Whip up more of my favorite no bake cheesecake recipes like No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake, No Bake Peppermint Bark Cheesecake and No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake. Naniamo Bars are just one of my favorite classic Canadian treats (along with these Butter Tarts!) — I have been itching to put a new spin on them! For this no bake cheesecake, I’ve taken all of the elements we know and love about nanaimo bars and have layered them the best way I know how – in the style of a no bake cheesecake. This is the ultimate Christmas dessert recipe! A nanaimo bar inspired crust is topped generously with silky smooth no bake cheesecake. Thick chocolate ganache is the crowning glory.
Why we love this No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake:
No Bake: Don’t you just love those two magical words? You get all of the silky smooth, luscious, rich cheesecake qualities without a water bath and hot oven. Festive: I make nanaimo bars every year for Christmas! And this no bake cheesecake is just the thing to make to break up tradition a little bit while still being wonderfully festive. Hybrid Recipe: I just love when I can combine two of my favorite treats into one perfect slice! This no bake cheesecake is truly the best of both worlds.
No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Ingredients:
Graham Crumbs – Make sure they’re crushed finely (or purchase them crushed!) so you don’t have any big chunks! Also, be sure to use plain graham crackers with no other added flavors. Shredded Coconut – It can be sweetened or unsweetened, whichever you prefer. Sugars – You’ll need white granulated sugar for the crust and powdered sugar for the cheesecake filling. Cream – Do NOT try to swap the heavy whipping cream with any other dairy product! You need it for both the perfect consistency of the cheesecake filling AND the ganache. Chocolate – For the richest ganache, it’s best to use dark chocolate. You can use milk or semisweet if you want, but dark is what I highly recommend. Bird’s Custard Powder – There isn’t a subtitute for this or it wouldn’t be nanaimo bar! You can find this online if it’s not at your local grocery store. Cream Cheese – Regular cream cheese is definitely preferred, but you can get away with using low fat cream cheese if that’s what you have. Almonds – They’ll need to be finely chopped. Butter – I prefer using unsalted butter to avoid a salty crust, but you do you! Egg – This is what holds the crust together so perfectly. And don’t worry – no raw eggs to be found here! The heat from the pan will cook the egg. Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened is the way to go!
How to make No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake
Take a sneak peek at how easy this recipe really is! For more detailed step by step instructions, keep on scrolling down to the recipe card.
Melt the butter, then remove from the heat and stir in the sugar and cocoa. Whisk in the egg. Stir in graham crumbs, almonds, and coconut.
Press the crust mixture in an even layer into a springform pan. Make the cheesecake filling (scroll down to the recipe card for exact steps here).
Make the ganache. Spread the cheesecake filling onto the crust and refrigerate until ready.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to add a little garnish? Sprinkle some toasted coconut and almonds on top after pouring on the chocolate. You can swap the custard powder. Here’s the deal… don’t tell any of your Canadian friends if you do this! (Mostly joking). You can swap it for an equal amount of instant vanilla pudding mix if needed. It won’t be the same, but in a pinch, it will suffice.
How to store No Bake Cheesecake
You can store nanaimo bar cheesecake for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just note that the crust may begin to soften quite a bit after the first day or so.
Can I freeze No Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake?
Yes, you sure can! Freeze nanaimo cheesecake for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. I actually love doing this because I can slice it partially frozen — that way the slices are super clean!
More Christmas dessert recipes you’ll love!
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies — perfectly chewy! Peppermint Bark Fudge — great for those gift boxes. Gingerbread Cake — full of warm spices. Slow Cooker Gingerbread Pudding Cake — one of my favorite desserts with ice cream!
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