Homemade Almond Joys
If you’re a fan of the classic candy bar, you’re going to love these Homemade Almond Joys. They’re loaded with sweet coconut, coated in rich chocolate, and topped with crunchy almonds for the perfect homemade treat. The best part? They only require a handful of simple ingredients and are incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re looking for a fun no-bake dessert, a holiday candy recipe, or a sweet homemade gift idea, these homemade Almond Joys are always a hit.
Check out our copycat Costco peanut butter pie, copycat Crumbl chocolate cake cookies, and copycat York Peppermint Patties for more homemade versions of your favorite sweet treats.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 simple ingredients
- No baking required
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Freezer-friendly
- Rich chocolate and sweet coconut flavor
- Great for holidays, parties, and gifting
- Easy enough for beginner candy makers
Key Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: The star of the recipe. It provides the chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor that makes these bars taste like a homemade candy treat.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as the glue that holds the coconut mixture together while adding rich sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Chocolate Almond Bark: Creates a smooth chocolate coating around each bar and delivers the classic chocolate-and-coconut combination everyone loves.
- Almonds: Add a crunchy contrast to the soft coconut center and bring a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Plus, you can’t have Almond Joys without almonds!
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Almond Joy: Use dark chocolate melting wafers for a richer flavor.
- Swap the Nuts: Try using pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or any of your other favorite nuts for something different.
- Make Mounds: Skip the almonds completely for a homemade Mounds-inspired candy.
- White Chocolate Accents: Add a white chocolate drizzle after the bars have set for an elegant presentation.
How to Make Homemade Almond Joys
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Mix the coconut base ingredients until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into small bars and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm.
- Melt the almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Dip the bars into the chocolate and let the excess drip off. Then, freeze again until the chocolate is set. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Good-quality almond bark or melting chocolate creates a smooth coating and rich flavor.
- The coconut mixture can be sticky. Slightly damp hands make shaping the bars much easier.
- Don’t skip the freezing step. Firm coconut bars hold their shape much better during dipping.
- Work in small batches to keep the bars cold while dipping so they don’t soften too much.
- Use two forks to make dipping the bars easier.
- Let the excess chocolate drip off to create an even coating and prettier presentation.
Homemade Almond Joys FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Homemade Almond Joys are a copycat version of the classic candy bar made with sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate coating, and whole almonds. They feature a creamy coconut center, rich chocolate shell, and crunchy almond topping.
The ingredients used in homemade Almond Joys are generally gluten-free, but always check product labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination concerns.
Lightly wet your hands with water before shaping the bars. This simple trick makes the coconut mixture much easier to handle.
Chocolate almond bark, melting wafers, or high-quality melting chocolate all work well. These options melt smoothly and create a glossy coating that sets nicely.
Yes. Chocolate chips can be substituted, although adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening can help create a smoother, more dippable coating.
For the best texture and freshness, store your Almond Joys in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Absolutely! These candies freeze very well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let them thaw for a few minutes before serving.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Homemade Almond Joys
Equipment
- Large baking sheet or tray
- parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- two forks
- Measuring cups
- Freezer
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 24 ounces chocolate almond bark
- 1 cup whole almonds
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Make sure the tray is small enough to fit in your freezer.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Shape the coconut mixture into approximately 3-inch bars and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Continue until all of the mixture has been used.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up the bars.
- Break the chocolate almond bark into pieces and place it in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the coconut bars from the freezer. Using two forks, dip each bar into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Lift the bar out, gently tapping the forks on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
- Return each coated bar to the parchment-lined tray and immediately press 1 to 2 whole almonds onto the top before the chocolate sets.
- Repeat until all of the bars have been coated.
- Place the tray back into the freezer for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Serve immediately or store for later.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
