Pin it
It was a rainy day when I dreamed up these Almond Joy Coconut Bites. I really wanted something simple and sweet, but there was no way I was turning the oven on. I threw together chewy coconut, crunchy almonds, and a thick chocolate cover—all thanks to inspiration from that old-school candy bar. They're great for lunchboxes, parties, or when you want a little pick-me-up with barely any work.
I bring these little treats to pretty much every holiday get-together and nobody passes them up. Friends always ask how to make them. Even my kids help out by rolling the coconut dough, so they're a go-to in our kitchen now.
Delightful Ingredients
- Coconut, sweetened and shredded: Brings chewiness and that classic tropic vibe. Good flakes make a difference
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: Melts to make that smooth chocolate layer. Higher quality melts best
- Coconut oil: This one's extra—you don't have to use it, but it'll give you shinier, softer chocolate. Choose extra-virgin for sweeter aroma
- Whole almonds: Crunchy, pretty, and classic. Toast 'em for even more flavor
- Sweetened condensed milk: Makes everything stick together and taste creamy sweet. Look for brands with the fewest weird ingredients
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors and bumps up the coconut taste. Go for pure vanilla if you can
Easy Steps to Make It
- Chill and Serve:
- Your tray needs to go in the fridge for about fifteen or twenty minutes. That chocolate will get crisp. Pop 'em in a sealed container once they're set—keep cold and they'll stay fresh all week
- Coat with Chocolate:
- Take those coconut balls out of the freezer. Drop them each in your melted chocolate with a fork or dipping tool. Let the extra chocolate drip off before setting them back on parchment paper
- Melt Chocolate:
- Toss chocolate chips (and coconut oil if you're using it) in a microwaveable bowl or over a pot of simmering water. Heat and stir in fast bursts until it's silky and glossy—don't let it overheat or it'll get chunky
- Shape and Freeze:
- Scoop out a tablespoon of coconut mix. Roll into a ball or oval, then press an almond smooth into the top. Mold the mix around it if needed. Lay them on a parchment tray and freeze for about twenty-five minutes to keep them firm for dipping
- Mix Coconut Filling:
- Stir together coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla until sticky and well combined. You want to work it into a dough that holds its shape when squeezed
Pin it
I honestly love the snap when you bite into the chocolate—the chewy coconut inside is just awesome. When the holidays roll around, I always make extra to hand out as little homemade gifts and people get excited every time.
How to Store Them
Pop your Almond Joy Coconut Bites in the fridge inside something airtight. They'll be fine for about a week, but they'll last even longer in the freezer. When you want some, just move a few to the fridge overnight and they'll taste fresh as the first day.
Ingredient Swaps
To skip dairy, use coconut condensed milk instead. If nuts aren't your thing, just don't add the almonds or swap in a dried cherry. Only got unsweetened coconut? Mix in a bit of powdered sugar—two tablespoons will do the trick.
Pin it
How to Serve
Chill them and bring them out on a platter with fresh fruit for parties. Or set them in tiny paper cups for that pro bakery touch. Spruce them up even more by zig-zagging leftover melted chocolate on top.
Fun Background
Almond Joy bars have been winning hearts since the 1940s in the US by mixing chocolate, coconut, and almonds. Making your own lets you nail that old-school taste but even fresher and homier in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Yep, unsweetened coconut works fine—just keep in mind it won’t taste as sweet. If you like yours on the sweeter side, throw in a splash of extra condensed milk or some sugar.
- → How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Toss in a spoonful of coconut oil while melting the chocolate. Your chocolate will be glossy and smooth, making dipping less messy and helping it set up perfectly.
- → Can these coconut bites be frozen?
For sure! Pop them into a freezer-safe container and they’ll hold up for three months. When you’re ready, let them soften up in the fridge for best results.
- → How long do they stay fresh in the fridge?
Keep them sealed up in the fridge and they’re good for about a week. Let them sit out a few minutes before snacking if you want them just right.
- → What’s a good nut-free alternative?
Just skip the almond in the center for all coconut. Or, try putting a little piece of dried fruit like cherry or apricot in there for a fun swap.