Introduction

These homemade Almond Joy Bars are a delightful treat combining creamy coconut filling, whole almonds, and a smooth milk chocolate coating. They offer the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors that make for an irresistible candy bar experience at home.

The image shows several chocolate-covered candies placed closely together on a white plate. Each candy has a smooth, dark brown chocolate outer layer. Two candies are cut in half, revealing the inside layers: the innermost layer is white and creamy with a soft texture, surrounded by a thicker milk chocolate shell. A whole almond is embedded close to the top edge inside the chocolate layer. Some whole almonds and small white flakes are scattered around the candies on the plate. The background features a white marbled texture and a blurry blue package. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon coconut extract
4 cups powdered sugar, plus more for dusting and shaping
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
60 whole almonds
23 ounces milk chocolate chips, divided if working slowly
2 tablespoons shortening, divided if working slowly (such as Crisco)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed to cream together the softened cream cheese, salted butter, and coconut extract until smooth.
Step 2: Beat in 2 cups of powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Add the remaining 2 cups and beat again until all powdered sugar is mixed in and the mixture is thick and smooth.
Step 3: Stir the sweetened shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture until it is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up the mixture.
Step 5: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop, portion out the filling and shape each scoop into a 1½-inch by 2¼-inch oval. Use powdered sugar on your hands or on the candy to prevent sticking as needed.
Step 6: Place the shaped bars onto the parchment-lined tray and top each bar with two whole almonds.
Step 7: Freeze the tray of bars for at least 1 hour to let them firm up completely.
Step 8: Once firm, melt the milk chocolate chips and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. Use your microwave’s melt setting if it has one.
Step 9: Dip one frozen Almond Joy bar at a time into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to coat the top completely.
Step 10: Lift the chocolate-covered bar with a large dinner fork and gently tap the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate back into the bowl.
Step 11: Place the dipped bars back onto the parchment paper. Use a toothpick to carefully push the bars off the fork if necessary to keep the chocolate smooth.
Step 12: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated bars for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the shredded coconut lightly before mixing it in to add a deeper, nuttier taste.
If you prefer dark chocolate, substitute the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer bar.
Use coconut oil instead of shortening for a dairy-free alternative when melting the chocolate.
Chill your hands with powdered sugar before shaping to prevent sticking and make handling easier.

Storage

Store the finished Almond Joy Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Reheat is not necessary as these bars are best enjoyed cool.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these Almond Joy Bars vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives, using dairy-free chocolate chips, and replacing shortening with coconut oil. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have coconut extract?

If coconut extract is not available, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of vanilla extract. The coconut flavor will be less intense, but the bars will still taste delicious thanks to the shredded coconut.