Relish the rich, tropical flavor of these Homemade Almond Joy Candy Bars, a healthier version of the classic treat. These bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and refined sugar-free, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious dessert without compromising on your dietary needs. The combination of creamy coconut filling, crunchy roasted almonds, and a smooth chocolate coating makes these bars an irresistible treat.
Why You’ll Love This: These Almond Joy bars perfectly capture the flavor and texture of the original candy while being made with wholesome ingredients. The creamy coconut filling is naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and enriched with coconut milk and oil. Topped with roasted almonds and encased in a rich chocolate shell, these bars are a delightful balance of flavors and textures. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings healthily.
Perfect Occasion: These candy bars are ideal for any occasion, from casual snacking to special celebrations. Serve them at parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them as a post-dinner dessert. They’re also great for gifting during holidays or sharing with friends and family.
Decoration Tips: For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate coating before it sets. You can also drizzle some melted white chocolate for a visually appealing contrast. Serve the bars on a stylish platter or wrap them individually in parchment paper for a charming homemade gift.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes/shreds
- 1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 6 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate (dairy-free and refined sugar-free)
- Roasted almonds for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coconut Filling:
- Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan or microwave.
- In a food processor, combine the unsweetened coconut flakes, coconut milk, honey or maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Process for about a minute, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Form the Bars:
- Line an 8×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the coconut mixture into the pan and press it down evenly.
- Top the coconut mixture with roasted almonds, pressing them down into the filling to secure them.
- Place the loaf pan in the freezer for several hours until the mixture hardens.
- Coat with Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using the double boiler method. You can add 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil to the chocolate to help thin it out, making it easier to coat the bars.
- Remove the hardened coconut filling from the freezer and slice it into 12 bars.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the coated bars on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Set the Chocolate:
- Place the tray with the chocolate-coated bars in the fridge to harden for several hours.
- Once the chocolate is set, remove the bars from the fridge and enjoy!
- Storage:
- Store the bars in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for several months.
Enjoy these homemade Almond Joy candy bars, a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of coconut, almond, and chocolate in a healthier package!
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