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Homemade Almond Joy Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

These Almond Joy Bars are a delicious homemade treat inspired by the classic candy bar. Creamy coconut and cream cheese filling studded with whole almonds is coated in smooth melted semi-sweet chocolate, creating a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors. This no-bake dessert is chilled and then dipped in chocolate to make an indulgent, easy-to-make snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (plus more for dusting/shaping candies)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 60 whole almonds

Chocolate Coating:

  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 4.5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (I used Crisco)

Instructions

  1. Cream the base mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed to cream together the softened cream cheese, salted butter, and coconut extract until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add powdered sugar: Beat in 2 cups of the sifted powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Then add the remaining 2 cups and beat again until the mixture is very thick and smooth.
  3. Incorporate coconut: Stir the sweetened shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed throughout.
  4. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up the filling for easier shaping.
  5. Shape the bars: Line two 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop, scoop out balls of filling and shape each into a 1½-inch by 2¼-inch oval. Dust your hands or the filling lightly with powdered sugar if sticky. Place them onto the prepared trays and top each bar with two whole almonds.
  6. Freeze bars: Place the trays in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bars to become very firm and hold their shape during dipping.
  7. Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half the vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  8. Dip bars in chocolate: Remove one frozen bar at a time and dip it into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to coat the top completely.
  9. Drain excess chocolate: Using a large dinner fork, lift the dipped bar out of the chocolate and tap the side of the bowl gently to let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
  10. Place bars to set: Put the chocolate-coated bars back onto the parchment-lined trays. Use a toothpick to carefully slide the bars off the fork to keep the chocolate smooth.
  11. Chill to firm chocolate: Refrigerate the trays for 15-30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set completely.
  12. Serve or store: Once firm, transfer the Almond Joy bars to a serving plate or an airtight storage container.

Notes

  • Use powdered sugar to dust your hands or the filling while shaping to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing the bars well before dipping ensures the chocolate coats smoothly without melting the filling.
  • You can substitute coconut extract with vanilla extract if desired.
  • Store the finished bars in the refrigerator to keep them firm.
  • For a dairy-free variation, use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Keywords: Almond Joy Bars, homemade candy bars, coconut bars, no bake dessert, chocolate dipped bars, sweet treats

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/homemade-almond-joy-bars-recipe/