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It’s What I Don’t Do that Makes Me the Best Mom I Can Be

If I’m going to say “I do” to the things that really matter to me as a mom, I’m going to have to say “I don’t” to a few things, too. It’s what I don’t do that makes me the best mom I can be.

If I'm going to say "I do" to the things that really matter to me as a mom, I'm going to have to say "I don't" to a few things, too. It's what I don't do that makes me the best mom I can be.

Awhile back, I told a mom friend I was hosting a sleepover. I confessed to her that I rarely let my daughters have them because I always get all worked up about what the girls will do and where they’ll sleep and if, heaven help me, EVERYONE IS HAVING A GOOD TIME.

“I don’t do them, either,” she told me.

Later that same day, I told another mom my daughters were making dinner that night–something they’d never done before in spite of being a tween and teen because I’m a control-freak, neat-freak mom who never cooked with her kids.

“I don’t cook with mine, either,” she told me.

I. Don’t.

Who knew two little words could be so freeing and uplifting?

Sometimes I feel like I’m surrounded by moms who do. They do spectacular birthday parties and they do homemade hummus in Bento Boxes for school lunches and they do craft projects every day of the week and they do…everything. With their kids and for their kids. Which is great for them if they love it and if it charges up their mom spirits. I don’t begrudge them their doing at all.

But I just…don’t.

I don’t do and haven’t done and won’t do so many things. And that day, my friends showed me that I’m not the only mom who doesn’t. Which felt like a gift.

If I'm going to say "I do" to the things that really matter to me as a mom, I'm going to have to say "I don't" to a few things, too. It's what I don't do that makes me the best mom I can be.

In case it feels like a gift to someone else, here are a few other things I don’t

I don’t have it all together.
I don’t make my girls pack their own lunches.
I don’t do Pinterest-worthy parties.
I don’t like everything that goes with being a mom.
I don’t make my kids do enough chores.
I don’t love school class parties.
I don’t know what I’m doing a lot of the time even though I’ve been at this a long time.
I don’t let my girls do every extra-curricular thing they want to do.
I don’t limit desserts to “special occasions.”
I don’t care if my girls make their beds before school.
I don’t switch my kids’ schedules to “school time” while it’s still August so they’ll be used to getting up early when September rolls around.
I don’t serve enough vegetables.
I don’t have this all figured out.
I don’t…

But, here’s what I do

I do love, love, love my children.
I do enjoy them.
I do delight in them.
I do cherish them.
I do try to encourage them with my words.
I do tell them I love them many times every day.
I do look for small ways to let them know I’m thinking of them.
I do look forward to being with them.
I do love spending time with them.
I do pray for them and with them.
I do talk to them.
I do listen to them.
I do treasure them.
I do want so much joy and satisfaction for them.

If I'm going to say "I do" to the things that really matter to me as a mom, I'm going to have to say "I don't" to a few things, too. It's what I don't do that makes me the best mom I can be.

One of my all-time favorite quotes is this one from Jill Briscoe–

There is an art of leaving things undone so that the greater thing can be done.

What I don’t do–what I leave undone–frees up my time and energy and passion and enthusiasm for what I do do–the greater thing.

It’s what I don’t do that allows me to be the best mom I can possibly be

And the value of that is something I don’t have any doubts about.

If you are a mom who sometimes doesn’t do, know that you are not alone. I don’t, either.

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If I'm going to say "I do" to the things that really matter to me as a mom, I'm going to have to say "I don't" to a few things, too. It's what I don't do that makes me the best mom I can be.

Find the Good

A collection of articles, quotes and people that have been filling me up in one way or another. I hope you enjoy this little burst of goodness as you head into the weekend.

It’s Friday friends – let’s find the good!

“Life is so much brighter when we focus on the good.” – unknown

Find the Good Fridays

Each Friday I’m going to be popping in to share a collection of articles, quotes and people that have been filling me up in one way or another. I hope you enjoy this little burst of goodness as you head into the weekend.

A beautiful children’s book

This sweet book has been a joy to read as I curl up with my kiddos on the couch. Here’s an excerpt:

“You belong right here, where you’re home, and where I hold you close.

Of all the wonders I’ve ever known, you’re the one I love the most.”

36 Ways to Say I Love You to Your Kids

There are lots of other phrases or questions that display all the love and care we feel in our hearts for our kiddos besides I love you. This is such a wonderful list.

I’ve heard great things about this book by Brene Brown

I haven’t read Braving the Wilderness yet but have been researching more about it since it will be our first read in the Motherhood Simplified Book Club. I’m excited to dive in starting February 1st – join us if you’d like! I love this quote that I found from the book:

“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” –Brené Brown

This Quote

Words I hope my children take to heart.

I just love this girl

Ralphie from Simply on Purpose is such a light! I love everything she shares and have gained so much valuable parenting inspiration from her.

This recipe is worth a try

I love an easy recipe! Bonus points that it’s healthy, right? These muffins have been a hit at our house!

The Best Of The Best Books To Read With Your Kids

A love of reading is best instilled at an early age & is a gift that stays with our kids forever. Here are the best of the best books to read with kids!

It’s no secret that we’re a family of book lovers! I’ve worked hard to encourage a love of reading in our home since our children were born.

I believe that a love of reading is best instilled at an early age and it’s a gift that will stay with our kids forever. When you find books that ignite a fire for reading in them it’s magical to watch.

I love sharing our most loved book finds with you and as we come across new favorites I will be adding them to this master list. This book list will include the best of the best books to read with your kids. I’m pretty picky about the books I purchase for our home library but many of these I’ve bought after checking them out from the library and falling in love with them.

Here are some Other Valuable Children’s Book Resources

The Best of the Best Books to Read with your Kids

The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye

This book is so charming with an unconventional twist on the old-fashioned princess story. I read it with my oldest daughter and have since read it with my younger two. It’s a classic and has such a wonderful message.

Zero by Kathryn Otoshi

For such a simple story this one has a HUGE take away. Love this book so much…I’ve got it on order for our home library. Love the message it shares.

You Belong Here by M.H. Clark

We borrowed this from the library just this week and you guys – I’ll be purchasing this book for sure. The sentiment expressed throughout the book is wonderful and I really loved the beautiful illustrations.

You belong right here, where you’re home, and where I hold you close.

Of all the wonders I’ve ever known, you’re the one I love the most.

Wherever You Are my Love with Find You by Nancy Tillman

This is one of MY favorite books to read to my kiddos. It makes me teary every time. I absolutely love all of Nancy Tillman’s books! Have you read it?

You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman

We recently added this book to our collection and I love it so much. Such a heartwarming, snuggle-up kind of book. It will leave you smiling ear to ear.

Here’s a short excerpt:

You’re here for a reason. If you think you’re not
I would just say that perhaps you forgot . . .

a piece of the world that is precious and dear
would surely be missing if you weren’t here.

Isn’t that beautiful?

Heads and Tails by Courtney Acampora

I bought this book after flipping through it quickly at Sam’s Club one day. When my girls read it they can’t help giggling! It’s SO stinking cute!

Because of an Acorn by Lola and Adam Schaefer

This is a simple, elementary level book that provides a beautiful overview of how ecosystems work. Lots of opportunity for nature discussions and beautiful illustrations to boot! Very cute book.

This Moose Belongs to Me

I love the quirky illustrations in this book and how the beautiful scenery reminded us of our home – Canada! The story includes a lot of “big” words children might not be familiar with but it was a great way to discuss with my 8 year old what some of them meant and help expand her vocabulary.

Here’s a short video showcasing these two books if you’d like to take a closer peek inside.

Home by Carson Ellis

We were captivated by the beautiful illustrations in this book. It was a joy to be taken on a journey through different homes around the world. Sparked lots of conversation and curiosity about how everyones homes look different.

Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey

This book is hilarious! Guaranteed to make you and your kiddos giggle. We loved it so much and have already read it multiple times.

Here’s a quick video peek inside both of these books.

Sometimes You Win Sometimes You Learn

One of my children gets very high highs and very low lows when it comes to playing team sports. I got this book for her from the library and it’s so great! Adults and children alike can take a page from the lessons shared in this book. Here’s a small excerpt…

“We all like to win. Yes, that much is true. But whether you win depends upon YOU. 

Take this lesson to heart, and say with a grin, sometimes you learn, and sometimes you win.”

Here’s a closer video peek inside the book.

Tree

This book is ADORABLE! I love books that showcase each of the season and this one does it beautifully!

Through a hole in the book’s cover, an owl invites you inside to meet a majestic tree and all its forest inhabitants during the changing seasons. With clever peekaboo holes throughout, each page reveals a new set of animals playing and living in the tree—baby bears frolicking in the spring, bees buzzing around apples in the summer, squirrels storing nuts in the fall, and finally the lone owl keeping warm during the winter chill—until another year begins.

Here’s a  quick peek inside.

*If you love Tree you’ll also love the book Moon – same author and illustrator. We bought it as well for our home library and love it!

Cloudette

This charming story about a cute little cumulus cloud named Cloudette isn’t just adorable, it has a valuable lesson to share with young readers. Namely, that you can make a difference no matter what your size!

The Oak Inside the Acorn

This book is beautiful – the message is touching (enough so that I was in tears reading it to my girls) and the illustrations are works of art. Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors and I am excited to add this book to our home library.

Watch the video for more about this wonderful book.

 

 

How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Blender Muffins

Today I wanted to pop in and a share with you how to make Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Blender Muffins. This recipe couldn’t get any easier my friends and it’s a now a go-to in our after school snack rotation! They’re delicious and can be thrown together in a snap with just a handful of ingredients you’re sure to have on hand.

This muffin recipe couldn't get any easier my friends and it's a now a go-to in our after school snack rotation! They're delicious and can be thrown together in a snap with just 5 ingredients you're sure to have on hand.

We tried these muffins for the first time a week ago and we’ve made them 3 times already since then! My husband is currently on a Keto-based diet (follow along with recipes I’ve been trying via our Instgram stories) and I was on the hunt for some low-carb recipes when I came across these flourless peanut butter banana muffins that can be made in the blender.

This muffin recipe couldn't get any easier my friends and it's a now a go-to in our after school snack rotation! They're delicious and can be thrown together in a snap with just 5 ingredients you're sure to have on hand.

They’re so incredibly simple to make and I love that they’re made without any added sugar – you use honey to sweeten them. My kids were a little skeptical when they saw me making them in the blender but when they finally tasted them they loved them!

This muffin recipe couldn't get any easier my friends and it's a now a go-to in our after school snack rotation! They're delicious and can be thrown together in a snap with just 5 ingredients you're sure to have on hand.

They’re one of those recipes that you can make anytime because the common list of ingredients are sure to be kicking around your kitchen. Nothing fancy here – just a short list of common, healthy ingredients.

This muffin recipe couldn't get any easier my friends and it's a now a go-to in our after school snack rotation! They're delicious and can be thrown together in a snap with just 5 ingredients you're sure to have on hand.


How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Blender Muffins

5.0 from 8 reviews
Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Blender Muffins
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 1 Banana
  • ¼ tsp Baking Soda
  • pinch of Sea Salt
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Egg
  • 3 tbsp Honey
  • ½ cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
  • ½ cup Mini semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F
  2. Blend all ingredients, except for the chocolate chips.
  3. Grease muffin pan or use cupcake liners (they have a tendency to stick)
  4. Fill muffin cups then sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on the top of each muffin.
  5. Bake for 7-9 mins. Makes 8-10 regular size muffins or 20-22 mini muffins.

If you give these muffins a try you’ll have to let me know how you like them! Omit the chocolate chips if you’d prefer or try these no sugar added dark chocolate chips instead. The fact that no flour is used in this recipe makes them gluten-free so that’s another win!

This muffin recipe couldn't get any easier my friends and it's a now a go-to in our after school snack rotation! They're delicious and can be thrown together in a snap with just 5 ingredients you're sure to have on hand.

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5 Photography Projects that will Inspire You

Here are 5 photography projects that will inspire you to document life’s little moments and help you brush up on your photography skills along the way!

These 5 photography projects will inspire you to document life's little moments and help you brush up on your photography skills along the way! 

As a mom who shot professional photos for years, I would never underplay the importance of having high-quality photos of your family to look back on for years to come. But equally important—if not more so—are the unplanned, unexpected candids that we moms catch in the middle of our kitchens or our backyards, with whatever camera is handy.

The challenge is, it can be hard to remember to take those everyday photos sometimes. Life moves at a fast pace, pulling out the camera out to take photos along the way might be the last thing on your mind.

If you’d like to better document your everyday story and brush up on your photography skills while you’re at it, here’s a list of photography projects to inspire you and motivate you this year!

Related: 50 Everyday Moments you Need to Photograph (free download)

These 5 photography projects will inspire you to document life's little moments and help you brush up on your photography skills along the way! 

1 Second Everyday

1 Second Everyday: Video Diary is an app that allows you to compile short snippets of video footage into a touching video montage. You shoot one second of video every day. At the end of the year, you have a really fun family film that will be a keepsake forever.

I downloaded this app last January after watching someone else’s year end video brought me to tears and I’m hooked you guys! I wasn’t perfect at it – I missed a lot of days – but the compilation of 1 second video clips from our entire year is precious to me. I’ll be putting together a post soon outlining all of my tips and hacks for taking memorable videos and how to create your video when you’ve completed the project.

We watched it as a family last night and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to 2017 and get excited about all the adventures we’ll have together in the coming year.

Download the song from this video “You Are Home” by Robert Kelly

You can watch our 2018 video compilation here and read all about my tips and tricks for completing a successful year of 1 second everyday videos! It’s such a worthwhile project. You’ll love it and I promise, it’s easier than you think!

Moments Matter 2018 Challenge

Gain inspiration from like-minded women by joining a photography challenge. Use the hashtag #MomentsMatter2018 and join with us as we capture the moments that really matter this year.

Sandwiched between the tedium of everyday living are a million joyful moments that are so easy to miss if we’re not looking for them. This challenge is all about slowing down, taking notice and documenting the little things.

If you’d like a heads up on when our #MomentsMatter2018 challenge will kick off and have the photography prompts delivered to your inbox let us know and be sure to join our private Facebook Group for support and regular photo tips!

Be the first to know when we kick off the first 30-day photo challenge!

These 5 photography projects will inspire you to document life's little moments and help you brush up on your photography skills along the way! 

Read Up on the Subject of Photography

Maybe studying up on the art of photography is more your speed. Choose a photograph book each month to read through. Here are some books I recommend that will give you a solid knowledge base on the art and technical aspects of photography:

Related: If you’re looking to improve your mobile photography skills I invite you to take a look at our email course Beyond Snapshots: Mastering the Art of Mobile Photography.  I’ve put together 7 step-by-step lessons that teach you everything you need to strengthen your skills as a mobile photographer. In one week you’ll move beyond taking snapshots to capturing magical moments with your phone.

A Day in the Life

This is a fun project idea and really is an easy way to capture the essence of your everyday life without having to commit to something for an entire year. The concept is this – set aside one day a month, circle it on your calendar. Set an alarm on your phone. On that specific day each month take your camera with you everywhere you go.

Take a photo every hour or just photograph as many daily activities as you can. Imagine these photos all put together into “A Day in the Life” collage.

I use PicMonkey to create simple photo collages and I love framing them and hanging them in my home. What a treasure this collection of day in the life photos would be!

Embrace the Camera

When my children were younger I participated in a photo challenge called “Embrace the Camera. It was all about getting out from behind the camera and getting IN the photos with your kids.

Challenge yourself to get in more photos this year. I believe that the photos we take are a reflection of what’s most important to us, and for a lot of us, those photos involve our loved ones. We want to capture the memories we share with those we love, and as photographers, we sometimes forget to step out from behind the camera and get in those photos too!

This is your story, after all—it’s important that you step into the recording of it. Here’s a printable list of 50 Photos to Take With Your Kids to help get you inspired and motivated!

Taking the Photos is only the First Step

As you work through one or more of these projects don’t forget that taking the photos is only the first step! I’m a huge advocate of not only taking photos – but doing something WITH them. Don’t let them sit on your phone or collect dust on a hard drive somewhere. Print them. Hang them in your home. Compile them into photo books. Share them with friends and family on Instgram.

If you love the idea of putting together a beautiful photo book but would like to start with a bitesize project you need to check out Chatbooks!

You can create customized, tiny photo books using your Instagram images.  This is such a quick and easy way to get those photos off your phone and printed out for your loved ones to enjoy!

Use this link and try your first book free –> CHATBOOKS

If you have any questions about the apps mentioned in this post or need details about the photography challenges listed please let me know! I’m happy to answer any of your questions. You can also find me in our private photography group on Facebook where I share inspiration and photo tips regularly. 

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Here are 5 photography projects that will inspire you to document life’s little moments and help you brush up on your photography skills along the way!

Travel Photo Checklist

Document your next trip, whether its abroad or somewhere closer to home, with this printable Travel Photo Checklist – download for free today!

Document your next trip, whether its abroad or somewhere closer to home, with this list of travel photo ideas!

If you’ve been a follower of Simple as That for any amount of time you’ll know how much I enjoy creating printable photo checklists. These lists serve as inspiration to help you get the creative juice flowing while capturing meaningful images of every aspect of life. I have photo checklists available for each season, for your disney vacation, motherhood and more!

Collect Moments, Not Things

Over the last few years, our family has made a shift from buying belongings to spending our money on things of greater value to us: experiences. We want to make lasting memories as a family and to provide our kids with opportunities to learn and grow and stretch themselves.

We’ve been some exciting places as a family and have many more we’d like to see and explore together. I love photographing our family’s travel moments. These photos are the only souvenirs I need from any adventure we go on.

Download our Printable Travel Photo Checklist

Document your next trip, whether its abroad or somewhere closer to home, with this list of travel photo ideas! I’ve compiled this list of 50 travel photo ideas as a jumping off point to help you capture unique and memorable  image of your travel adventures.

Download our FREE Travel Photos Checklist!

Document your next trip, whether its abroad or somewhere closer to home, with this list of travel photo ideas!

Crush Your Goals with this Powerful Goal Planner!

Get ready to crush your goals with this powerful goal planner! It’s functional, concise, and printer friendly. This is a tool that will help you move from simply setting goals to actually achieving them.

Get ready to crush your goals with this powerful goal planner! It's functional, concise and printer friendly. This is a tool that will help you move from setting goals to achieving them.

Like you, I’m looking ahead to a fresh start, a blank calendar, and a mountain of possibilities for the year ahead. I’ve always been a goal setter, and the New Year brings a lot of excitement as I think about what plans I want to make for my life over the coming twelve months.

The Power of a Fresh Start

By making ourselves conscious of times of beginning, we can harness these crucial moments of opportunity to forge new and better habits. – Gretchen Rubin

There’s power in a fresh start. Whether it’s a move to a new home, the beginning of the school year, or the newness of January 1st, a fresh start brings a boost of energy that can serve as an incredible catalyst—if you let it. A fresh start can motivate you to get things done, drop old habits, and form new ones that are in line with your priorities.

The Problem Is…

Lofty dreams can fade and motivation wane not long after January 1st. But don’t get discouraged; instead, expect setbacks in the process. It happens to all of us.

Even though I’m not perfect at sticking with the goals I make for myself, I still believe in their power, because in setting them, I always make it much further than I would have had I not set them at all.

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. –  Norman Vincent Peale

Get ready to crush your goals with this powerful goal planner! It's functional, concise and printer friendly. This is a tool that will help you move from setting goals to achieving them.

The Key to Successful Goal Setting

Whether you’re setting personal goals, goals for your career, or goals for your family, the key to success is a plan.

A Plan + Action = Success

Without clearly spelling out your goals, they’re sure to fade away as the novelty of a new year wears off.

To avoid this, clearly identify your goals, articulate a step-by-step plan, and write that plan down. Putting it on paper solidifies your commitment and gives you a visual representation of the goals you want to work toward.

A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true. – Greg Reid


How to Use Our Goal Planner

This is where our printable goal planner is a valuable tool. Not only does this handy worksheet have a place to record your goals, you can also write down each of your action steps for achieving them. You can even make notes as you go along and track your progress with the habit tracker.

Maybe you’ve decided that this is the year you become proficient at the piano. Maybe you simply want to drink more water or floss every day! (Nothing is too small.) Maybe you have the desire to re-prioritize your health; maybe you want to start journaling more regularly. (This is one of my intentions this year and I think I’ve found the perfect journal to get me started!)

This goal planner is generic in nature and can be used for any type of goal you’re making. Business, family, long-term, short-term, spiritual, physical.

Get ready to crush your goals with this powerful goal planner! It's functional, concise and printer friendly. This is a tool that will help you move from setting goals to achieving them.

Download Our Free Printable Goal Planner

If you’d like to download our free, printable goal planner, enter your email address below, and you’ll be redirected to the download area.

Download our FREE Goal Planner!

Get ready to crush your goals with this powerful goal planner! It's functional, concise and printer friendly. This is a tool that will help you move from setting goals to achieving them.

One Last Tip that Will Make a Huge Difference

Once you’ve printed your worksheet and filled it out, my last suggestion is to put it in a place where you’ll see it—continually. Set it on your bedside table, pin it to the fridge, tape it on your bathroom mirror… Display it in plain sight so it can visually remind you of your goals every day.

Remember…

A goal without a plan is just a wish. – unknown

Here’s to setting goals, putting a plan in place and making this year your best yet!

Get ready to crush your goals with this powerful goal planner! It's functional, concise and printer friendly. This is a tool that will help you move from setting goals to achieving them.

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Get ready to crush your goals with this powerful goal planner! It's functional, concise and printer friendly. This is a tool that will help you move from setting goals to achieving them.

2017 Year in Review Printable for Kids

2017 Year in Review Printable for Kids – this free printable year in review sheet gives children a chance to reflect on their favorite memories from the past year and look ahead to new goals and adventures in 2018!

This free printable year in review sheet gives children a chance to reflect on their favorite memories from the past year and look ahead to new goals and adventures in 2018!

End of the Year Reflection

At the close of the year I enjoy thinking back on the experiences that have brought me joy and the ways that I’ve grown through my experiences. I want my kids to see the value in this end of the year reflection and so I put together this simple Year in Review sheet for them.

Kids grow and change so quickly, recording the details that make them unique at whatever age they are is important.This free printable year in review sheet gives children a chance to reflect on their favorite memories from the past year and look ahead to new goals and adventures in 2018!

This fill in the blank printable is an easy way for them to do that. My kids especially loved that they could illustrate their yearly story with the boxes provided.  These are our favorite coloring pencils for creative projects just like this one!

2017 Year in Review Printable for Kids

Use this 2017 Year in Review Printable for Kids as a jumping off point for some family discussion. Take the opportunity to talk with your kids about the past year (the ups and the downs) and things they’d like to improve on or change in the coming year. What a great time to pull out some photos and look through them and reminisce together.

Here’s a short video of one of my girls filling out 2017 Year in Review Printable. We printed them out for everyone and made a family activity of it.

This has become a fun yearly tradition for us. It will be so special to look back on them as the kids grow! What kind of New Year traditions do you have in your family?

Download 2017 Year in Review Printable

Click to Download –> 2017 Year in Review Printable for Kids

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This free printable year in review sheet gives children a chance to reflect on their favorite memories from the past year and look ahead to new goals and adventures in 2018!

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe

These rich, delicious triple layer Nanaimo Bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!

These rich, delicious triple layer bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!

I grew up eating these delicious squares for holidays and other special occasions. Nanaimo bars are a classic Canadian dessert and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

Nanaimo Bars Origin

Nanaimo Bars are a truly beloved Canadian treat. No one is quite sure exactly who created them or when the first Nanaimo Bars were made, but they originated in and are named after the city of Nanaimo, B.C. on Vancouver Island.

They are made up of three delicious layers. The crust is a mixture of chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped almonds or walnuts. Next is a creamy custard layer and everything is topped off with a smooth chocolate ganache.

These rich, delicious triple layer bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!

This isn’t a difficult dessert to make but it does take some time as you wait for each layer to chill. They’re very rich so cut into small squares when serving.

If you’ve never tried a Nanaimo Bar my friend – you most definitely need to make a batch of these ASAP!

The Very Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe

Here’s a quick run-down of how you make them. Start by lining a 9″ x 9″  pan with parchment paper being sure to let the ends extend over the sides.

In a large pot combine sugar and cocoa then add butter. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter is completely melted. Add eggs whisking constantly until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes.) Add coconut, cracker crumbs, and chopped almonds or walnuts. Combine well. Press into pan and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until set.

These rich, delicious triple layer bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!
For the filling you’re going to mix confectioners’ sugar, pudding mix, butter and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Spread this over the crust and put in the fridge to chill.

These rich, delicious triple layer bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!
While the center layer is cooling, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. Stir until smooth and then spread over top. Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Once set remove bars from the pan and cut into small squares.

**The original recipe calls for custard powder but we substituted with instant vanilla pudding which is a lot easier to find at the grocery store.

These rich, delicious triple layer bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!

The Best Nanaimo Bars Recipe
 
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Ingredients
  • CRUST:
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup baking cocoa
  • ¾ cup butter, cubed
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • ½ cup chopped almonds, optional
  • FILLING:
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons 2% milk
  • GLAZE:
  • 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
  1. Start by lining a 9" x 9" pan with parchment paper being sure to let the ends extend over the sides.
  2. In a large pot combine sugar and cocoa then add butter. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter is completely melted. Add eggs whisking constantly until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes.) Add coconut, cracker crumbs, and chopped almonds or walnuts. Combine well. Press into pan and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until set.
  3. For the filling you're going to mix confectioners' sugar, pudding mix, butter and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Spread this over the crust and put in the fridge to chill.
  4. While the center layer is cooling, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. Stir until smooth and then spread over top. Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Once set remove bars from the pan and cut into small squares.

These rich, delicious triple layer bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!

Make Ahead and Freeze

These bars freeze beautifully which makes them perfect for making ahead. Run a sharp knife under hot water for a few seconds to make slicing them a breeze. Make a batch and keep them in your freezer for your next special occasion – or when you want to sneak a taste. Don’t worry! We won’t tell. 😉

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 6 months.

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These rich, delicious triple layer bars are the perfect dessert for your next holiday get together  – no baking required!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars may look fancy but they’re so easy to make! The white chocolate and raspberry flavors paired with a homemade oreo crust make them impossible to resist.

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars don't just look fancy they taste fancy too! The white chocolate and raspberry flavors paired with a homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

I’m a huge fan of cheesecake. While I typically go for the chocolate flavors I’ll definitely make an exception for these delicious raspberry cheesecake bars. I do have to say it’s that homemade oreo crust that seals the deal for me on this decadent dessert!

My sister in law is the one who introduced me to these cheesecake bars. The first time I tasted them I had to have the recipe and trust me, you better be prepared for requests for the recipe when you make them!

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars may look fancy but they're easy to make! The rich flavors and homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

Fancy Dessert, Minimal Effort

The combination of rich cheesecake, a homemade oreo crust, white chocolate and raspberry flavors are heavenly. These bars are fancy enough to serve for company but easy enough to make for your family any time!

Start by lining your pan with parchment paper being sure to let the ends of the paper to extend over the sides. You’re going to make a basic oreo crust, combining cookie crumbs and margarine and pressing them into the bottom of your pan.

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars don't just look fancy they taste fancy too! The white chocolate and raspberry flavors paired with a homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

Next you’ll prepare the white chocolate cheesecake filling by combining room temperature cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Add melted white chocolate squares. Pour this mixture over the oreo crumb crust. Bake 25-28 minutes or until center is set. Allow the cheesecake to cool for 5 minutes and then spread with raspberry jam.

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars don't just look fancy they taste fancy too! The white chocolate and raspberry flavors paired with a homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

Melt the remaining white chocolate and drizzle over the the cheesecake then allow to cool completely. Refrigerate before serving. Cut into small slices as this dessert is incredibly rich.

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars don't just look fancy they taste fancy too! The white chocolate and raspberry flavors paired with a homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars don't just look fancy they taste fancy too! The white chocolate and raspberry flavors paired with a homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

5.0 from 1 reviews
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
 
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Ingredients
  • 15 oreo cookies, finely crushed
  • 1 Tbsp margarine, melted
  • 3 squares bakers white chocolate, divided
  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup Kraft pure red raspberry jam
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cookie crumbs and margarine, press onto bottom of 9x9 inch pan. Melt 2 chocolate squares as directed on package. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer. Add melted chocolate, mix well. Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust. Bake 25-28 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool 5 minutes, spread with jam. Melt remaining chocolate square, drizzle over cheesecake. Cool cheesecake completely. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Cut into 24 bars.

These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars may look fancy but they're easy to make! The rich flavors and homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

Quick Tip

These cheesecake bars freeze so well. Make a batch and freeze them for an upcoming party. They’re pretty and absolutely perfect for sharing. This recipe can easily be doubled and made in a 9″ x 13″ pan if you’re serving a crowd.

No matter how you slice it – these White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are absolute perfection!

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These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars don't just look fancy they taste fancy too! The white chocolate and raspberry flavors paired with a homemade oreo crust make them hard to resist.

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