Like many people one of my passions is baking and one of my favourite no bake desserts is the Nanaimo Bar. The Nanaimo bar is well known to many Canadians as it was founded in Nanaimo, British Columbia. But not many people know the history behind it or how it became popularized throughout Canada.

This dessert was invented in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and it was popularized following the years of WWII. Who invented the Nanaimo bar? No one truly knows who invented the Nanaimo bar, but from an article posted by CBC News Lenore Newman claimed, “It can be traced back to three women in Nanaimo after the Second World War.” But how did it become more well-known? It became well known when Expo 86 came to Vancouver, BC. What is Expo 86? On May 2, 1986, Expo 86 came to Vancouver, BC. It was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales and then closed on October 13, 1986. From that event alone there were 20 111 578 visits. At this event, there were rides, games, and most importantly food. On food, Expo 86 was why the Nanaimo bar became popularized in the country. The Nanaimo bar first rose to the popularity of a woman named Susan Mendelson. She sold the confection during the 1970s so she could help pay her tuition. What did Susan do after selling the bar? In 1979 Susan opened The Lazy Gourmet in Vancouver, BC. It was also one of the first places to sell this sweet confection. The Nanaimo bar beat out many popular confections such as Tims Hortons Iced Capp, Beaver Tails, and many more. But how? The National Post took a poll from Canadians in 2006, which then declared that the Nanaimo bar was Canada’s favourite confection. 

If you are interested in making this dessert, the Canadian Encyclopedia attached a video from the Great Canadian Baking show on how to create the Nanaimo Bar: