This Homemade Almond Joy recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to make delicious candy bars that taste like the real thing. Each chewy, milk chocolate covered coconut candy is also gluten-free and perfect for serving at parties or giving away as gifts.
For even more homemade candy recipes, you can also try our Peanut Butter Cups, Mounds Coconut Candy, or these Peppermint Patties.
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Homemade Almond Joy
This year, I have been absolutely loving making homemade versions of my family’s favorite candy bars. And if you are a fan of Almond Joys, this recipe is for you! They’re similar to our Mounds bars, but topped with a whole almond before covering in milk chocolate.
The chewy coconut filling is loaded with real coconut and sweetened with a little powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk. It’s got the perfect level of sweetness that pairs perfectly with a nutty, crunchy almond and creamy milk chocolate.
You can whip these up for a Halloween party, holiday party, or as cute homemade gifts. Feel free to use dark chocolate if you prefer, or create your own candy bar variation by using a different kind of nut.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Shredded Coconut - use sweetened shredded coconut for this candy, rather than unsweetened. It will give you a chewier and softer candy bar.
- Powdered Sugar - the powdered sugar will sweeten the mixture without giving any grittiness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - this helps bind the mixture together and keeps them super chewy. Be sure not to use evaporated milk!
- Coconut Extract - for a little extra boost of coconut flavor, I like to add a little bit of coconut extract.
- Almonds - you will need whole almonds for these. Either raw or roasted is fine—just be sure to avoid salted almonds.
- Chocolate - for dipping the candies, you can melt milk chocolate or semi sweet chocolate chips, or even a chopped up candy bar.
How to Make Homemade Almond Joy Candy
- Make the coconut mixture. Combine the shredded coconut, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and coconut extract and cream together until well combined.
- Roll into balls. Spray your hands with coconut oil, roll the coconut mixture into 1" balls, and place onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Gently press one almond onto each of the coconut balls, then place the candy in the freezer until solid.
- Melt the chocolate. Over a double boiler on the stovetop (or in the microwave), melt the chocolate.
- Dip the candies. Using a fork, dip each candy one at a time, scraping off any excess from the bottom. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and repeat with the rest.
- Let the chocolate set. Let the candy sit in a cool, dry place until the chocolate is set. Drizzle a little extra chocolate on top to create a pattern, if desired. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Almond Joys and Mounds Candy Bars have a soft and chewy coconut filling coated in chocolate. The only differences are that Almond Joys have almonds on top and Mounds Bars are nut-free, and Almond Joys are made with milk chocolate while Mounds Bars are made with dark chocolate.
Yes! Store these Almond Joy candies in freezer bags, or another airtight container, and store frozen for up to 3 months.
You can create any size or shape candy bars that you would like. In the photos, you will see that I scooped small balls and rolled them with my hands. You can also press small scoops into little round or square silicone molds, or even press the entire thing into a small baking sheet and then cut out bars once frozen.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerator: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Freezer: if you prefer to freeze them, they will freeze well covered, or stored in an airtight container, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight once you are ready to eat them.
Almond Joy Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- 24 large whole almonds raw or roasted, unsalted
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the shredded coconut, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Using the paddle attachment, cream together until well combined.
- Spray your hands with coconut oil, roll the coconut mixture into 1" balls, and place onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Gently press one almond onto each of the coconut balls, then place the candy in the freezer until solid.
- Meanwhile, add about an inch of water to a small pot. Place a glass or metal bowl over the top that is bigger than the lip of the pan but not touching the water. Heat until simmering, then add about 80% of the chocolate to the bowl and set the remaining chocolate aside.
- Let the heat from the bowl slowly melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is about 95% melted. Remove from the heat and add the remaining chocolate to cool the chocolate down a little. Keep stirring until the heat from the chocolate and the bowl will melt the rest.
- Remove the candies from the freezer and use a fork to drop the coconut balls into the chocolate one at a time. Turn the candy over with the fork and then lift the candy up on the fork and let the excess drizzle off back into the chocolate.
- Place the dipped candy onto the parchment lined baking sheet. You may need to use another fork or toothpick to help slide the candy off your fork.
- Let the candy sit in a cool, dry place until the chocolate is set. Drizzle a little extra chocolate on top to create a pattern, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
More of the Best Homemade Candy Recipes
- Chocolate Covered Caramels
- Homemade Caramel Candies
- Black Licorice Caramel Candy
- Rolo Pretzel Bites
- Saltine Cracker Toffee
- Homemade Chocolate Fudge
- Turtles Candy
- Mint Chocolate Fudge
- Peanut Brittle
- More Candy Recipes
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For an easy sweet treat, try this homemade Almond Joy recipe made with real coconut, whole almonds, and covered in creamy milk chocolate. It's surprisingly simple to make and perfect for Halloween, holiday parties, or homemade gifts.
Kim
Great Recipe. Taste just like Almond Joy. Totally worth making.