inch square pan works great for this recipe. If you want thinner bars, you can use a larger pan, but be sure to adjust the chilling time accordingly.

Q9: Can I use another kind of filling, like a vanilla or chocolate layer?
A9: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coffee, you could swap the coffee filling for a vanilla or chocolate layer instead. The base and topping will still work wonderfully.

Q10: How do I make the bars look more polished for a party?
A10: For a polished look, you can drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the bars or dust them with a little powdered sugar for a delicate touch.

Conclusion

Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars are the perfect way to combine your love for coffee with a classic treat. With their no-bake convenience, rich coffee flavor, and decadent chocolate topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them with a cup of coffee at home, they’re a surefire hit every time!

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