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.
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The best Almond Joy Recipe
These homemade Almond Joy is one of our favorite candy recipes to make.
Almond joys have always been one of my favorite candy bars. They are a step up from Mound Bars, thanks 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, you may wonder why this homemade version is so good, and I’ll tell you: it looks and tastes like the real thing without all the nasty ingredients.
Like coconut bars and chocolate coconut bars, they are sweet and full of coconut flavor, and the crunchy almonds on top take it to another level.
While the original candy bar uses milk chocolate to cover them, you have the option to use dark chocolate. We actually prefer the latter, as it balances the sweet filling perfectly, but the option is yours!
Made with just 5 ingredients, you have no excuses not to make them.
By the way, if you like making your own candy, try our famous crunch bars or kit kat bars.
What is almond joy made of?
Traditional almond joys are a creamy coconut filling topped with almonds and covered in milk chocolate. Our version, though, is a little different but just as delicious.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade recipe. It needs just 5 simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry right now.
- Shredded coconut.Shredded and unsweetened coconut flakes.
- Coconut Milk. Full fat coconut milk that comes from a can. We will use the thicker portion of it, so we can use any leftover liquid for another recipe (like a smoothie!).
- Maple Syrup.Provides sweetness, and also helps hold them together.
- Roasted Almonds. Roasted and unsalted.
- Chocolate. Use your favorite chocolate chips or baking chocolate.
How to make almond joys
All you need to make these almond joys is parchment paper and a large plate or pan. Follow the simple 3-step process below and you’ll have homemade candy bars in no time!
Step 1- Make the coconut filling
Start by adding your coconut, coconut milk, and maple syrup into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend very well until combined. I prefer using the blender as the filling is a finer texture, and it’s easier to work with.
Step 2- Shape them into logs
Now, using your hands, shape the mixture into small rectangular bars and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. If you find the mixture sticking to your fingers, lightly wet them. Place several almonds on top and put them in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Step 3- Cover in chocolate
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.
Tips to making homemade almond joy
- 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, makeketo almond joy.
Storage info
You’ve got a few options for storing your homemade Almond Joy. Here are best practices:
- 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
- Bounty bars
- Almond roca
- Peanut butter cups
- Gummy bears
- Keto candy
- Turkish delight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Almond Joy a healthy snack?
Homemade Almond Joy is a healthier alternative to the store-bought kind, as it doesn’t use refined sugar, hydrogenated oils, or high fructose corn syrup.
You can feel good about eating a homemade version because you know exactly what is in it.
Which came first Mounds or Almond Joy?
Mounds bars came first, being introduced to grocery stores in 1920. Almond Joys only hit the market in 1946.
What is the difference between Mounds and Almond Joy?
The only difference between these two candy bars is that Mounds do not have the almonds on top. The coconut filling is identical, as is the chocolate coating.
Are these vegan or gluten free?
Traditional almond joy candy bars are not gluten-free or vegan. They prepare their candy bars in facilities that have traces of gluten. 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.
Almond Joy Recipe
5 from 206 votes
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.
Servings: 16 bars
Prep: 1 minute min
Cook: 2 minutes mins
Total: 3 minutes mins
Rate This Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk chilled * See notes
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips dark or milk
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
* Use the thicker portion of the chilled coconut milk. Reserve the excess milk for another recipe.
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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1barCalories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 2gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 11g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!
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