There’s something about an Almond Joy candy bar that takes me right back to childhood. That familiar combination of sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and chocolate was always a treat. And while I still enjoy the occasional candy bar, there’s something even better about making a homemade version.
These little Homemade Almond Joy Bites have all those familiar flavors, made with just four simple ingredients. No fancy candy-making equipment, no complicated techniques, and no long list of ingredients. Just coconut, sweetened condensed milk, whole almonds, and chocolate.
This small-batch recipe makes 18 pieces, just enough to enjoy a few yourself and still have some to share.
A Little Nostalgia in Every Bite
If you grew up in the 1960s or 1970s, you probably remember the candy commercials that seemed to play constantly on television.
“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.”
That catchy little jingle for Almond Joy and Mounds was hard to forget. Almond Joy had the almonds, Mounds didn’t, and both were covered in chocolate.
It’s funny how something as simple as a candy bar can bring back memories of neighborhood candy stores, trips to the five-and-dime, and standing in front of a candy display trying to decide how to spend your allowance.
Homemade candy was a special treat, too. Before there were endless varieties of packaged sweets, a pan of fudge, a batch of peanut butter balls, or coconut candies made in the family kitchen could be every bit as exciting as something from the candy counter.
These Almond Joy Bites have that same old-fashioned simplicity.
What Makes These Homemade Almond Joy Bites Special?
- Only four ingredients. You don’t need anything unusual or expensive to make these little coconut candies.
- A small batch of 21. Enough for a little homemade treat without making several dozen pieces.
- Familiar candy bar flavor. Sweet coconut, a whole almond, and a chocolate coating make a delicious combination.
- Easy to make ahead. These candies can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy them.
- Perfect for sharing. Tuck a few into a small candy box or arrange them on a pretty plate for a homemade gift.
The Four Simple Ingredients
One of my favorite things about old-fashioned homemade candy recipes is how little you need to make something good. These Almond Joy Bites are no exception.
Sweetened shredded coconut: The foundation of these candies. It provides the familiar coconut flavor and texture that makes Almond Joy so recognizable.
Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk binds the coconut together and gives the filling its soft, chewy consistency. Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
Whole almonds: The little crunch in the middle that makes these Almond Joy Bites different from plain coconut candies.
Baking chocolate: A coating of melted chocolate brings everything together. Use the type of baking chocolate specified in the recipe for the best balance of sweetness.
Do I really need a Food processor?
No, you can simply stir together the coconut shreds and sweetened condensed milk, but the texture will be slightly thicker with longer thicker coconut shreds.
Making Homemade Almond Joy Bites
The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need to be an experienced candy maker to prepare it.
Almond Joy Bites
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- ½ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 cups Coconut Shreds
- 21 whole Almonds
- 12 ounces Chocolate Almond Bark
Instructions
- Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper, then process together the sweetened condensed milk and coconut shreds until they clump up.
- Then roll the clumped up shreds into 1 tablespoon logs.
- Place the coconut shred logs on the parchment paper lined baking sheet as you make them, then add 1 almond on top of each one. Place in the fridge or freezer while you melt the almond bark.
- Melt the almond bark on low heat on the stove, stirring constantly, until completely melted.
- Then cover the coconut almond logs with chocolate. You can do this by dipping them in chocolate on a fork, painting the chocolate on them with a spoon or spatula, or drizzling the chocolate on top and spread it over them, then pressing the bottom in chocolate once the top firms up.
- Then let sit for a couple of minutes to firm up before enjoying!
Notes
Nutrition
The sweetened condensed milk and coconut create the soft filling, while a whole almond adds that familiar crunch. A coating of melted chocolate finishes each little candy.
The trick is to work with the coconut mixture when it’s firm enough to hold its shape and to let the chocolate set completely before serving.
You don’t need a candy thermometer or any special molds. A baking sheet, some parchment paper, and a little patience are all that’s required.
For exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, follow the recipe card below.
A Few Tips for the Best Almond Joy Bites
Use the right coconut. Sweetened shredded coconut gives these candies their familiar flavor and chewy texture. Unsweetened coconut will produce a different result.
Don’t substitute evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is much thicker and sweeter and is essential to the texture of the filling.
Melt the chocolate gently. Chocolate can scorch if overheated. Use short intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, or melt it slowly over a double boiler.
Give the chocolate time to set. Let the candies firm up completely before stacking or storing them so the chocolate coating stays neat.
Keep them small. These are rich little candies, and a bite or two or three is plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth.
How to Store Homemade Almond Joy Bites
Keep your finished Almond Joy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.
For the best flavor and texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
You can also freeze the finished candies in a freezer-safe container, separating the layers with parchment paper. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
A Sweet Little Homemade Gift
There’s something especially charming about giving homemade candy.
You don’t need an elaborate gift basket or expensive packaging. A small box lined with parchment paper, a little ribbon, and a handful of these Almond Joy Bites make a thoughtful gift for a neighbor, friend, or hostess.
They’re especially nice around the holidays, tucked onto a cookie tray alongside other homemade sweets.
And if you’re not planning to share, that’s perfectly fine, too. Sometimes the pleasure is simply having a few pieces of homemade candy waiting in the refrigerator for an afternoon treat.
An Old-Fashioned Treat Worth Making
Some recipes don’t need modern twists or a dozen extra ingredients. They’re good because they’re simple, familiar, and remind us of something we enjoyed years ago.
These homemade Almond Joy Bites are exactly that kind of treat. Four ingredients, 21 little candies, and a familiar combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds.
Sometimes a little homemade candy is all you need to make an ordinary afternoon feel special.
