What is a nanaimo bar? Nanaimo bars are a three-layer classic dessert consisting of a coconut graham cracker crust, custard filling and a chocolate ganache topping. Travel to British Columbia, Canada, and you are certain to come across these decadent dessert bars, named after the city in which they began. Whip up a batch of these hand-held dessert bars in no time with this easy-to-make no-bake recipe!