The Easiest No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy, decadent Nanaimo bar cheesecake brings a classic Canadian dessert to an irresistible new level of indulgence.

Layers of chocolate, custard, and graham cracker meld together in a cool, silky dream.

Rich vanilla-infused filling captures the essence of the beloved treat without turning on a single oven.

Crumbly base provides a delightful texture that melts in your mouth with each heavenly bite.

Minimal effort creates maximum impact, making this dessert perfect for special occasions or weekend relaxation.

Cold and smooth, the cheesecake promises a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Whip up this no-bake sensation and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert excitement.

No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Essentials

Savor Family Comfort: Meatloaf transforms ordinary ground beef into a heartwarming meal that brings everyone to the table with joy.

Customize With Ease: Mix and match ingredients like herbs, cheese, or vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours, turning a classic dish into a personal culinary creation.

Quick Weeknight Winner: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix quickly, and bake – minimal prep means you can have a delicious dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy glaze creates a mouthwatering caramelized top that elevates this simple meatloaf from basic to restaurant-worthy, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles.

Ingredients Needed For Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Graham Crackers: A classic cookie that provides a crunchy and sweet foundation for the dessert.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor and helps bind the base together.
• Shredded Coconut: Brings a tropical texture and nutty taste to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a smooth, cohesive base.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the base hold its shape.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, smooth, and creamy texture for the cheesecake layer.
• Custard Powder: Adds a traditional Nanaimo bar flavor and helps thicken the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and creates a fluffy texture when whipped.

• Dark Chocolate: Provides a rich, intense chocolate flavor for the ganache layer.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and glossy chocolate topping.

Stepwise Instructions For Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

Step 1: Crush and Combine Base Ingredients

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

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even, compact layer.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator to set and chill.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese until it becomes silky and smooth.

• Custard powder
• Powdered sugar

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, glossy peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining its airy texture.

Spread this luscious filling evenly over the chilled base.

Step 3: Create Decadent Chocolate Ganache

Place dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.

Warm heavy cream and pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for a moment, then stir until the mixture becomes glossy and completely smooth.

Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then carefully pour and spread over the cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Chill and Reveal

Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly. When ready, release the springform pan, slice into elegant wedges, and serve this no-bake delight.

Expert Notes On Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream to create a vegan-friendly adaptation that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Enhance the base's flavor by toasting coconut before mixing, which adds a deeper, nuttier dimension to the crust.
• Control ganache thickness by adjusting chocolate-to-cream ratio: less cream creates a firmer topping, while more cream produces a softer, more flowing layer.
• Prevent cracking in the cheesecake layer by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, creating a smoother, more uniform filling.

Variations Of Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Tropical Paradise Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake: Replace coconut with toasted macadamia nuts, add mango puree to cheesecake filling, and top with fresh passion fruit pulp for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between layers, use milk chocolate for ganache, and sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for extra depth.
• Espresso Mocha Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake: Mix instant espresso powder into cheesecake filling, use dark chocolate with coffee notes for ganache, and dust with cocoa powder for an intense coffee experience.

Foods To Pair With Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake

• Cozy Movie Night Delight: Slice the Nanaimo bar cheesecake into bite-sized squares. Serve with warm caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent movie marathon treat.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange delicate cheesecake slices on a marble serving board. Garnish with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of cocoa powder for a sophisticated presentation.
• Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual slices in small mason jars for a portable summer dessert. Top with toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of chocolate sauce just before serving at outdoor gatherings.

Storing Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Correctly

• Transfer the cheesecake to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent absorbing other food odors. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut remaining slices into separate containers or wrap individually in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for quick and easy single-serving treats.
• Use a flat-bottomed container to maintain the cheesecake's shape. Place a paper towel on top to absorb any condensation and prevent moisture from affecting the ganache topping.

FAQs

• What is custard powder, and can I substitute it?

Custard powder is a mix of cornstarch, salt, and flavoring. You can replace it with vanilla pudding mix or cornstarch with vanilla extract for a similar result.

• How do I prevent the chocolate ganache from cracking?

Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring, and ensure the cheesecake layer is completely chilled. Pour the ganache gently and spread evenly to avoid cracks.

• Why use coconut in the base?

Coconut adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake. It’s a classic ingredient in traditional Nanaimo bars.

No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Nanaimo bar cheesecake blends Canadian dessert magic with classic cheesecake charm. Chocolate, custard, and graham cracker layers create a no-bake masterpiece you’ll crave with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups graham crackers (crushed)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust base by combining graham cracker crumbs with cocoa, coconut, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until velvety, incorporating custard powder and powdered sugar. Ensure the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
3. Separately whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, glossy peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining the light, airy texture.
4. Carefully spread the creamy filling over the chilled base, using a spatula to create a uniform surface. Return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to partially set.
5. For the ganache topping, gently melt dark chocolate with heavy cream in a double boiler, stirring until silky and completely integrated. Allow to cool for 5-7 minutes to slightly thicken.
6. Pour the chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake, tilting the pan to ensure even coverage. Use a clean spatula to smooth the top if needed.
7. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow complete setting and flavor melding. Remove from springform pan before serving.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies to make the dessert celiac-friendly.
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie treat.
• Ensure cream cheese and ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg