Homemade Almond Joys are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, almond, and coconut. These delightful bars are not only healthier than their store-bought counterparts, but they also allow you to control the ingredients, making them a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re sweetening up a party, looking for a snack, or simply craving something delicious, these homemade Almond Joys will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
Why Make This Homemade Almond Joys
Homemade Almond Joys are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they also provide a more wholesome alternative to the candy you find at the store. By creating them at home, you can adjust the sweetness, eliminate preservatives, and make them nut-free when substituting almond butter with sunflower butter. Plus, they burst with a combination of textures and flavors—the crunchy almond on top, the chewy coconut, and the smooth dark chocolate coating create a blissful harmony that you can’t resist.
How to Make Homemade Almond Joys
Making your own Almond Joys is a straightforward process. Just gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create these delicious bars that are perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Almonds (whole, for garnish)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. This forms the delicious base for your bars.
Step 2: Forming Bars
Next, form the mixture into small bars and place an almond on top of each bar. Make sure they’re compact for the best texture after coating.
Step 3: Freezing
Set the bars on a lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes the chocolate coating easier.
Step 4: Melting Chocolate
While the bars chill, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Coating Bars
After the bars have set, dip each one into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Ensure they’re covered nicely for that luscious chocolate layer.
Step 6: Final Chilling
Place the chocolate-covered bars back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Finally, enjoy your homemade almond joys! Share them with friends or indulge in a few by yourself.
How to Serve Homemade Almond Joys
Homemade Almond Joys make a sweet treat for any gathering. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. Serve them on a platter at parties or pack them as a tasty lunchbox surprise for kids and adults alike.
How to Store Homemade Almond Joys
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Almond Joys
- If you prefer a sweeter version, feel free to add a little more honey to the coconut mixture.
- You can use different types of nut butters for a unique flavor—try peanut butter or cashew butter!
- If you’re vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Make sure the chocolate is tempered well for a shiny finish.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top after coating for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
Delicious Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free treat.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe fully dairy-free.
- Coconut-Free Option: Use crushed graham crackers instead of shredded coconut for a different texture and flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a minty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that it will make your bars much sweeter. Adjust the honey amount as needed. -
What if I don’t have almond butter?
You can substitute it with any nut butter of your choice or use a seed butter for a nut-free option. -
How do I make these bars vegan?
Simply replace the honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips. -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above. -
What can I do if the chocolate won’t harden?
Make sure the chocolate is tempered properly. You can refrigerate the bars to help the chocolate set faster.
Conclusion
Making Homemade Almond Joys is a rewarding experience that gives you a delicious treat to share or enjoy by yourself. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create these sweet delights that are sure to please everyone. The best part? You can customize them to fit your dietary needs and preferences. So go ahead, get into the kitchen, and treat yourself to these delectable homemade goodies!
Print
Homemade Almond Joys
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bars combining rich flavors of chocolate, almond, and coconut, offering a healthier, homemade version of the classic treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Almonds (whole, for garnish)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
- Form the mixture into small bars and place an almond on top of each bar.
- Set the bars on a lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
- Place the chocolate-covered bars back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens (about 15 minutes).
- Enjoy your homemade almond joys!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
