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Healthy Almond Joys Recipe

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4.3 from 35 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including freezing time)
  • Yield: 18 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Description

Healthy Almond Joys are a delicious homemade treat combining a chewy coconut base with rich chocolate and crunchy almonds. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, these bites are an easy no-bake dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without refined sugars. They require minimal ingredients and are chilled to set, offering a wholesome alternative to store-bought candy bars.

Ingredients

Coconut Base

  • 2 1/2 cups unsweetened finely shredded coconut
  • 5 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional but recommended)

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 cup chocolate bars, chopped or chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp coconut oil (optional, helps thin the chocolate for dipping)

Topping

  • Raw almonds (one per piece)

Instructions

  1. Make the coconut base: Combine all the coconut base ingredients — shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, sea salt, and maple syrup or honey — in a food processor. Process for about 40 seconds until the mixture becomes sticky and tacky. Avoid over-processing to prevent the coconut from releasing excess oil.
  2. Press coconut mixture: Divide the sticky coconut mixture evenly into the wells of a mini muffin pan. Press firmly and pack the mixture tightly into each crevice to form compact bases.
  3. Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate or chips and optional coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate gently.
  4. Coat with chocolate and add almonds: Spoon melted chocolate on top of each coconut base piece, fully covering the surface. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out the chocolate layer. Press a single raw almond into the center on top of each chocolate-covered piece.
  5. Freeze to set: Place the tray in the freezer and allow the almond joys to chill for 3 to 4 hours until firm. Once set, remove from the pan and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. For best texture, keep them frozen and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  6. Alternative bar form: To make almond joy bars instead of bites, follow the same coconut base preparation. Instead of pressing into muffin cups, shape the mixture into rectangles or bars. Optionally, press two almonds into each bar’s top before freezing.
  7. Freeze bars: Chill the formed bars in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour until firm.
  8. Dip bars in chocolate: Melt the chocolate as before until smooth. Dip each bar completely in the melted chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Optionally, add almonds on top if not already pressed into the coconut.
  9. Final freeze and storage: Freeze the chocolate-coated bars for about two hours until set. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Do not over-process the coconut base mixture to avoid excess oil release.
  • Using coconut oil in the chocolate helps make the coating smoother and easier to work with.
  • Store the treats frozen for best texture and let them soften slightly before eating.
  • You can substitute honey for maple syrup according to preference.
  • These treats are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/healthy-almond-joys-recipe/