Five Canada Day Recipes for Your Holiday

Celebrate Canada's Birthday with These Treats

Canada Day is celebrated on July 1! And like many others, you're probably planning to attend or host a Canada Day event. With busy summer schedules, however, creative Canadian plates may not be in your agenda. To help you out, we've put together a list of Canada Day recipes to take the stress out of party planning.

Read on to find your favorite!

Canada Day Recipes

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are as Canadian as it gets. Named after the city in British Columbia, these delicious treats are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can cut out the baking by crumbling a pre-made graham cracker pie crust. Best of all, this recipe is tree nut allergy friendly!

Borrowed from our friends at AllRecipes.

Ingredients

Layer 1: Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

• 1 ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Layer 2: Custard Filling

• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons custard powder
• ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Layer 3: Chocolate

• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8x9 cake pan.
2. Crust: in a bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, coconut, cocoa powder, and sugar. Drizzle with butter and egg and stir to combine. Press mixture into the prepared pan and cook for 10-12 minutes. Remove and let cool to room temperature.
3. Custard filling: beat together butter, custard powder, and vanilla. Beat in powdered sugar alternately with milk until smooth.
4. Spread custard filling evenly over cooled base. Refrigerate until firm, about an hour.
5. Topping: melt chocolate with the butter in a small bowl over simmering water, or microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Spread over the filling. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes, remove and score the top of the chocolate with a knife. Place back in fridge until set, about an hour. Cut into bars. Enjoy!

Canada Day Popsicles

Why purchase regular popsicles when you can whip up your own with a Canadian twist. This tasty treat has a base of Greek yogurt, strawberries, maple syrup, and a splash of water. Blend it all together for a delicious frozen dessert.

Borrowed from our friends at Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (500 ml) raspberries, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
• 4 to 6 tbsp (60 ml to 90 ml) maple syrup or honey
• 2 cups (500 ml) vanilla yogurt

Method

1. Combine the raspberries with 4 tbsp of maple syrup in a blender.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla yogurt with 2 tbsp of maple syrup. Set aside in the fridge.

3. Fill the molds with the raspberry puree only a third of the way up to leave room for the other two layers. Set the puree aside.

4. Place the Popsicle molds in the freezer to set for 20 minutes.

5. Remove and pour the yogurt mixture on top of the frozen raspberry puree.

6. Return the molds to the freezer to firm up for another 20 minutes.

7. Remove the popsicles from the freezer and add the last layer of raspberry puree.

8. Insert a stick in each mold.

9. Place in the freezer until hard, at least 4 hours.

10. For easy unmolding, place under hot running water and remove gently.

Please note: If desired, strain the raspberry puree through a sieve with a spatula to remove all the seeds before pouring it in the molds.

Caprese Salad

This salad is simple, healthy, and festive. With tomatoes and mozzarella comprising the dish, the red and white colours match Canadian flag. Additionally, it's one of the easiest Canada Day recipes you can make!

Borrowed from our friends at Roxy's Kitchen.

Ingredients

• 400 grams (14 ounces) mozzarella cheese (mozzarella pearls work well)
• 300 grams (10 ½ ounces) cherry tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• Fresh basil leaves, about one handful
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Chop the basil leaves. Add chopped basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to a mason jar. Put the lid on the jar and shake well to make a dressing.
2. Arrange the mozzarella and tomatoes on a serving platter (try making the Canadian flag if you're feeling adventurous).
3. Drizzle the dressing and toss to combine before serving. Enjoy!

Maple Meatballs

Maple meatballs incorporate a Canadian classic: maple syrup! This quick dish can be served as an appetizer or a main dish over rice. By spending no more than 15 minutes making this dish, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the Canada Day festivities.

Borrowed from our friends at Real Mom Kitchen.

Ingredients

• ½ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup chili sauce (ketchup can be substituted)
• 2 teaspoons dried chives (or 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 pound frozen, fully cooked meatballs, thawed

Method

1. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, chili sauce, chives, soy sauce, and ground mustard. Bring to a low boil.
2. Add meatballs and return to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until meatballs are thoroughly heated. Enjoy!

Poutine Bar

Cater to everyone's taste buds with a poutine bar at your party! Poutine is one of the classic Canada Day recipes that you can't miss.

Make sure you have fries for your base and cheese curds and gravy for topping. Feel free to use vegetarian gravy to accommodate all guests.

Ingredients

• French fries
• Cheese curds and/or grated cheese
• Beef and/or vegetarian gravy
• Sautéed mushrooms (optional)
• Pulled pork (optional)
• Chopped bacon (optional)
• Green onions (optional)
• Any other toppings you desire!

Method

1. Make a base of French fries.
2. Add cheese curds and other desired toppings.
3. Drizzle the entire dish with gravy. Enjoy!

Love these ideas? Share these Canada Day recipes with your friends and family to wish the country a very happy birthday!  

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