Homemade Almond Joys with chewy coconut, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate. Easy 5-ingredient candy bars that taste better than store-bought.
People have mixed reactions when receiving coconut chocolate, but I absolutely love Almond Joys, especially because of the almonds. I used to buy them during midterms or finals season in college when I would spend hours studying and knew I'd need some sugar to wake me up. These homemade versions taste exactly like the store-bought bars but somehow even better because you control how much coconut and chocolate goes into each one.
What I love about these is the layers... first the rich chocolate coating, then that sweet, chewy coconut filling, and finally the crunchy toasted almond on top. The coconut base is sticky and intensely sweet, perfectly balanced by the slight saltiness of the toasted almonds. The chocolate coating gives it that classic candy bar snap when you bite into it.
The first time I made these was during a particularly stressful week at work when I was craving my old study snacks. As I was shaping the coconut mixture, I realized I was making way too many for just myself, but somehow they all disappeared within two days. Now whenever I make them, I automatically double the batch because I know they won't last long in my house.
They're also perfect for holiday gift giving since they look so professional even if they only took about an hour and a half to make. I brought this over to a gift exchange once where I know not everyone loves coconut but want to convert a few people. And safe to say, I have converted quite a few friends into enjoying almond joys... well my version at least.
Ingredients
What gives these homemade almond joys their familiar bite is sweetened shredded coconut mixed with sweetened condensed milk. The milk holds everything together while making it rich and sticky enough to scoop into little mounds. I always add powdered sugar too because it helps the mixture firm up so it doesn't fall apart when you dip it in chocolate.
For the coating, I go with bar of chocolate almond bark instead of regular chocolate chips because it melts so much smoother and gives you that shiny finish. If you want something less sweet, bittersweet almond bark works great too. Sometimes, I like to toast the whole almonds first so they stay crunchy and flavorful, then press them on top of each bar right after dipping in chocolate.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
These homemade almond joys taste just like the store-bought version but somehow even better because you can control exactly how much coconut and chocolate goes into each one.
Mix the Coconut Filling
Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper and make sure it fits in your freezer. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together 3 cups of sweetened shredded coconut, 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup of powdered sugar until everything is evenly mixed and thick.
Shape and Freeze
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into small bars about 3 inches long. Place each bar on the lined tray and continue until all the coconut mixture is used. Freeze the tray for 30 minutes so the bars firm up and are easier to dip.
Melt the Chocolate and Dip
Add the chocolate almond bark to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Keep the bowl next to your tray. Dip each coconut bar into the chocolate, using two forks to turn and coat evenly. Let the excess drip off, gently scrape the bottom, and place it back on the tray. Press 1 or 2 almonds on top of each coated bar.
Chill and Serve
Once all the bars are dipped and topped, return the tray to the freezer for another 30 minutes to let the chocolate fully set. Serve straight from the freezer or allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Storage
Store the almond joys in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To keep them from sticking, place a sheet of parchment paper or tin foil between each layer. This also helps protect their shape and keeps the chocolate coating smooth. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the coconut centers can soften slightly without the chocolate melting.
Top Tips for Copycat Homemade Almond Joys
Keep hands wet while shaping: The coconut mixture is sticky, so dip your hands in water before forming each bar. This makes the process smoother and less messy.
Dark chocolate works too: If you like a more intense flavor, feel free to swap the almond bark for dark chocolate. Just melt it gently to avoid scorching.
Customize the almond topping: One almond per bar is classic, but there's no rule. Add two or even three for extra crunch, or skip them entirely if you prefer.
Copycat Homemade Almond Joys
Ingredients
- 3 cups of sweetened shredded coconut
- 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 24 oz bar of chocolate almond bark
- 1 cup of almonds
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. (make sure the tray can fit in your freezer) in a medium sized mixing bowl add the coconut, condensed milk and the powdered sugar and stir until everything is mixed together.
- Wet your hands a bit and start forming 3 inch small bars with the coconut mixture. Place on the parchment paper lined tray and repeat until you have no more mixture left.
- Freeze for 30 minutes. In a large microwave safe bowl add the almond bark into it and microwave and stir 30 seconds at a time until melted. Set the bowl next to the tray of somewhat frozen coconut bars. Pick one up and drop into the chocolate. Flip around using two forks and tap and scrape off any chocolate that’s dripping off. Place back into the parchment paper and top with 1-2 almonds on top.
- Repeat with the rest of the coconut bars. Place back in the freezer for 30 minutes to make sure the chocolate is solid. Remove from the freezer and serve and enjoy!
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