Homemade Almond Joy
These homemade almond joy are a copycat version of the popular candy bar! Better and healthier than store bought, you need just 5 simple ingredients to make.
Almond Joy Bars
When it comes to homemade versions of my favorite treats, I love whipping up some Levain Bakery cookies, copycat Krispy Kreme donuts, and these almond joy bars.
Almond joys have always been one of my favorite candy bars. They are a step up from Mound Bars, due to the addition of the almonds on top. As someone who loves all things coconut, chocolate, and almonds, it’s as though they packaged up all my favorite things and turned it into a candy bar.
Now, as I’m trying to stop eating so much candy and chocolate, I’ve tried making my own homemade almond joy bars. Instead of using sugar, hydrogenized oil, and corn syrup, I’ve made some healthier swaps and using MUCH fewer ingredients.
Don’t let the healthier ingredients fool you. They taste EXACTLY like the traditional candy bar. A thick coconut filling, topped with oven roasted almonds, and covered in dark chocolate.
I shared a few with some of my candy loving friends and NO ONE believed me when I said they were a healthier and homemade version- They thought I had opened up package after package of them and just put them on a plate!
How do you make almond joy bars?
The Ingredients
- Shredded coconut– Shredded and unsweetened coconut flakes.
- Coconut Milk– Full fat coconut milk that comes from a can. We will be using the thicker portion of it, so any leftover liquid can be used for another recipe (like a smoothie!).
- Maple Syrup– Provides sweetness, and also helps hold them together.
- Roasted Almonds– Roasted and unsalted almonds.
- Chocolate– Dairy free chocolate chips or any vegan chocolate bar, chopped.
The Instructions
Start by adding your coconut, coconut milk, and maple syrup into a high speed blender or food processor. Blend very well, until combined. Now, using your hands, shape the mixture into small rectangular bars and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Place several almonds on top and put them in the freezer for 15 minutes.
While the bars are freezing, melt your chocolate. Remove the bars from the freezer and using two forks, dip each bar in the melted chocolate until completely covered. Repeat the process until all the bars are covered and refrigerate them until the chocolate has firmed up.
Are almond joy gluten free or vegan?
Traditional almond joy candy bars are not gluten free or vegan. They prepare their candy bars in facilities that have traces of gluten. Furthermore, their ingredients are full of dairy and animal products, that are not vegan friendly.
Luckily, my homemade recipe is vegan and gluten free, and also paleo friendly.
Tips for homemade Almond Joy
- Feel free to add more almonds than recommended. Traditional almond joys only have several but if you are like me, the added crunch of the almonds is a welcome addition.
- Move quickly when dipping the coconut and almond bars in the chocolate mixture.
- If you own a silicone brownie or rectangular pan, you can place the coconut filling in them. They help the bars all have a uniform shape and size.
- If you’d like to make lower carb almond joy, make keto almond joy.
Storing and Freezing Bars
- To store: Keep your almond joy stored at room temperature, in a sealed container. They will keep fresh for up to 4 weeks.
- To freeze: Place almond joy in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More homemade candy recipes to try
Homemade Almond Joy
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk chilled * See notes
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips of choice
Instructions
- In a high speed blender or food processor, add your coconut, coconut milk, and maple syrup, and blend until combined.
- Using your hands, form 12 rectangular logs and place them on a lined plate. Distribute the almonds on top of each one. Place them in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- In a microwave safe bowl or small saucepan, heat up the chocolate until melted.
- Remove the bars from the freezer. Moving quickly, use two forks to dip each bar in the melted chocolate, until completely covered. Once all the bars have been covered in chocolate, place back on the plate and refrigerate until the chocolate has firmed up.
Notes
Nutrition
These are amazing, Arman!!,, And the good thing is that they are sugar free!! Drooling!!
Almond joys are a favorite of mine as well! Who knew that coconut was such a superstar in this form?
What are the carbs per piece please?
Hi Debbie! Plug in the ingredients into myfitnesspal based on the ingredients you used for an accurate carb count! enjoy!
How do you store these? and how long do they keep?
Store them in the refrigerator or freezer. They will keep well for up to 2 months (freezer) or at least a month in the fridge.
Can honey, agave, or any other liquid sweetener be used?
Yes 🙂