Easy Nanaimo Bar Dip

If you love classic Nanaimo bars, wait until you try them as a dip. This Nanaimo Bar Dip takes all the delicious layers of the beloved Canadian treat and transforms them into a creamy, crunchy, chocolatey dessert you can scoop. It’s rich, satisfying, and dangerously addictive.

Perfect for dessert boards, potlucks, or those late-night snack cravings, this no-bake dip is inspired by the iconic West Coast bar but served with a twist. No need for layering or chilling in pans—just mix, swirl, chill, and enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Cream Layer

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup custard powder or vanilla pudding mix
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crunchy Mix-In

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons crushed graham crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Chocolate Swirl

• 1/4 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Dipping

• Graham crackers
• Strawberries or banana slices
• Digestive cookies
• Biscoff or vanilla wafers

How to Make Nanaimo Bar Dip

1. Whip the Cream Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, custard powder (or pudding mix), and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.

2. Stir in the Crunch
Fold in the shredded coconut, graham crumbs, and nuts if using. This adds that nostalgic Nanaimo texture to every bite.

3. Swirl the Chocolate
Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the dip. Don’t overmix — you want visible swirls.

4. Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes for the best texture. Serve chilled with a variety of dippers like graham crackers, fresh fruit, or cookies.

Smart Tips

• This dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
• Frozen banana slices make a surprisingly delicious dipper.
• For a mocha twist, add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the cream mixture.

Why You’ll Love This Nanaimo Bar Dip

This dip captures the nostalgic flavor of Nanaimobars without the need for baking or slicing. It’s quick, fun, and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it’s easy to customize—swap nuts, add flavor, or change up the dippers to suit your tastes.

Nanaimo Bar Dip

Canada’s Favorite Dessert, Now for Dipping

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Prep Time10 minutes mins

Servings:8 people

Course:Dessert

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Cream Layer

• 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup custard powder or vanilla pudding mix
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crunchy Mix-In

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons crushed graham crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans optional
• For the Chocolate Swirl
• 1/4 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate chips
• For Dipping
• Graham crackers
• Strawberries or banana slices
• Digestive cookies
• Biscoff or vanilla wafers

Method

 

Whip the Cream Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, custard powder (or pudding mix), and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.

Stir in the Crunch

1. Fold in the shredded coconut, graham crumbs, and nuts if using. This adds that nostalgic Nanaimo texture to every bite.

Swirl the Chocolate

1. Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the dip. Don’t overmix — you want visible swirls.

Chill and Serve

1. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes for the best texture. Serve chilled with a variety of dippers like graham crackers, fresh fruit, or cookies.