Sweet Success: VIU Students Craft Record-Breaking Nanaimo Bar
A delicious milestone has been reached in Nanaimo as Vancouver Island University (VIU) students baked the world’s largest Nanaimo bar, measuring an astonishing 21.3 meters long, nearly a meter wide, and tipping the scales at close to 500 kilograms. This giant treat, made with enough butter to match the weight of a baby elephant, has officially earned its place in the record books.
From Classroom Idea to World Record
The idea sparked a few years ago during a brainstorming session aimed at boosting excitement for local businesses. Aron Weber, chair of VIU’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program, recalls how students discovered the previous record-a 240-kilogram bar made in Ontario in 2020-and set out to surpass it.
“The opportunity to create something so massive was a dream come true for both students and faculty,” Weber said. “It’s not every day you get to build something this huge.”
A Recipe for Success: Ingredients and Community Spirit
The colossal Nanaimo bar’s recipe called for 125 kilograms of butter, 91 kilograms of confectioners’ sugar, 77 kilograms of graham cracker crumbs, and 68 kilograms of dark chocolate. The classic layers include a crunchy base with walnuts and coconut, a fluffy custard center, and a silky ganache topping.
Lily David, a VIU baking student, described the experience as unforgettable. “Seeing the Nanaimo community come out to celebrate and cheer us on made this moment truly special.”
More Than Just a Record: A Symbol of Nanaimo Pride
The Nanaimo bar is more than a dessert-it’s a cultural icon. Featured on the menu at a 2016 state dinner hosted by former U.S. President Barack Obama for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and honored by Canada Post in 2019, it holds a special place in Canadian culinary tradition.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog praised the achievement: “It only makes sense that the largest Nanaimo bar ever made was created right here at home by these talented students.”
Giving Back: Supporting VIU’s Culinary Future
Beyond breaking records, the event raised funds to purchase new ovens for VIU’s culinary programs, replacing aging equipment and supporting future generations of chefs and bakers.
Adding to the celebration, four alumni who originally dreamed up the record-breaking project returned-two traveling all the way from Scotland-to witness the achievement. Their success in the baking industry is a proud testament to the program’s impact.
This monumental Nanaimo bar is a sweet symbol of community, creativity, and culinary excellence-one slice at a time.
