These Almond Joy Bites are a great way to enjoy the popular candy at home. They’re very easy to make and have the same flavors that you know and love. It’s also an easy recipe to prepare as well. It takes just a few minutes of prep in the kitchen and then the refrigerator does the rest of the work. I promise they’re worth the wait!
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The rich chocolate covering the sweet coconut balls and crunchy almonds is so crave-able. All of the flavors work so well together to create a balanced flavor profile. My favorite part is the crunchy texture with the smooth chocolate!
If you like coconut dessert recipes, you will love these chewy White Chocolate Coconut Cookies, Almond Joy Ice Cream and this fruity Upside Down Fruit Cocktail Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Almond Joy Recipe
- Crowd favorite: Make them for a special occasion, party, or for your family to enjoy. They impress crowds of all sizes.
- Naturally gluten-free: The components of these almond joy candies are naturally gluten-free which means someone who can’t have gluten may still enjoy these.
- Budget-friendly: This is a super affordable recipe using ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients
With 5 ingredients, you can make yummy candy at home! Most of these ingredients will be in the baking aisle at the grocery store, so they are super easy to find. Feel free to grab extra to store in your pantry so you can make them the next time you have a craving!
- Coconut flakes: I use sweetened coconut flakes for the candy bar filling. They add the flavor and texture you get in a store-bought almond joy.
- Powdered sugar: Not only does this sweeten the filling, but it also helps bind the ingredients together so you can roll it into balls.
- Maple syrup: I love the pure maple flavor in this recipe. The sticky syrup also works great to hold the filling together so it can chill.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate keeps the sweet flavor of the candy balanced. If you want to use milk chocolate, that will work as well! Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Almonds: You can’t have homemade almond joy candy without almonds! Any plain, whole almond will work great. They are added on top for a pretty presentation.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Dark chocolate almond joy: Try dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- White chocolate almond joy: Use white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Plus, they’re all white and extra pretty!
- Cranberry almond joy: Add dried cranberries to the coconut mixture for a chewy texture and tart flavor that works great with chocolate and coconut.
How to Make Almond Joys
Here are the steps needed to make this almond joy recipe. I recommend that you have your ingredients measured and line the baking sheet with parchment paper before you get started.
Step 1: Make the coconut balls. Combine the coconut, powdered sugar, and maple syrup in a mixing bowl and stir until they’re well combined. Divide the mixture and roll it into 12 equal balls.
Step 2: Add the almonds and freeze. Arrange the coconut balls on the baking sheet and gently press an almond into the top of each one. Place the pan in the freezer for about 45 minutes to set.
Step 3: Dip in chocolate. Add the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Take the pan out of the freezer and remove the almonds from the top of the coconut balls. Dip each one in chocolate and place it back on the pan. Put the almonds on top of the dipped almond joys.
Step 4: Freeze and serve. Place them back into the freezer for an additional 45 minutes or until they have fully set. Enjoy!
⭐️ Hint: Ensure that you add the almonds immediately after dipping the coconut in chocolate so they will stick. The chocolate will start to set fairly quickly.
If you love homemade candy recipes like this, you may also enjoy this crunchy butter toffee, Take 5 Candy Bites and these twix bites!
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store the mini almond joy bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Make Ahead: Since these have a great shelf life, I love to prepare them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve. You may also eat them from the freezer because the filling doesn’t harden.
Serving Suggestions
- Add them to this fudgy brownie cake as cute and tasty decorations.
- Keep the coconut theme going and make a delicious dinner like this adobo chicken and serve it with coconut rice.
- These almond joy bites make a great ice cream topping. Try them with pineapple ice cream and white chocolate raspberry ice cream.
Recipe Tips
- Allow plenty of time to set: Waiting is hard, but allow them to fully set in the freezer before serving. This makes it easier to remove them from the pan and keeps them from falling apart.
- Use a cookie dough scoop: I recommend using a cookie dough scoop to form the balls. It will keep your hands from getting sticky while also ensuring they are all the same size.
- Dip quickly: Do not take too much time to coat the almond joys as the chocolate may seize as it cools.
Recipe FAQs
Of course! Make a version of these without nuts and you have another classic candy bar — Mounds!
Once the chocolate has fully hardened, you may move them to the refrigerator. I highly recommend freezing them first.
Yes! Just ensure the chocolate you use is dairy-free. The other ingredients used do not contain any dairy products.
More Delicious Homemade Candy Recipes
Do you like making homemade candy on special occasions? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Almond Joy Bites
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 whole almonds
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 inch baking sheet with wax paper. Combine the coconut flakes, powdered sugar, and maple syrup in a mixing bowl.
- Divide the coconut flake mixture into 12 balls that are about 2 tablespoons in size. Gently press an almond into the center of each coconut ball and place the balls on the lined baking sheet. Freeze your coconut balls for 45 minutes.
- Before you remove the coconut balls from the freezer, melt your chocolate chips in the microwave. Microwave them for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted, stirring after each 30 second interval.
- Remove the almonds from the tops of your coconut balls and dip each ball in the melted chocolate. Let any excess chocolate drip off the balls before returning them to the baking sheet. Return the almonds to the small indents on top of the candy bites.
- Freeze your almond joy bites for another 45 minutes, or untl the chocolate is completely set.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a cookie dough scoop: I recommend using a cookie dough scoop to form the balls. It will keep your hands from getting sticky while also ensuring they are all the same size.
- Dip quickly: Do not take too much time to coat the almond joys as the chocolate may seize as it cools.
- Allow plenty of time to set: Waiting is hard, but allow them to fully set in the freezer before serving. This makes it easier to remove them from the pan and keeps them from falling apart.
Mandy says
Easy to make and easy to eat. The perfect treat. Thx 💕
Karin and Ken says
I think it’s the perfect treat too! Glad you’re enjoying them too. All the best. Karin
Matty says
Just like the chocolate bar but better. Love these bite sized treats. So hard to stop eating. Thank you for sharing another great recipe KD
Karin and Ken says
I love these bite sized treats too! All the best. Karin