Canada Day Tim Bit Cupcakes

There are some things in Canada that are sacred. Hockey, first and foremost. Next come our heroes: figures like Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, and Don Cherry (Sorry, gotta love the Grapes). Then it's our national dishes that we share (Nanaimo Bars, Butter Tarts, Poutine) and all that Can Con which spreads across our air waves (Corner Gas, Just for Laughs, Littlest Hobo). You Americans may have heard us name drop these things here and there, but I doubt you really know how close we hold them to our hearts. They are what separates us from, well, you.

There is one place that you have tried to bring across the border, but have failed multiple times. One house of Canadian worship that fuels our souls and hearts. It gives us shelter at 4am before hockey practice, and keeps us going throughout those long winter nights.

Butter Tart Canada Day Cupcakes

Canada has some pretty sophisticated cuisine. Yes, there's poutine and flapjacks (with plenty of maple syrup). But we're so much more than that. We've got . . . um . . . salted cod? Caribou stew? Flipper pie?

Okay. So we're not winning any James Beard awards with our cheese curds and pemmican. But we still can win a fight with our regional sweets. I'm sure, by now, you've heard of Nanaimo Bars? Of course you have - Cakespy has been preaching from the good book of Nanaimo for years now. Last Canada Day, we even introduced you to a cupcake version of the godly bar. Now, this Canada Day, it's time to introduce you to another famous Canuck sweet.

Nanaimo Bar Cupcakes

Dear America,

Remember us? No? Of course you do! We're that country that sits just north of you. Remember when you were 19 and you crossed our border to get a twelve back of Coors? How about the time you went to Niagara Falls? Oh! I know what will jog your memory!

Of course. Now you remember us. Well, we've got to tell you something - I know you guys are pretty excited this week for July 4th. Yes, we know you beat the crap out of the Brits a while back. We just wanted you to know this week is sorta special for us too. Especially today. July 1st is our birthday. No, we didn't have a war for independence - all we did was ask nicely and sign a few papers. I know. It's not that exciting. But it's a pretty big deal for us.

Since today is Canada Day, we wanted to share a bit of our culture with our neighbours to the south. A bit of tasty culture. You know about our maple syrup and our poutine, but you may not have heard of our best kept secret. A sweet dessert that has our entire west coast (and a bit of yours) drooling. It's called the Nanaimo Bar.

No, it doesn't look like much. But let me tell you a little secret: It tastes like magic and glory. With a chocolate graham coconut crust, sweet vanilla custard filling, and a rich bittersweet ganache on top, these things are absolutely deadly. The good type of deadly, I mean. A lot of people haven't had the pleasure of tasting one of Canada's best kept secrets. Well, because today is Canada Day, C&C has decided to bless America (and the rest of the world) with a special version of this patriotic masterpiece. We are please to introduce you to the Nanaimo Bar Cupcake: